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Jobs boost hope from green vehicles

A North East jobs boom could be on its way as the region looks to lead the green car revolution.

The Government and Nissan are in “direct discussions” over building low-emission cars, with the firm’s car plant in Wearside a “strong contender” for the work.

Regional development chiefs are working with the Government and Nissan to give hope to 1,200 workers losing their jobs at Nissan’s local plant.

A Nissan spokesman said it was committed to becoming the global leader of zero emission vehicles, including technologies such as hydrogen and plug-in hybrids, with its immediate priority being zero emission electric vehicles (EVs).

News of talks between the Government and Nissan emerged in the Commons yesterday after Durham City Labour MP Roberta Blackman-Woods asked what support was available to the company to develop low energy and low emission vehicles.

Business Minister Ian Pearson said Nissan was an important part of the region’s economy and had one of the most efficient plants in Western Europe.

He added: “Nissan are very interested in producing a new generation of electric vehicles and we have been in direct discussions with them about that. We would like them to be made in the North East and we will continue to have dialogue with them about that.”

Dr Blackman-Woods said: “Nissan has a very skilled workforce. What I want to do is encourage the Government to use that very skilled workforce and new technology to develop these new cars.”

She is now seeking a meeting with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

A Nissan spokesman said: “As part of this strategy, over the last year Nissan has been forming partnerships with a growing number of countries, cities and states to prepare for the successful mass marketing and introduction of electric vehicles in the very near future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .