Partner Article

Green cars bring in 250 jobs

The world’s first zero-emission electric 4x4 cars are to be manufactured in Northumberland, in a move that will create 250 jobs.

Liberty Electric Cars has signed an understanding with development bosses at One North East to invest £30m in manufacturing the cars at Nelson Industrial Estate in Cramlington, Northumberland.

The Oxford-based company, which is in discussions with suppliers in the region, will begin manufacturing the cars later this year.

It is thought that more than 1,000 plug-in electric Range Rovers will be created every year. The manufacture of the new cars will create 250 new jobs and contribute an estimated £120m-plus every year into the local economy.

MP for Blyth Valley Ronnie Campbell said: “I’m absolutely delighted. This is fantastic news. The cars are environmentally friendly and everyone is going to want one.

“I wish them all the success in the world. I’m delighted that people are wanting to come and set up here and manufacture in this part of the country.”

Barry Shrier, Liberty founder and CEO, said :“The Liberty Electric Range Rover takes electric vehicle technology into a new sector, to large luxury cars that people aspire to drive, particularly in cities and urban environments where environmental controls are becoming increasingly tighter.

“North East England, through the stewardship of One North East, is fast becoming a world leader in clean energy, infrastructure and electric vehicle manufacturing.”

Minister for the North East Nick Brown said :“The North East is home to a number of exciting projects in the renewable energy sector, which can make a real impact on the region’s employment base.

“The creation of 250 jobs by the Liberty Electric Cars project demonstrates this.”

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