North East to build electric 4x4s

Feb 27 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

THE world’s first zero-emission electric 4x4 cars are to be manufactured in Northumberland, The Journal can reveal.

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

The company, which is in discussions with major suppliers in the region, are to start manufacturing the cars later this year. It is thought that more than 1,000 plug-in electric Range Rovers – the first model to be made – will be created every year. This will create 250 new jobs and contribute an estimated £120m-plus every year into the local economy.

Yesterday’s Journal revealed One North East had launched a bid to make the region a test bed for electric cars. And as details of its first success emerged yesterday, MP for Blyth Valley Ronnie Campbell expressed his excitement.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted – it’s fantastic news. The cars are environmentally friendly and everyone’s going to want one.

“I wish them all the success in the world. We are still hanging on in there in the North East. I’m delighted that people are wanting to come and set up here and manufacture in this part of the country.

“It’s the future. We have to get people into these cars all you need is a little thing to get around and these environmentally friendly cars do just that. They are also going to be so cheap to run.

“As well as all that the jobs are very important. It’s a great opportunity for my part of the world and I’m delighted about it.”

Future production will include other Land Rover models.

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 development and electric vehicle manufacturing, which is why we feel that our business will prosper here. We have also been greatly encouraged by the region’s strong academic links.”

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 from the Liberty Electric Cars project demonstrates this.”

Bob Coxon, chairman of the North East England Science and Industry Council, said: “The North East’s technology strategy which has been pursued consistently over many years is once again paying off with jobs in new growth companies. Our focus on clean energy technology is a key reason for Liberty choosing the North East above other possible locations.”