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First EV-only factory in North-West shows “government has right plan for UK's automotive sector”
Battery-powered vans rolled off the assembly line at the Ellesmere Port plant this week as the UK’s first electric vehicle factory began production.
First opened in 1963 and home to Vauxhall Astra production for over 40 years, Ellesmere Port – after a £100million investment from parent company, Stellantis – will now manufacture the Vauxhall (and Opel for mainland Europe) Combo-e commercial vehicle as well as the Citroen e-Berlingo van and Peugeot e-Partner sister models.
Hailed by Kemi Badenoch, secretary of state for business and trade, as a “visible demonstration that the Government has got the right plan for the UK's automotive sector”, the Ellesmere Port plant will also be the home of the Vauxhall Combo Life Electric, Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën e-Berlingo MPVs – three MPVs based on the vans it is also making.
The company has also confirmed that it will be the European production site for the Fiat E-Doblo electric van, as a result of increased demand for zero-emission compact commercial models.
Diane Miller, plant director at Ellesmere Port, said this week’s start to production of EVs signals “a bright future for the plant” adding that Stellantis is “committed to working with the Government to ensure the UK automotive industry remains competitive for producing electric vehicles for the long-term”.
Published On: 14/09/2023 15:00:00
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