VAUXHALL’S ‘ALL-ELECTRIC’ PLANT GETS GREEN LIGHT
Ellesmere Port will begin exclusive production on battery-electric vans from 2022 thanks to a £100 million investment from Stellantis, owner of Vauxhall. This injection of funds will make the manufacturing plant the first in the chain to solely produce battery-electric vans for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën.
Stellantis is aiming to make Ellesmere Port carbon-neutral by 2025 and 100% self-sufficient in the process by producing its own electricity as the plant is responsible for the production of around 120 000 new cars every year.
Carlos Tavares, CEO at Stellantis, commented: “Performance is always the trigger for sustainability and this £100 million investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to Ellesmere Port. Producing battery electric vehicles here will support clean, safe and affordable mobility for the citizens. Since 1903 Vauxhall has manufactured vehicles in Britain and we will continue to do so.”
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Kwasi Kwarteng added: “Ellesmere Port’s proud tradition in auto-manufacturing will continue for many years to come thanks to today’s investment. Stellantis’ decision to double down on their commitment to this site is a clear vote of confidence in the UK as one of the best locations globally for competitive, high-quality automotive production. Today’s decision will not only power Ellesmere Port into a clean future but will secure thousands of jobs across the region in the supply chain. In this global race to secure electric vehicle production, we are proud to support Britain’s auto sector in this crucial transition as we work to build back better.”