NORTH EAST MEP WELCOMES NISSAN'S DECISION TO BUILD LEAF MODEL IN SUNDERLAND (Greg Stone)

NORTH EAST MEP WELCOMES NISSAN'S DECISION TO BUILD LEAF MODEL IN SUNDERLAND

March 18, 2010 12:00 AM
Originally published by Fiona Hall MEP

Commenting on Nissan's decision to manufacture its new electric car in the North East, the region's Liberal Democrat MEP, Fiona Hall, said:

"This is fantastic news for the North East and a great boost for the region's emerging low carbon economy. Nissan's decision shows how much the North East can achieve by joined-up thinking and the political will to invest in new and green technologies. By putting in place a network of electric charging points and pushing electric vehicle pilot schemes, the region has made a formidable case for the new Leaf model to be produced in Sunderland."

An audio clip of an interview with Fiona Hall MEP is available for free download at www.radioep.com (reports 6448, 6449, 6450)

Script:

Investment in green infrastructure in the North East is paying dividends. That's the view of our region's Liberal Democrat MEP, Fiona Hall. She is delighted that Nissan has decided to build electric cars at its plant in Sunderland - something she has been lobbying for the last few months. The new car production, which is being backed by millions of pounds from the Government and European Investment Bank, will guarantee more than two thousand jobs, it's understood. Fiona Hall says that by investing in things like electric car charging points the North East is becoming a centre for green industries. But she says there's still work to be done to make it a viable mode of transport. She is now lobbying the European Commission to agree a standard charger for the vehicles across Europe.