Un investment of 100 million pounds at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant to produce electric vehicles. Stellantis announced it on July 6 through a note.
Ellesmere Port will be the first Stellantis plant where, by the end of 2022, all-battery-electric passenger and commercial vehicles will be manufactured by the Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën brands. A choice that will allow the Italian-French holding company to anticipate the decision taken by the British government, which has decided to cease the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. It is no coincidence that Stellantis' investment has already received the "full support" of the British government.
“This new era of manufacturing will see a transformation of Ellesmere Port in a plant capable of facing the challenges of the future, with the construction of a new body, the upgrading of the entire assembly line, a reduction in the size of the plant and the creation of a battery pack assembly line. Furthermore, further measures are planned in favor of a path that guarantees carbon neutrality by the middle of this decade. The plant aims to become 100% self-sufficient in relation to electricity needs, and work will soon begin on the construction of parks with wind and solar potential", underlines the group in a note.
“Sustainability must be ensured through improved performance and this £100m investment demonstrates our commitment to Britain and Ellesmere Port,” he said. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis. “Producing battery electric vehicles here will offer environmentally friendly, safe and convenient mobility for citizens. Vauxhall has been manufacturing vehicles in Britain since 1903 and we will continue to do so,” he concluded.
For the UK Government, Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Enterprise, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: “Ellesmere Port's proud tradition of car manufacturing will continue for many years to come thanks to today's investment. Stellantis' decision to redouble its commitment to this site is a clear vote of confidence in the UK as one of the best global locations for high quality, competitive automotive manufacturing. Today's decision will not only strengthen Ellesmere Port towards a sustainable future, but secure thousands of jobs across the region in the supply chain."
Stellantis has also announced plans to consider a further investment at the Ellesmere Port plant with the creation of a new parts distribution center for the UK.
