Vauxhall ‘seeks £30m’ to build Ampera
GENERAL Motors is understood to be seeking Government aid to help fund the production of an electric car at Ellesmere Port.
According to reports Nick Reilly, head of the company’s Vauxhall Opel division, is to meet business secretary Vince Cable to discuss state aid for the Ampera project.
The Mail on Sunday said the carmaker wants £30m to bring the Ampera to the North West.
A GM spokesman told TheBusinessDesk this figure was, “total speculation” but conceded Mr Reilly is due to meet with Government officials, although no date has been set.
The previous Labour administration had promised GM loan guarantees worth £270m, and had also discussed support for the Ampera.
“Nick Reilly will be here to meet up with Vince Cable. It’s a follow-up meeting because there were discussions with Lord Mandelson about possible support for bringing the Ampera to Ellesmere Port.”
The Astra-based Ampera, which has a top speed of 100mph, is a hybrid which uses mains electricity to charge up. The first cars will be built in the US and imported to Europe.
They are due to be sold in the UK with a Vauxhall badge from 2012. However a decision on where they will be built is not expected until next year.
Speaking to reporters several weeks ago Mr Reilly said: “If it goes as well as it is expected to we will build in Europe, and Ellesmere Port is a strong candidate.”
Opel’s factory in Bochum, Germany, is also lobbying for the chance to build the car.
