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Zero emission vehicles firms get £65m government investment
An electric vehicle charging centre in Stretford, Manchester, August 31, 2021

A £65 MILLION government investment into firms producing zero-emission vehicles was announced today.

Officials at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade said the funding would support 1,800 jobs directly as well as thousands more in the supply chain.

Industry minister Blair McDougall said: “Britain invented the modern motor industry and we’re determined to ensure the next generation of vehicles are designed and built here too.

“This investment will secure skilled jobs, strengthen our manufacturing heartlands and help drive the reindustrialisation of Britain.”

The funding, to be matched by investment from the automotive industry, includes £50 million for car firms and research partners to help produce electric vehicles at greater scale.

Recipients include a consortium led by Bentley and another led by Nissan focused on self-driving cars.

The overall package of £130m is part of the government’s £4 billion Drive35 programme, intended to speed up the electrification of the car industry.

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