Stellantis, Dutch automotive manufacturer, has announced a £100m investment in Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant to transform the UK site for EV manufacturing.
Ellesmere Port will become the first Stellantis plant to produce solely battery-electric models, in both commercial and passenger versions, by the end of next year. It will produce electric Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën vehicles and for both domestic and export markets.
Stellantis said this dedication to battery electric vehicles will go towards achieving the UK government’s decision to stop sales of pure petrol and diesel engined vehicles from 2030.
UK government, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “Ellesmere Port’s proud tradition in auto manufacturing will continue for many years to come thanks to this 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.
“The 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.”
The Cheshire plant, described as “fit for the future”, will feature a new body shop, upgraded general assembly, a compression of the site area and the creation of an on-site battery pack assembly.
In addition, there will be further support to enable a pathway to carbon neutrality for the plant by the middle of this decade. The plant aims to be 100% self-sufficient for electricity and work will commence imminently on potential wind and solar farms.
Stellantis has also announced the intention to consult on further investment into the Ellesmere Port site with the creation of a new UK parts distribution centre.
