Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, today gave a speech at a reception in Parliament about the importance of electric vehicles to the local economy. With the Nissan Leaf being produced in Washington Sharon has taken a keen interest in the industry, and was delighted to be able to speak to industry representatives at the Associate Parliamentary Design and Innovation Group.

In her speech, Sharon said “There can be no doubting the importance of Low Carbon vehicle engineering and its central role to the economy in Washington and Sunderland West. It is estimated to contribute over £500 million to the wider regional economy.”

She went on to praise Nissan and Smith Electric Vehicles, companies in Washington which have pioneered electric vehicle manufacturing, before considering some of the challenges still facing the industry.

“For all the progress we have made with electric vehicles we are going to need to make a lot more over the coming years before we start to see a proper transition in what people consider their transport of choice. The limits of long recharging times and the restriction of travelling range are two obvious hurdles to overcome.”

Over 100 people were at the Associate Parliamentary Design and Innovation Group today, which brings together industry leaders and politicians to discuss how best to support various industries. The event was a great opportunity for Sharon to meet representatives from Nissan and Smith Electric Vehicles, and to discuss with other companies how Government policy can best encourage uptake of electric cars.

Go back <<

Sharon Hodgson << Go back to Sharon Hodgson's Home Page.

www.sharonhodgson.org

Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA

E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk

Constituency Office Tel. 0191 417 2000.

Sharon Hodgson's website is not funded through House of Commons expenses.