Business Minister Ian Lucas had a taste of the future of motoring in the UK when he was one of the first people to get the chance to drive GM’s new electric car.
Lucas drove the Vauxhall Ampera around GM's testing facilities at Milbrook.
Ampera's electric powertrain can cover 300 miles with the aid of a small petrol engine.
It goes into production in 2012 and the UK Government is keen to secure it for GM's plant at Ellesmere Port.
Lucas said: “Despite the challenges the auto sector in currently experiencing, investment in new low carbon products like the Ampera is vital to compete for future consumer demands."