Connaught Motor Company is setting up its global manufacturing and R&D headquarters in Wales.

The £12 million investment, which will create 200 new jobs over the next three years, was announced by enterprise minister Andrew Davies in Cardiff today.

Connaught’s decision to establish its headquarters in Wales is being supported by the Welsh Assembly Government with regional selective assistance as well as SMARTCymru funding for research and development of advanced hybrid technology.

Production of the Connaught Type-D hybrid sports coupe commences in Wales in 2007, with the first customer vehicle due off the production line early 2008.

Connaught anticipates building 100 cars in the first year, 250 in the second year, rising to 1000 in year five, targeting the UK and European markets.