Nissan and regional development agency, One North East, have formed a partnership to explore the development of a zero-emission mobility programme in the UK.

The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding in the presence of business secretary Lord Mandelson, marking the beginning of a four month development programme to drive the use of electric vehicles in the UK.

It includes a feasibility study into the introduction and manufacture of electric vehicles in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nissan and One North East will form working teams to promote zero emission electric vehicles (EV) including incentive schemes and educational programmes.

In addition, the partnership will share information on EV development and examine the suitability of the north east infrastructure for the launch of EVs, as well as promoting Nissan’s Sunderland plant as a strong contender for EV production.

Andy Palmer, Nissan senior vice president responsible for Nissan’s global EV strategy, said: “The signing with One North East will advance the deployment of EVs worldwide and promotes the north east as a region ready and willing to embrace zero emission mobility.”

Nissan will launch its first zero emission EVs in Japan and the US next year before mass marketing them globally from 2012.