Aixam Mega welcomes Government support for ultra low-carbon vehicles

(09/02/2009)

The recent announcement by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon of £250m to encourage people to drive ultra low-carbon vehicles has been welcomed by electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega, which took control of London electric vehicle dealership The NICE Car Company last month.

Mr Hoon said that the money would be made available to develop consumer incentives to help motorists to go green, and to develop the infrastructure necessary to refuel ultra low-carbon vehicles.

Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Mega Ltd, which imports the Mega City and Mega Multitrucks ranges of private and commercial electric vehicles into the UK, said that investment in incentives and in infrastructure is long overdue.

He said: “Niche manufacturers such as Aixam Mega have ultra low-carbon models available now, and we have invested heavily in their development. Large mainstream manufacturers are investing too, although their models are still several years away from commercial reality, but it is only governments that can develop the tax regimes and the national infrastructures necessary to effect real change in the way that people drive.

“We hope that this new money will be invested well and quickly, so that we can start to see a real improvement in transport emissions and in air quality, and progress being made in developing the low-carbon economy.”

In his speech to the House of Commons on Britain’s Transport Infrastructure, Mr Hoon said: “Even a relatively modest take-up of electric vehicles beyond 2020 could match all the additional carbon dioxide generated by the expansion of Heathrow.”

Related categories:  Green cars and environment