AMSTERDAM: Auto manufacturer Stellantis has announced a £100 million investment in subsidiary Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port facility to build electric vehicles.

It will become the first Stellantis plant to produce a solely battery-electric model, in commercial and passenger versions, by the end of next year for Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën domestic and export markets.

The investment decision follows talks with the UK government that led to an offer of £30 million in state aid.

Building 5.2 million vehicles since its first car in 1964, Ellesmere Port will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year when it produces electric-powered Vauxhall, Opel, Peugeot and Citroën light commercial vehicles plus four passenger cars for the same brands.

“Performance is always the trigger for sustainability and this £100million investment demonstrates our commitment to the UK and to Ellesmere Port,” declared Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Producing battery electric vehicles here will support clean, safe and affordable mobility for the citizens. Since 1903 Vauxhall has manufactured vehicles in Britain and we will continue to do so,” he added.

Stellantis is the result a merger in January this year between the Italian FIAT Chrysler and the French PSA automobile groups. It employs 300,000 people in 30 countries for the design, development, manufacture and sale of Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Mopar, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall brands.