The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP launches MODEC's new production plant

Modec starts production of zero emission LCV

Pioneering zero emission vehicle manufacturer Modec officially opened its factory doors today (8th March 2007) with The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP joining customers, suppliers and staff to launch its new production plant based in Binley, Coventry.

The battery powered Modec vehicle provides the world's first high performance, emission free alternative to traditional diesel delivery fleets and has been heralded as the future of urban commercial transport. Quiet, efficient and with the added advantage of zero tax and zero congestion charge, the vehicle has already attracted orders from Tesco, Hildon Water, Islington Borough Council and dozens of other organisations keen to improve their fleet environmental credentials. Around 500 Modec vehicles are expected to be produced in the first year.

Addressing customers and media assembled for the morning launch The Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP said: "Modec has an agenda for the future. I wish the company well - because the truth about carbon change is that we're all in this together. A big congratulations to everyone who has been involved in this project."

Speaking later at a customer luncheon held at the site, Jim Cunningham, MP for Coventry South, told almost 400 guests: "The Modec team has every reason to be proud of their achievement. I think it's a very good product, and a very good example of what can be done."

Modec is a private company founded by Jamie Borwick, deputy chairman of the British Lung Foundation and former Manganese Bronze chairman, whose vision is to manufacture a practical vehicle to help businesses tackle the growing climate change crisis. The company has made its home in the Midlands automotive heartland, where its arrival heralds a welcome reversal in the region's manufacturing fortunes. Modec now employs ten ex-Peugeot factory staff and a former Jaguar apprentice amongst its 100-strong team.

Jamie Borwick said: "There have been all too many automotive factory closures in the Midlands in recent years. Isn't it fun to open one for a change? What we've done is to make it easy for a company to prove that they care about their customers' environment and health. And the early interest we have already received from major organisations such as Tesco proves it's exactly what operators have been waiting for. A big thank you to all our customers so far. I am also immensely proud of the Modec team and everything they have worked so hard to achieve."

The Modec vehicle, available in a number of variants, is the first to effectively harness the power of modern high energy batteries to meet the medium range, high performance needs of the urban delivery marketplace. It has already attracted interest from fleet operators as wide ranging as grocery deliveries, the courier sector, local councils and newspaper distribution.

Covering over 100 miles on one overnight charge the vehicle can accelerate swiftly to a governed maximum speed of 50 mph, with a payload of up to two tonnes. On a whole life or pence-per-mile basis the Modec is comparable in running costs to a conventional diesel equivalent. The vehicles cost from £27,000 depending on the model, with the battery provided on a monthly rental basis. Incurring zero congestion charge, zero road tax and zero operator licence the Modec makes sound, commercial sense.

For more information about the benefits of Modec vehicles contact:

Catherine Hutt, Marketing Co-ordinator: chutt@modec.co.uk