PM visits electric commercial plant
Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid a visit to Glasgow last week to see the work of one of Britain’s leading producers of electric vehicles.
According to Allied Electric, the Prime Minister was full of praise for innovation the firm showed in its work.
Part of the Allied Vehicles group, Allied Electric played host to the PM as he explored its manufacturing plant in Glasgow, meeting company bosses and blue collar workers on the factory floor.
Allied Electric is known for its work converting Peugeot commercials to operate on electric motors. Its parent firm specialises in producing niche automotive products including wheelchair accessible cars, hackney taxis and community transport minibuses in conjunction with many of the leading carmakers.
Electric Future
The firm has now set its sights on becoming the UK’s leading supplier of all-electric vehicles (EVs) for the light commercial market.
It has already won government-backed contracts for its electric Peugeot Boxer vans, which will operate in various locations around the UK. Allied will also supply electric Peugeot Partner and Peugeot Expert cars and MPVs for a trial project supported by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Power, Strathclyde University and Dundee battery-maker Axeon.
“The Prime Minister was particularly excited about our work in electric vehicles,” said managing director Paul Nelson.
“All-electric vehicles are very much part of the shape of things to come but it’s still a relatively new concept to most people, so having the endorsement of the Prime Minister can only help raise the profile of EVs, which produce zero emissions while in operation.
Nelson added: “Range and functionality of electric vehicles has advanced rapidly in the past two to three years, making them a genuine alternative, especially for city centre operations.
The Heinz approach to electric vehicles
“Our strategy here is to be at the forefront of a new market – the Heinz of electric commercial vehicles if you like.
“It’s a rapidly moving technology field and we’ve got several exiting new developments in the pipeline already, so it looks sure to be an interesting ride.”
Speaking at a business dinner later that evening Brown praised the enthusiasm and commitment of the workforce at Allied, together with the company’s innovative approach.




An electric taxi could be the solution that cabbies are looking for as fuel costs; Vehicle Excise Duty and Congestion Charges continue to rise. A zero emission taxi will be available in late 2008 with significantly lower running costs than the traditional black cab.



