Global News: UK Electric Car Subsidy Criticized; Nissan, Renault Do Electric Cars in China; Tesla Opens EU Stores; Australian Sales Fall
By Michelle Krebs April 13, 2009In global news, the auto industry criticized Prime Minister Gordon Brown's subsidy for electric cars, Nissan and Renault announced plans to supply China with electric cars by 2011; U.S.-based Tesla is expanding to Europe; and vehicle sales in Australia tumbled in the first quarter.
In the U.K., Prime Minister Brown is offering up a 2,000-pound (nearly $3,000) subsidy for buyers of electric cars, a plant that has been criticized by the auto industry. The lack of charging stations around the country limits the appeal of electric vehicles. But, as one auto analyst said the offer makes for sound bite, albeit a "pointless sound bite." An industry trade group said the incentive is unlikely to increase vehicle sales.
Nissan and Renault have announced they will supply China with electric cars by 2011. The companies will provide the Chinese government with a comprehensive plan for marketing the cars and for creating the necessary battery-charging network. Earlier this year, the Chinese government kicked off a pilot program to promote clean energy vehicles in the public transport sector in 13 cities. More recently, the city of Beijing has extended the one-day-per-week ban on vehicle driving that it put into place during the Olympics. The ban rotates by
license plant number and is intended to improve air quality in the smoggy city.
California electric vehicle maker Tesla plans to open its first regional sales and service center in the European Union. The first center will be located in London with stores in Munich and Monaco to follow during this year. Tesla deliveries to European customers will begin in late June.
In Australia, sales of new vehicles fell 19 percent in the first quarter. Toyota leads in sales volume followed by General Motors' Holden and Ford. In year-over-year comparisons, vehicle sales fell 19 percent in January, 22 percent in February and 17 percent in March. Motorcycle sales also fell by 15 percent in the first quarter, though they are compared with record sales in 2008.
Photo by Tesla
Tesla Roadster
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