Vauxhall's first pre-production version of its new electric car Ampera range has rolled out of the manufacture line in the USA with the UK firmly in its sights.
Vauxhall's first pre-production version of its new electric car Ampera range has rolled out of the manufacture line in the USA with the UK firmly in its sights.
The company is planning to create more in the coming months as the Britain attempts to improve its carbon footprint in terms of the vehicles everyone drives.
But Andrew Farah, vehicle chief engineer for Ampera, said he did not think the green green would be ready for the European market until next year, despite its recent progress.
He added: "There's still work to be done, but being able to drive an Ampera off our pre-production line is a great accomplishment for the teams here and in Europe."
With this new range of motors, the manufacturer claims that individuals will be able to get around 40 miles of power out of it just from its charge, but when this runs out while people are driving there is a back up.
An engine generator starts up which supports the battery charge and keeps the machine going for up to 300 miles, according to the producer.
There is an on-board charge unit on the vehicle which can then be plugged into a household device.
The manufacturer noted: "It is scheduled to be in UK showrooms by early 2012."
And the producer admitted it will now be focusing on getting the final vehicle software and controls sorted, as well as performing safety and structural tests and ensuring the driving characteristics of the car are up to scratch.
In March, Vauxhall was awarded the accolade for Fleet Manufacturer of the Year – voted for by independent fleet managers up and down the country - at the 2010 Fleet News Awards held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
Maurice Howkins, fleet sales director for Vauxhall, said: "We're absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from our customers, especially in such testing times for the industry."
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