Switch Mobility to establish an electric vehicles factory in Spain. €100m invested in the company’s first site in continental Europe
With an initial focus on the manufacture of electric vehicles for the European market, and Research and Development of Switch’s next-generation of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, the Spanish site will have capacity to also serve markets further afield, including South America, Switch Mobility points out.
Switch Mobility is establishing a new electric vehicle factory in Valladolid, Spain. The new facility will extend Switch’s footprints as part of the company’s global plans, adding up to the already significative presence of the company in India and UK.
Switch’s first facility in continental Europe will see the company invest around 100 million Euros over the next 10 years. The hub will comprise two state-of-the-art production lines, and is expected to see the first vehicles in quarter four 2022.
The facility is expected to create up to 2,000 talented direct jobs and around 5,000 indirect jobs. Construction of the new centre will commence on 27 January 2022.
Switch Mobility, the heritage of Optare…
Formal launch of Switch Mobility was announced in July 2021. Andy Palmer (former Aston Martin boss) has been appointed Executive Vice Chairman & CEO since 1st July.
Behind Switch Mobility’s brand lies the new electrified commercial vehicles group backed by the Indian Hinduja Group. Switch Mobility combines the electric commercial vehicle operations of Ashok Leyland and the former bus manufacturer Optare company (a quite well-known brand in London bus fleet, that in 2020 announced the launch of fuel cell double decker bus…) «to secure a leading global position in net zero carbon buses and light commercial vehicles», as the company stated.
In July this year the manufacturer has signed a strategic agreement with Dana Incorporated (Dana).
Switch Mobility in Europe, ready for next-generation e-buses
Now, the debut in continental Europe with a dedicated plant. With an initial focus on the manufacture of electric vehicles for the European market, and Research and Development of Switch’s next-generation of electric buses and light commercial vehicles, the Spanish site will have capacity to also serve markets further afield, including South America, Switch Mobility points out.
Switch underlines it has worked closely with the Spanish national and regional governments during the planning stages, and is also closely collaborating with the local Town Halls. A memorandum of understanding was signed in October.
Renewable energy for Switch Mobility Spanish factory
Switch Mobility strengthens the point that «all operations will be powered entirely by renewable energy and a state-of-the-art energy monitoring and management system will be installed. Carbon neutrality will remain a priority during the construction phase, with materials sourced from suppliers with credible net zero policies and sustainable commitments and logistics operated by electric vehicles wherever possible».
With a strong automotive supply chain within the region, excellent transport links and a high level of skilled automotive engineers and operatives, Switch has identified Castilla y León as the ideal location for their facility.
Switch Mobility, a Spanish factory to enter European market
“We are delighted that Switch is launching its first site in continental Europe in the province of Valladolid, Spain where we will benefit greatly from the regions abundance of talent. Supporting our well-established sites in the UK and India, our Spanish facility will provide us with crucial access to the European market. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank the Minister of Economy of the Castilla y León Government, Carlos Fernández Carriedo and the Mayor of Valladolid, Oscar Puente who have been hugely supportive of the project and have worked closely with Switch over the last six months. I look forward to building on this relationship as we develop Switch’s advanced, carbon-neutral facility and work with the region to support their transition to a fully electric bus fleet.” says Andrew Palmer, CEO and Executive Vice Chairman of Switch Mobility
“We thank Switch Mobility for the trust place in Castilla y León. The government of Castilla y León will continue to strengthen the factors that have led to this decision, especially the qualifications of the regions employees, the network of first and second tier suppliers and the institutional stability. All of this has led to foreign investment continuing to place its trust in Castilla y León. The autonomous Government and its President Alfonso Fernandez Manueco will continue to ensure Castilla y Leon remains a region of investment and quality employment.” adds Carlos Fernandez Carriedo, Minister of Economy and Ana Carlota Amigo, Minister of Employment of the Castilla y León Government
“Switch Mobility’s project is fully in line with our commitment to industrialize and diversify Valladolid’s industrial make-up. The sustainable mobility policy promoted by Valladolid City Council aims for complete decarbonisation and a rapid transition from combustion vehicles to zero-emission mobility. Today is a great day for Valladolid, which gains an industrial project that generates skilled employment, wealth and innovation. A project that represents a better future for our region.” is the comment by Oscar Puente, Mayor of Valladolid.
