Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Switch Mobility and its investment in the UK and India, during his trade visit to India. Switch Mobility, which is a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland's parent company, the Hinduja Group, has confirmed its plans to invest £300 million or nearly Rs. 3000 crore, across the UK and India to develop its range of electric buses and light commercial vehicles. Acknowledging the company's work, Johnson said that Switch is an example of a business that is strengthening bilateral trade between the UK and India.
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Johnson said that Switch is an example of a business that is strengthening bilateral trade between the UK and India
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "We are committed to rolling out next-generation clean green buses in the UK, and Switch Mobility is at the forefront of that revolution. This announcement will bring high-quality jobs and skills to both the UK and India and is a testament to our partnership in the industries of the future."
Switch's investment is part of the over £1 billion or nearly Rs. 10,000 crore, investment confirmed by UK and Indian businesses. Switch is expecting to create over 4000 skilled jobs in the UK and India as part of the investment. Also, the Prime Minister's visit coincided with the launch of the Company's new 12-metre electric bus for India and the announcement of a new Technical Centre in the UK. The company says that it has been designed specifically taking into account the requirements of the Indian market and promises a range of up to 300 km.
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The Prime Minister's visit coincided with the launch of the Company's new 12-metre electric bus for India and the announcement of a new Technical Centre in the UK
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility said, "We are delighted that the Prime Minister has commended the investment Switch is making to become a leader in electric transportation as an example of the benefits of UK-India collaboration. Since forming Switch Mobility over a year ago, we have seen the pace of change to electric vehicles for public and commercial transportation increase significantly. With a strong order bank of nearly 600 buses and ambitious investment plans already in place, we believe we are well placed to capitalise on this growth."
A part of Switch's investment into the UK will go into its new Technical Centre, which is expected to open in June 2022, in Warwick. The company says that the centre is expected to create 130 skilled jobs, and it will focus on the development of Switch's next-generation vehicles. The centre, which will be led by Chief Technology Officer, Roger Blakey, will work closely with Switch's existing R&D offices in Chennai, Leeds and Valladolid employing a further 200 engineers.
