Jaguar owner to pick UK for giant car battery plant

The owners of Jaguar Land Rover are set to pick the UK over Spain to host a multi-billion-pound electric car battery plant, according to reports.

Up to 9,000 jobs would be created at the site in Bridgwater, Somerset, close to the M5.

The move has been described as the most significant investment in the UK automotive sector since Nissan moved to Britain in the 1980s.

According to media reports, Tata 's chairman is scheduled to fly to the UK next week to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Jaguar Land Rover are patrons of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Business leaders in Greater Birmingham described the news as a welcome move to secure the long-term future of electric vehicle production in the UK.

Raj Kandola, director of external affairs at Greater Birmingham chambers, said: “The investment will be very welcome news for the UK, reducing our reliance on imports and providing critical production capability needed to secure a long-term future for electric vehicle production in the country.

“From a West Midlands perspective, our region is home to an extensive automotive supply chain.

“We will need to redouble our efforts to attract a gigafactory to the region. ”