Gordon Brown Welcomes the MINI E...

The UK Government received yesterday the keys to a MINI E electric vehicle, to be used as part of BMW's testing program by British ministers. The MINI E, one of the fleet of 40 such vehicles to have been delivered in the UK this week, was welcomed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He was accompanied by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, a known supporter of electric mobility and the main artisan of the Government’s Technology Strategy Board.

“I congratulate BMW and MINI for their ground-breaking electric MINI project and I welcome the extensive user field trial that has now begun,” the Prime Minister said in a release.

"The low carbon transport industry will not only cut harmful emissions but has the potential to be a major source of jobs and growth. We have already committed £400 million of support to the sector, encouraging its development and take-up, and I am confident that in future years we will see thousands more electric and other low carbon cars on Britain’s roads."

“I am delighted that the MINI E is going to be put through its paces by Government ministers for two months. The Government is keen to show that driving electric vehicles is fun. I want the UK to be a world leader in low carbon transport and cars like the UK-built MINI can help us achieve that aim,” Lord Mandelson added.

As said, BMW announced this week the delivery of the 40 MINI Es, leased for a period of six months.