Switch Mobility (‘Switch'), the next-generation net-zero carbon electric bus and light commercial vehicle company, held a ceremony to mark the upcoming creation of its new advanced manufacturing facility in Valladolid, Spain.

The ceremony was attended by Raquel Sanchez Jimenez, Minister for Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, Alfonso Fernandez Mañueco, President of the Region of Castilla y León and Oscar Puente, Mayor of Valladolid. The foundation stone was laid by Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Switch Mobility, to mark the occasion.

With construction set to commence shortly and the first buses expected to be produced within 12 months, the 35-acre site in Valladolid - Switch's first in continental Europe - will comprise two states of the art production lines and will be entirely carbon-neutral from inception.

With €100 million of investment planned for the site over the next decade, the facility will play a key role in rejuvenating the Soto de Medinilla area around Valladolid and creating an estimated 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region. Phase one of the new development will house the production of Switch's new 12m bus designed for the European market. Phases two and three will add battery assembly capabilities and production of Switch's zero-carbon LCV from 2024 onwards.

Andy Palmer, Vice Chairman and CEO of Switch Mobility Ltd, commented: "The past year has been considerable progress for Switch. We have an order book of over 500 electric buses and have covered more than 50 million kilometres with our current electric products. We have established a presence in the UK, India, and now Continental Europe. Beginning the development of our site in Spain is a key milestone in our global growth strategy."

Switch Mobility is a next-generation electric bus and light commercial vehicle company with the mission to enrich lives through green mobility. A mature startup, Switch was forged from the innovative EV elements of Ashok Leyland.