Car making may return to former Jaguar site in Coventry
Friday 2 September 2011 9:20 AM
Car production could be returning to Browns Lane in Coventry, the former home of a Jaguar plant.
CPP Global Holdings Ltd, manufacturers of off-road car Bowler, is in talks with manufacturer Spyker Cars and has signed a purchase agreement.
The company signed a memorandum of understanding to buy Spyker Cars in February. This has lapsed but the firm is confident a deal will be completed.
Browns Lane was home to Jaguar car production until it moved in 2005.
Production was moved to Castle Bromwich, although its engineering site is still based in Whitley.
'New jobs'
CPP is purchasing 23 acres of the Browns Lane site from Advantage West Midlands with planning applications to be submitted before the end of 2011.
It is hoped redevelopment will start in 2012.
Company founder Brendan O'Toole said the news was a decisive moment in his company's strategy to cement Coventry's reputation as a "world-class centre of automotive excellence".
His business partner, Vladimir Antonov, said the move demonstrated the firm's commitment to remaining in the heart of Coventry.
"It will help CPP to create hundreds of new jobs, establish advanced new facilities and is a major investment into the economy of the city and the surrounding region," he said.
Coventry was once home to car production on a large scale.
The city is currently home to the electric car makers Modec and London Taxis International, which makes the traditional black cab.
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