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It’s a world first Busy times for Spanish Industry minister
SPANISH Industry minister zero interest.
Reyes Maroto has been very busy lately.
Speaking at a recent press conference in Paris, Sra Maroto confirmed that Renault and Stellantis are due to launch new production lines in Spain in the near future.
The first part of the scheme was unsuccessful, with 75 per cent of the funds reserved for the loans left unclaimed due to the short timeframe for companies to carry out the necessary investments the deadline was June 2025.
THE world’s first digger, powered by a hydrogen combustion engine, will soon be on UK roads and building sites following recent government approval, helping to decarbonise the UK’s construction industry.
The UK government has given special dispensation, under a vehicle special order, that allows JCB, the British construction equipment manufacturer, to test and use its worldfirst hydrogenpowered backhoe loader on UK roads.
With 25 per cent of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions coming from the built environment, it’s vital the entire construction indus try looks to decarbonise at every stage.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Jesse Norman, said: “From cars to construction sites, the industry has a vital role in decarbonising our economy and creating green jobs and prosperity.”
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford confirmed: “Securing this vehicle special order from the Department for Transport is an important first step in getting JCB machines that are powered by hydrogen combustion engines to and from British building sites using the public highway.
“It’s an endorsement that JCB is on the right path in pursuit of its net zero ambitions.”
“We are generating a climate of confidence for such important companies as Renault and Stellantis to continue investing in our country,” she said.
More specifically, the Spanish government is working to improve conditions for electric vehicle manufacturers, enabling more firms to apply for development loans with
Manufacturers called for the period to be extended by three years until 2028, which the ministry led by Sra Maroto has confirmed will be done as it has already been given the go ahead by the European Union.
Stellantis currently has three electric vehicle assembly plants in Spain, located in Galicia, Zaragoza and Madrid.
The Industry ministry is currently negotiating with the firm to boost production and guarantee employment at the three plants for at least another 15 years.
On the other hand, Renault does not currently manufacture electric vehicles in Spain, with production taking place in France. However, the company is negotiating with Sra
Maroto’s department to extend the loan scheme to cover hybrid vehicles which does not look likely, as the EU is focusing its efforts on 100 per cent electric mobility. But Reyes Maroto has also been in the news for different reasons lately. The Industry chief is planning to leave the ministry shortly in order to stand for the local elections in Madrid for the PSOE on May 28.
Her main rival will be current mayor Jose Luis Martinez Almeida (PP), whose popularity has waned significantly in recent months due to revelations concerning allegedly fraudulent business practices during the Covid pandemic.
The PSOE hopes that Sra Maroto will help put the party back on the map in the Spanish capital after years of very poor results.
