Press Release

General Motors Pulls the Plug on Wasting Energy

4 June 2007

• Ellesmere Port Astra production plant halves energy consumption since 2003
• Awarded Energy Efficiency Accreditation by Carbon Trust

While there is increasing pressure to make sure the cars we drive are more economical and easier on the environment, few people pay any attention to the way their cars are built.

Astra buyers can be assured that GM is doing everything possible to minimise the energy used to produce their car. Amazingly, since 2003, the Astra production plant at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire has halved the amount of energy needed to manufacture each vehicle that rolls off the production line. Total site consumption has fallen by a massive 30 percent, even though production volume has actually increased.

This amazing achievement has been recognised by the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme (EEAS), the UK’s independent benchmark for energy efficiency in industry.  The EEAS is owned by the Carbon Trust and independently moderated by the Energy Institute.

In order to receive the accreditation, Ellesmere Port had to maintain and improve energy management, be at the forefront of new energy saving initiatives and above all, encourage their staff and local community to be energy aware.

The Site Utilities Manager, Colin Hawthorne will receive the certification on behalf of Vauxhall Motors, Ellesmere Port at an Awards Ceremony on 19th July 2007.