OREANDA-NEWS. Dr. Vince Cable MP, UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, visited Ashok Leyland's Head Quarters and later their plant at Ennore in Chennai, where he met with senior officials and engineers from the Company.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Cable said, "Ashok Leyland has impressive manufacturing facilities and it has played a key role in India's growth story. I am pleased they continue to invest in the UK's automotive sector at Optare in Leeds and their R&D centre in Warwickshire. Electric vehicles will be increasingly important in reducing the impact of global warming. This is truly an example of the shared importance the UK and India place in developing the next generation of electric vehicles as well as advanced manufacturing."

Mr. Vinod K. Dasari said, "We are the world's 4th largest manufacturer of buses and the largest provider of electric vehicles. Through Optare's facility in the UK, we are well-placed to help reduce the carbon footprint of the world. With the continued support from the Government of UK, we hope to grow our operations in UK and also bring this technology to India. In line with the honorable Prime Minister's 'Make in India' initiative, we are hopeful of manufacturing these electric vehicles in India, in the near future."

Dr. Cable is in Chennai with a delegation of UK manufacturing businesses who are exploring collaboration with Indian businesses.