Dyson selects Singapore for its electric cars

British electric appliance pioneer Dyson said on Tuesday it had picked Singapore as the site for its first electric car plant, sparking criticism of the firm’s Brexit-backing billionaire founder for not investing more in British manufacturing.

Dyson, founded and owned by entrepreneur James Dyson, said the factory is scheduled for completion in 2020 as part of a £2.5bn global investment drive in new technology.

The company, best known for its cordless vacuum cleaners, hand dryers and fans, is aiming to launch electric vehicles in 2021.

“The decision of where to make our car is complex, based on supply chains, access to markets and the availability of the expertise that will help us achieve our ambitions,” Dyson CEO Jim Rowan said.

“Our existing footprint and team in Singapore, combined with the nation’s significant advanced manufacturing expertise, made it a frontrunner. Singapore also offers access to high-growth markets as well as an extensive supply chain and a highly skilled workforce.

“Singapore has a comparatively high cost base but also great technology expertise. It is therefore the right place to make high-quality technology loaded machines and the right place to make our electric vehicle.”

The company already has production facilities in Malaysia and Singapore.

Best for Britain, an anti-Brexit campaign group, called the news “astonishing”.

“He’s snubbed Britain for Singapore,” the group tweeted.

“Wheneven someone who claims there will be a resurgence in British manufacturing after Brexit isn’t prepared to put his money where his mouth is, it raises serious questions.” said Labour MP Ian Murray.

But Singapore welcomed the decision, which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said will see car assembly return to the city-

SINGAPORE HAS A

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state for the first time since the 1980s. “Now we will manufacture cars again, except this time greener, better and more hightech,” he said.

Dyson announced his decision to launch electric cars in 2017, a sector in which the company will face stiff competition from established players.

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity as governments worldwide drive forward plans to gradually phase out polluting petrol and diesel cars.

Dyson told AFP in an interview earlier in 2018 that electric cars are already available to order.