' . . driving an Aston Martin has always been a dream of mine . . ' - Cable (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

' . . driving an Aston Martin has always been a dream of mine . . ' - Cable

August 24, 2010 5:34 PM

cable aston martin • August 24: A LONG held wish to drive an Aston Martin came true for Business Secretary Vince Cable when he visited the test track facilities at Gaydon near Warwick today. Dr Cable also test drove Jaguar's green car - the electric and petrol hybrid known as the Limo Green.  This innovative prototype project is a collaboration with Lotus, Caparo and research organisation MIRA and has received funding from the Technology Strategy Board. The chance to test drive the cars formed part of a wider visit to the West Midlands where he met business groups and toured a multi-disciplinary research centre. At the test track the Business Secretary talked to apprentices and engineers from both companies about the progress being made by the UK to enhance its low carbon vehicle capabilities. He said:

"As I said on Desert Island Discs, driving an Aston Martin has always been a dream of mine. Fortunately for me Aston Martin took note and gave me the opportunity not only to test drive some of their cars but also to witness the high level of skills and engineering that go into making premium and niche cars in the UK. This is something in which the UK excels and our cars are exported all over the world. Another great example of UK excellence is Jaguar's hybrid car, the Limo Green. An executive car that can do more than 50 mpg with CO2 emissions from only 50 g/km shows Britain's premium car sector is more than capable of rising to the environmental challenges facing the car industry."

The Business Secretary's next stop was the International Digital Laboratories at Warwick University in Coventry where Jaguar Land Rover have recently opened an advanced technology and research facility on the campus. While at the university the Business Secretary got behind the wheel of a racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials that include chocolate, carrots and potatoes.

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats: