Dyson confirms electric vehicle plans…production to commence in Singapore from 2020
Vacuum company, Dyson, has confirmed it will complete work on its electric vehicle production facility by 2020.
Dyson has confirmed it will begin building electric vehicles from 2020 following the completion of its bespoke automotive manufacturing facility in Singapore in 2020. Why Singapore when the company recently opened and R&D facility in the UK in which it continues to invest capital?
Simple. Singapore is where Dyson produces all the electric motors for its vacuums and it believes that while the R&D for its electric vehicles will continue to be led out of the UK, production and distribution will be best located in Singapore.
In a statement to Dyson staff, CEO, Jim Rowan said: “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. I am delighted to let you know that the Dyson Board has now decided that our first automotive manufacturing facility will be in Singapore.
“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 and focus. It is therefore the right place to make high quality technology loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle.”
Dyson said it will look to expand its workforce of 1100 employees in Singapore to meet the demands of electric vehicle production. This will still be dwarfed by its UK workforce of 4800. Dyson also announced it would continue to invest in the UK as part of the business’s £2.5bn (AUD$4.5bn) investment in staff, new buildings and technology development.
