The North East is to become a hub for green technology through a partnership between industry and regional government. Lord Mandelson confirmed plans to create a ‘Low carbon economic area', which will specialise in the manufacture and maintenance of ultra-low carbon vehicles. The announcement was made jointly with car manufacturer Nissan, which announced Sunderland would be the location of a new factory to make rechargable batteries that will power its cars. Part of the plan will also include developing a research and development centre linked to the universities of Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, Northumbria and Teesside. The initiative also includes plans to install 750 charging points in supermarkets, public transport centres, hospitals and public buildings to boost the number of electric cars in use. Lord Mandelson said: ‘The North East has distinguished itself as the first specialised region for ultra-low carbon vehicles. This is good news not just for the North East, but for the whole of the UK, helping to attract foreign investment and securing the UK's place as a global leader in hi-tech manufacturing and automotive industries. ‘The collaboration between local businesses, universities and colleges will create a hub of expertise to boost innovation and accelerate business growth in this important area of "green" industry.'