SPANISH electric vehicle brand, Silence, has opened its ‘urban ecomobility’ headquarters and first UK retail store in Solihull.
Makers of their own all-electric scooter, the firm sees the region as fast becoming a hub for UK electrification and green travel initiatives including Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone which comes in next month.
“Solihull makes the perfect location in the first phase of our launch and establishment of our UK headquarters,” said John Edwards, one of founding partners of Silence UK.
“Not only is the West Midlands already a hub for electric vehicle businesses and research, but its leaders are focused on eco-mobility and infrastructure.”
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, added: “We’re delighted that Silence have chosen to base their UK headquarters here in Solihull.
“Their investment reflects the confidence in the region as we position ourselves to be at the forefront of low-carbon future mobility.
“Transport currently accounts for 39 per cent of Co2 emissions across the borough.
“Tackling this area is going to be key to unlocking our low carbon future.”
Silence have chosen Haslucks Green Road as their base, serving both retail and business customers, with its UK range of Silence ‘e-moto’ all-electric motorcycles and scooters available for test rides.
Electrified two-wheel travel has been steadily growing in popularity as an easy and cost-effective way to cut costs and emissions.
The electric 50cc and 125cc market grew by more than 50 per cent in 2020 and is up almost 300 per cent in the first four months of 2021, growing by over 550 per cent in April alone.
The 100 per cent electric Silence ‘e-motos’ are equivalent to 50cc and 125cc mopeds and scooters, travelling up to 91 miles on a single charge while eliminating emissions, noise and vibration and reducing running costs to around one pence per mile.
Ten jobs will be initially created in Solihull with an estimated 200 jobs to be supported across the UK as the company expands.
The Solihull store is now open for visitors or or requested a test ride online via www.silenceuk.com.
