Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant could become the production centre for General Motors' innovative Volt electric car.

Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe, has said he is "seriously considering" harnessing the talents of engineers in Merseyside to build the highly-anticipated model.

He raised the possibility after a meeting with Gordon Brown, who has earmarked £90 million in funding over the next five years to support electric and hybrid car projects.

General Motors wants to build 220,000 hybrid cars every year over the next seven years.

Ellesmere Port councillor Justin Madders told the Liverpool Daily Post: "I never expected anything would happen this quickly."

He added: "It's absolutely brilliant security for the future for people working there."

The Volt, which is due for US release in 2010, will run 40 to 50 miles on electricity. A small diesel or petrol engine then recharges the car while the vehicle is still in motion.