A zero-emissions firm backed by the billionaire Issa brothers is to work on a driverless hydrogen HGV with Asda.
Glasgow-based Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) is part of a consortium that will work on the £13.2m project, which has received £6.6m from the government.
The business will also work with Bristol-based Fusion Processing Ltd while a trial of the prototype is planned for September 2024.
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The news comes after Lancashire-headquartered EG Group, the petrol station and retail giant run by the Issa brothers, invested £25m in HVS last year.
The group had previously invested £5m in the Scottish truck company in 2021.
The Issa brothers also own Asda with private equity firm TDR Capital.
Business Secretary Grant Shapps said: "In just a few years’ time, the business of self-driving vehicles could add tens of billions to our economy and create tens of thousands of jobs across the UK.
"This is a massive opportunity to drive forward our priority to grow the economy, which we are determined to seize.
"The support we are providing today will help our transport and technology pioneers steal a march on the global competition, by turning their bright ideas into market-ready products sooner than anyone else."
Transport Secretary Mark Harper added: "Self-driving vehicles including buses will positively transform people’s everyday lives – making it easier to get around, access vital services and improve regional connectivity.
"We’re supporting and investing in the safe rollout of this incredible technology to help maximise its full potential, while also creating skilled jobs and boosting growth in this important sector."
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