Skilled jobs will be protected at the Ford plant in Bridgend after the car maker received government support for its five-year investment plan, it has been reported.

Ford is proposing to invest £1.5 billion in eco-friendly engines and environmentally-friendly technologies and has received the backing of business secretary Lord Mandelson.

Around 2,000 people work at Ford’s Bridgend factory and the initiative is also being supported by the Welsh Assembly government.

Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister for the assembly government, said he welcomed the five-year investment plan as it would secure jobs as well as boost the green economy in Wales.

This will give Wales the opportunity to compete in the global market when it starts producing low-carbon vehicles, he added.

The Welsh government has invested £13.4 million in the plant through its Single Investment Fund.

Incentives to encourage new car buyers to go green have already been announced by the UK government.

From January 2011, those buying ultra-low carbon cars will receive £5,000 off the price, which will account for around 25 per cent of the overall cost.

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