Number Plates News

Could Mandelson be serious about top plate?

27 January 2010

The Secretary of State for Business, Lord Mandelson, has recently taken delivery of a battery powered Mini. He is the first UK minister to try the new electric car, which has just been added to the government's fleet of vehicles.

Mandelson, apparently a fan of the film, The Italian Job, in which Minis almost take the starring roles away from the actors, is a keen supporter of green technology and appears to be impressed by the eco-friendly car's performance. He said, “It feels good, very smooth and responsive, and picks up speed well.”

The Mini E, which is manufactured by BMW, boasts a 204bhp electric motor powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The two-seater is capable of 0 to 62mph in 8.5 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 95mph. The main drawback is its limited range, which is a measly 100 miles before a full re-charge is required.

So, given the choice, what number plate would Mandy pick to adorn his latest status symbol? Well, after half-jokingly, describing the Mini E as “appropriately sleek and handsome,” and “suitably flash.” he actually went on to propose the ultimate registration for himself, PM 1. The question is, does he mean PM for Peter Mandelson or for Prime Minister? The arrogance of the latter possibility is certain to infuriate the present incumbent, Gordon Brown, whose own initials on a plate could equally be interpreted as a patriotic GB for Great Britain .