Arnold Clark Vehicle Management

Just under the surface of the largest salt flats in the world lies a hidden treasure. In one of the remotest and most inhospitable regions of Bolivialies 80% of the worlds Lithium deposits.

At almost 3,000 feet above sea-level,a completely new infrastructure has to be built - roads, manufacturing, accommodation, communications and power. Foreign companies are falling over themselves to court the Bolivian Government. But because Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America, the Government is playing hardball.

It's no surprise really. They don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past. They want to ensure that Bolivia's people benefit from this mineral wealth through inward investment. They want to make the most of this unexpected accident of geography.

So, the Bolivian Government want foreign companies to manufacture Lithium batteries usinga Bolivian workforce in Bolivia. It's also being suggested that cars that use Bolivian Lithium batteries should be manufactured in Bolivia. An interesting idea.

Suddenly, Bolivia has become one of the most important countries in the world, and a focus of a great deal of attention from car makers around the globe. It will be interesting to see how far foreign investors will go to secure mining and manufacturing rights...