Nissan is set to announce that it will build new electric models of its Qashqai and Juke cars in Sunderland.
The Japanese car manufacturer will confirm tomorrow that it plans to make new versions of the popular models after months of talks with the Government, it was reported last night.
The decision will protect thousands of jobs, boost the local economy in Sunderland – and confound the Brexit naysayers. Sources close to the Government told Sky News that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had helped get the deal over the line.
The decision will protect thousands of jobs, boost the local economy in Sunderland – and confound the Brexit naysayers (Pictured – Staff from Nissan Sunderland Plant)
Nissan started making electric Juke and Qashqai models at its North-East factory last year
It is understood Nissan will invest hundreds of millions into the venture to begin with, but this could rise to over £1billion if it proves successful.
The deal is being seen as a sign of the manufacturer’s long-term commitment to Sunderland.
After the 2016 vote to leave the European Union, many Remainers said Britain’s car industry would be hit hard and never recover.
Nissan started making ‘electrified’ hybrid versions of its latest Qashqai at its North-East factory last year.
The plant, where the short-range electric Leaf model is made, employs 6,000 workers and makes up the majority of the firm’s British workforce.
Staff at the site have a vital role in Nissan’s most up-to-date manufacturing hub and electric vehicle ecosystem, known as EV36Zero.
Sources close to the Government told Sky News that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt had helped get the deal over the line
Executives launched the hub in 2021 with a £1billion investment thanks to industrial partners. The aim is to bring together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production.
Mr Hunt announced yesterday that he would plough £4.5billion into British manufacturing by 2025, saying: ‘Britain is now the eighth-largest manufacturer in the world, recently overtaking France.
‘To build on this success, we are targeting funding to support the sectors where the UK is or could be world-leading.’
