9:10 am, November 24, 2023
The UK automotive industry is to receive a welcome shot in the arm after Nissan confirmed it will produce two new electric models at its Sunderland plant.
The decision, announced by the Government, will see Nissan build electrified versions of the Juke and Qashqai at the plant in the north east of England.
The Japanese brand is set to invest an eye-watering £1.12bn into the project in a move that will help protect the site’s 6,000 jobs.
The government says there are also plans will allow for wider investment in infrastructure projects and the supply chain – including the construction of a new gigafactory to make more batteries.
Today’s announcement is likely to result in around £2bn of new investment, according to the government.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ‘Nissan’s investment is a massive vote of confidence in the UK’s automotive industry, which already contributes a massive £71bn a year to our economy.
‘This venture will no doubt secure Sunderland’s future as the UK’s Silicon Valley for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing.
‘Making the UK the best place to do business is at the heart of our economic plan.
‘We will continue to back businesses like Nissan to expand and grow their roots in the UK every step of the way as we make the right long-term decisions for a brighter future.’
Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s president and chief executive, added: ‘Exciting, electric vehicles are at the heart of our plans to achieve carbon neutrality.
‘With electric versions of our core European models on the way, we are accelerating towards a new era for Nissan, for industry and for our customers.
‘The EV36Zero project puts our Sunderland plant, Britain’s biggest ever car factory, at the heart of our future vision.
‘It means our UK team will be designing, engineering and manufacturing the vehicles of the future, driving us towards an all-electric future for Nissan in Europe.’
The news has been welcomed by the SMMT, which described the announcement as ‘tremendous’.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: ‘The UK’s automotive manufacturing sector continues to demonstrate its investment attractiveness with yet another significant commitment.
‘This new announcement from Nissan – coming on the back of billions recently committed by other manufacturers and supported by the UK government – underlines Britain’s position as an increasingly competitive location for electric vehicle production.
‘It is tremendous news for the company, its workforce, the region and the UK’s supply chain, which will drive economic growth and decarbonisation across the UK.’
The Government also announced it has awarded £15m of funding to the Nissan Technical Centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, to strengthen its technical expertise and boost the research and development of zero emission vehicle capability.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: ‘Today’s news is an enormous vote of confidence in the British economy, just days after we confirmed the most generous investment tax reliefs in the western world.
‘Nissan has a proud history in car manufacturing in Sunderland, and their continued commitment to the UK shows how our support for business is getting results – helping create thousands of jobs and solidifying Britain’s place as the world’s eighth largest manufacturer.’
In his autumn statement on Wednesday, Mr Hunt announced that a tax break allowing firms to cut their bills if they invest in new equipment will be made permanent.
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: ‘The investment by Nissan in Sunderland shows once again that the Government’s plan for the automotive sector is working.
‘The forthcoming advanced manufacturing plan will build on this deal and other recent big investment wins for the UK car industry, helping to support thousands of jobs and drive growth across the UK.’
Nissan to build three new electric car models in Sunderland. @pkelso has more on the story. https://t.co/PAiZ4D1jU3
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The plan will set out how the Government will encourage manufacturers to invest in the UK. Sunderland Central’s Labour MP, Julie Elliott, said the investment meant the city had a ‘bright future’.
She said: ‘The decision by Nissan today is a great vote of confidence in the Sunderland plant.
‘I am glad that the plant’s strong reputation for green technology continues.’
