Nissan U-turns on Sunderland

Due to uncertainty over Brexit and changing emissions regulations in Europe, Nissan has confirmed to build its new X-trial in Japan instead of Sunderland. Originally, Nissan committed to building the new model in Sunderland, following support from the government. Nissan has confirmed that no jobs will be lost.

Greg Clark, Business secretary, said, ‘Nissan’s announcement is a blow to the sector and the region, as this was to be a further significant expansion of the site and the workforce. The company has confirmed that no jobs will be lost. They have reiterated today their commitment to the UK by continuing to manufacture in Sunderland the current Qashqai, Leaf and Juke models and the new Qashqai model from 2020.’

Nissan said, since 2016 the environment for the car industry in Europe has changed dramatically.

Nissan Europe chairman, Gianluca de Ficchy, said, ‘Nissan is investing heavily in new technologies and powertrains for the next generation of vehicles in our Sunderland plant. To support this, we are taking advantage of our global assets, and with X-Trail already manufactured in Japan, we can reduce our upfront investment costs.’