SMMT welcomed the news today that Nissan is to manufacture an all-new compact car at its Sunderland plant from 2010, building on the success of the Qashqai.
The announcement was made following a visit today by Gordon Brown to Nissan’s European Design Centre, in London where he met Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO, Nissan Motor Co. Business secretary John Hutton announced that the government would support the project with a contribution of £6.2 million – with Nissan’s overall investment in the new car totalling over £55 million.
The Prime Minister said, “Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I’m pleased to welcome Nissan’s new investment in the UK. Today’s announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan’s recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.
“Sunderland’s success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK‘s position as a strong player in the global car industry,” he added.
The vehicle will be in addition to the current Nissan range and will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends is 2010.
