Nissan confirms new model will be built in Sunderland
Nissan's confirmed its new European model will be built in Sunderland.
Nissan's confirmed its new European model will be built in Sunderland.
The Kicks hybrid car - which combines an electric motor and petrol engine - was previously manufactured in Japan, Brazil and Mexico.
Nissan says it will be investing £170m into the Wearside plant, so the compact crossover car can be built here.
Nissan regional chairman Massimiliano Messina said: “This is fantastic news for our European region and demonstrates the agility and speed with which we can bring new models to new markets.
“Kicks is a compact crossover, with the unique e-POWER hybrid drivetrain, exciting design and innovative technology.
“Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Nissan has been at the heart of British manufacturing for four decades, with Sunderland producing millions of vehicles that supported thousands of skilled jobs and helped establish the North East as a global automotive powerhouse.
“The decision to build this new model in Sunderland is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s manufacturing expertise and automotive future.”
The Sunderland-built Kicks model will use hybrid technology that combines an electric motor which is powered by an efficient petrol engine that generates electricity and recharge the on-board battery.
It will be the tenth model to be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant since production began in 1986.
Since the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the production line, Wearside workers have built 12 million cars.
Society of Motor Manufacturers chief executive Mike Hawes welcomed the announcement, saying: “The UK sector has the fundamental strengths to secure growth.
“But to unlock that potential, we must continue to strengthen our competitiveness – supporting a healthy market, tackling the high cost of business, especially energy and additional employment costs – and ensuring trade works for manufacturers.
“Do this and yet more companies will choose to build the next generation of vehicles here in Britain.”
Paul Butler, chief executive of the North East Automotive Alliance, said: “The North East has established itself as one of Europe’s leading automotive regions, attracting significant investment in vehicle electrification, battery technology and advanced manufacturing.
“Nissan’s continued commitment to Sunderland is not only a celebration of 40 years of success but also a clear statement that the region remains a competitive and attractive location for future automotive investment.”