Production of new Nissan Leaf starts in Sunderland
Nissan has invested more than £450 million to manufacture the new Leaf at its site in Sunderland
Last updated 16th Dec 2025
Nissan has started production of its new electric Leaf vehicle in Sunderland.
The Government said it is the first new high-volume car to be built in the UK since 2020.
Nissan has invested more than £450 million to manufacture the new Leaf at its site in Sunderland, which has 6,000 workers and is the UK's largest car factory.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: "Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK's automotive industry, and Nissan's investment is a major commitment to the North East and a huge vote of confidence in our economy.
"Through this Government's modern industrial strategy, we're delivering £4 billion into our world-leading auto sector - the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era - driving growth, innovation and jobs across the country.
Nissan Sunderland's vice president of manufacturing Adam Pennick said: "Nissan has invested into our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs (electric vehicles) of the future and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland.
"The skills, expertise and teamwork of our people have powered Sunderland's success, and the transformation of our plant for the new Leaf demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification."
The new Leaf is the third generation of the model, which was first launched in the UK in 2011.
The SUV will have a range of up to 375 miles on a single charge.
It is eligible for the full £3,750 purchase discount under the Government's electric car grant.
On Sunday, Kemi Badenoch said the Conservatives will abandon plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 if they win the next election.
Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, the Tory leader described electric vehicle quotas as "economic self-harm".
The column followed Mrs Badenoch's meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has lobbied the EU to water down its plans to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.