Nissan to source innovative compact car from Sunderland plant in 2010

03 June 2008

London: Japanese car maker, Nissan Motor Company, will introduce an innovative all-new compact car from its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom (UK), starting in 2010, the company said. The all-new vehicle will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010.

Building on the success of the Qashqai, the all-new product will reinforce Sunderland's role as manufacturer and exporter of high-value products.The decision was announced following a visit today by the British prime minister, Gordon Brown, to Nissan's European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

Prime Minister Brown 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.

Carlos Ghosn said, ''By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products.  We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.'' 

The all-new vehicle will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010.