New Nissan to be built at Sunderland plant

Nissan said that the all-new car would build on the success of the Qashqai and reinforce Sunderland’s role as a manufacturer and exporter of high-value products. The decision was announced following a visit today by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn. 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." 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.” Business Secretary John Hutton welcomed the announcement of what he called “a multi-million pound investment … safeguarding hundreds of jobs”. Mr Hutton announced that the government would support the project with a contribution of £6.2 million - with the whole investment in the UK totalling over £55 million. Mr Hutton said: "Nissan's investment is great news for Sunderland, for jobs in the area and for the regional economy. It shows Britain is a competitive place for the automotive industry to invest and to do business. Like the successful Qashqai, this new car will be a great British achievement - designed in London, built in Sunderland. The ingredients for Nissan's success story - innovation, creativity and a highly committed and skilled workforce - will be key if Britain's manufacturing is to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy." The new car 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. The Nissan plant in Sunderland produced a record 374,000 vehicles in fiscal year 2007. Nissan is the largest vehicle exporter from the UK, with around 80% of production sold outside of the country. Together with the engine assembly plant and other facilities, Sunderland currently employs 4,700 workers.