Nissan has begun production of its new electric Leaf at its Sunderland plant, marking the first high-volume car to be built in the UK since 2020.
The company has invested over £450 million in the facility, which employs 6,000 people 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.”
Adam Pennick, Nissan Sunderland’s vice president of manufacturing, added: “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, the third generation of the model first launched in the UK in 2011, 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.
Separately, 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”.
