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Brexit: Nissan to build new Qashqai in Sunderland securing 7,000 jobs

Japanese car maker Nissan has announced it is to manufacture its new model Qashqai, and the X-Trail SUV, at its Sunderland plant in a significant post-Brexit commitment to the UK.

Nissan have said the move, which is set to secure 7,000 jobs at the Sunderland site, has come about after it received assurances from the government that the plant would remain competitive in the wake of Brexit.

Production is expected to begin on the new model sometime in 2018 or 2019.

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Nissan, commented: “I am pleased to announce that Nissan will continue to invest in Sunderland. Our employees there continue to make the plant a globally competitive powerhouse, producing high-quality, high-value products every day,.

“The support and assurances of the U.K. government enabled us to decide that the next-generation Qashqai and X-Trail will be produced at Sunderland. I welcome British Prime Minister Theresa May’s commitment to the automotive industry in Britain and to the development of an overall industrial strategy.”

The development is a significant boost to the government, and the region, after fears that Nissan could withdraw from the UK entirely in the wake of Brexit.

In a statement, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: “This is fantastic news for the UK. Nissan is at the heart of this country’s strong automotive industry and so I welcome their decision to produce the Qashqai and a new model at their Sunderland plant.

“It is a recognition that the government is committed to creating and supporting the right conditions for the automotive industry so it continues to grow, now and in the future.

“This vote of confidence shows Britain is open for business and that we remain an outward-looking, world-leading nation.”

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