Nissan will produce the new Qashqai in Sunderland

NISSAN will produce the next Qashqai SUV at its massive Sunderland plant following Britain’s vote ;to leave the European Union, despite fears the Japanese firm would shift investment abroad.

The plant, which is Britain’s biggest car factory employing nearly 7,000 people, begins production in 2018 or 2019 following crunch talks held in Japan between the company and Greg Clark, the Business Secretary.

The Sunderland factory, which produces 450,000 vehicles a year, had been a leading contender to produce the next Qashqai, but Nissan had previously hinted it could quit the UK if tariffs on car exports increase.

It follows a meeting between Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s boss, and Theresa May held earlier this month to discuss conditions necessary to keep making cars in the country.

The Prime Minister said she and Mr Ghosn “shared a belief that Britain remains an outward-looking, world-leading nation in which to do business”.

Mr Ghosn added: “I am confident the Government will continue to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to do business.”

Mr Clark will also speak with Toyota and Honda during his three-day visit to protect more than 15,000 employees of Japanese carmakers in the UK.