Light at the end of the Brexit tunnel
Nissan’s European Chairman states he is “more than 100% confident” over the future of the Nissan plant in Sunderland.
Speaking shortly after the Japanese car giant unveiled its latest Qashqai model, which will be built at the Sunderland plant, the Chairman of Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO), Gianluca de Ficchy, has claimed that he is confident for the future – post-Brexit.
It comes in the wake of the firm welcoming the Brexit agreement, with its leaders previously having warned that a no deal scenario would put the North East plant at risk.
However, Mr de Ficchy yesterday put those fears to bed when he revealed his confidence in the Sunderland plant.
He said: “We always clearly advised that without certainty on a deal, it would have not been possible to continue if the outcome was negative for us.
"However, we have been right to continue investing in Sunderland because Sunderland is one of the most efficient plants that we have in the world in terms of a cost perspective and in terms of the quality of vehicles produced.
"The fact that we have clear rules gives the message that we can continue operating in Europe, there was no short term alternative to the Sunderland plant.
”I have more than 100% confidence on maintaining that investment, as I have said, we have one of the most efficient plants among the group and we will continue that leverage going forward.”
It was confirmed late last year that the site will produce the new e-POWER model, a hybrid vehicle, following on from a £400million investment in the car – with that cash boost including a £52million XL press line at the base.
Following on from this, Mr de Ficchy was keen to highlight that the company was still investing in the city regardless of the uncertainty around Brexit.
He added: “In 2020, we maintained the investment in the UK despite all the uncertainties in the last year.
"Today is important for us because we can launch a vehicle on conditions that are sustainable because of the new trade agreement.
"We have clear rules going forward, it is clear today and it is clear tomorrow.”