Nissan vehicle will create 1,600 jobs SUNDERLAND:
Government support aids expansion by Japanese motor giant
Japanese car giant Nissan is to build a new electric model and huge battery plant in the UK with financial support from the Government.
More than 1,600 jobs will be created in Sunderland and an estimated 4,500 in supply companies under an investment of £1bn, which will include building a new-generation all-electric vehicle.
JAPANESE CAR giant Nissan is to build a new electric model and huge battery plant in the UK with financial support from the Government, giving a massive boost to the automotive industry.
More than 1,600 jobs will be created in Sunderland and an estimated 4,500 in supply companies under an investment of £1bn, including building a new-generation all-electric vehicle.
The news was warmly welcomed by the Government, the industry and unions representing workers in Sunderland, where Nissan has been building cars for 35 years.
Nissan chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta would not say how much financial backing the UK Government has given the project.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng suggested that a significant sum of financial support from the Government has been committed to Nissan but declined to give a figure.
The carmaker will partner with Envision AESC, a global battery technology company, and Sunderland City Council.
There will be three interconnected initiatives bringing together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production, which Nissan said sets a blueprint for the future of the automotive industry.
The new model will be a crossover vehicle, but Nissan said it was too early to say when production will start.
Mr Gupta said this month was the 35th anniversary of the plant building its first car, adding:
“This is a £1bn birthday present for all of my colleagues here.”
Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband, Shadow Business Secretary, said: “Labour called for more gigafactories, and we warmly welcome this announcement from Nissan.”
Steve Turner, assistant general secretary of Unite, said: “Nissan and this incredible workforce were determined that Sunderland should lead the pack as we transition to electric vehicles and today they have delivered.
“They have battled for years
to convince the Government to support and invest in UK battery manufacturing, and today’s very welcome announcement will bring much-needed job security to the plant and thousands of new skilled jobs to the region.”
Mr Kwarteng said: “This fantastic investment by Nissan and Envision AESC represents a solemn commitment to the people of Sunderland, bringing further high-skilled jobs and turbocharging our plans to level up the North-East.”
Meanwhile, CBI North-East director Sarah Glendinning said: “Nissan’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in a greener future for the UK economy. This announcement signals the success of concerted efforts between business and Government to seize the moment by creating jobs fuelled by decarbonisation efforts.
“And it must be the spark for six more gigafactories needed by 2040 to support a thriving electric vehicle market and prompt investment in widespread charging infrastructure.”
Downing Street has said the car giant was taking advantage of the opportunities offered by Brexit. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Thanks to Brexit I think Nissan is moving forward to use Brexit as an opportunity. Nissan’s announcement today is a major vote of confidence
in the UK and our highlyskilled workers in the North-East. It is a pivotal moment in our electric vehicle revolution securing its future for decades to come.”
But the Prime Minister admitted he is still largely driven in conventional cars.
During a visit to a Nissan plant in Sunderland, the Prime Minister told reporters: “I, at the moment, am driven in a variety of machines most of which are still run on hydrocarbons but I can tell you we will be phasing it out as soon as we conveniently and economically can.”
I think Nissan is moving forward to use Brexit as an opportunity. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman.