The plant could receive a huge boost if plans to build low-emission cars at the Washington factory get the green light.

The site is understood to be a "strong contender" as a UK base for the new vehicles.

Regional development chiefs are working with the Government to ensure the North East is well placed to become a leader in producing the zero-emission cars.

The plans could provide a ray of hope to the beleaguered workforce after 1,200 employees lost their jobs at the plant.

A Nissan spokesman has confirmed the company is committed to becoming a global leader in the green vehicles.

The plans come just days after Gordon Brown praised the North East's car industry and its importance as a vital automotive research centre, highlighting work on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

News of the talks between the Government and Nissan came after Durham City Labour MP Roberta Blackman-Woods asked what support was available to the company to develop low-energy and low-emission vehicles.

Ian Pearson, Business Minister, said: "Nissan are very interested in producing a new generation of electric vehicles and we have been in direct discussions with them about that.

"We would like them to be made in the North East and we will continue to have dialogue with them about that."

Dr Blackman-Woods responded by saying she would "encourage the Government to use the very skilled workforce and new technology to develop these new cars".

She is now understood to be seeking a meeting with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

Sarah Green, regional director of the CBI, added: "There is a real opportunity around low carbon-emission vehicles. Nissan and the North East are in an excellent position to maximise the opportunity."

A spokesman for Nissan added: "Nissan has been forming partnerships with a growing number of countries, cities and states to prepare for the successful mass marketing and introduction of electric vehicles in the very near future.

"To this end, over the last few months, Nissan and the UK Government have been in discussion and we have been encouraged by their pro-active approach in this matter."

Nissan will begin mass marketing of electric vehicles globally from 2012.

The company confirmed no production locations had been "confirmed".

"However, Nissan will continue to work closely with the UK Government to ensure the Sunderland plant is a strong contender," the spokesman added.