Fantastic news says Council leader after Nissan's £170m investment in new car at Sunderland plant

Sunderland City Council has welcomed Nissan’s announcement of a £170m investment to bring a fourth model to its Sunderland plant, describing it as a major vote of confidence in the city, its workforce and the future of automotive manufacturing in the UK.

Nissan has announced that production of the hybrid Kicks e-power model will join the Leaf, Juke and Qashqai at its Sunderland plant, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Speaking to the Echo this morning, Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson at Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania (AMIEO) Region, said the investment will help secure the future of the current 6,000 strong workforce in the city and region.

Mr Messina also said he is confident Nissan’s Sunderland plant will still be in the city in another 40 years.

Responding to the news, Councillor Christopher Eynon, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "This is fantastic news for Sunderland and a powerful vote of confidence in our city's world-leading automotive manufacturing sector.

"As Nissan celebrates 40 years in Sunderland, the decision to bring production of the Kicks model to Europe and to manufacture it here reflects the exceptional skill, quality and productivity of our workforce.

"Nissan has been a valued partner for decades, and we remain committed to working together to ensure Sunderland continues to lead the way in electrification, innovation and the future success of the UK automotive industry."

Councillors said the investment further strengthens Sunderland’s position as the UK's leading automotive manufacturing location, with more than one in three cars made in the UK now produced in the city.

The announcement is “another significant milestone in Sunderland's long-standing partnership with Nissan and reinforces the city's role at the centre of the UK's transition to electric vehicle manufacturing”.

Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing, Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: “I’m proud to welcome this new model allocation for Sunderland. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our 40th year as a world-class manufacturing site. We look forward to seeing Kicks e-power hybrid going down the production line with our electrified line up of Qashqai, Juke and LEAF.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness also welcomed the investment, describing it as a significant endorsement of both the region's automotive industry and its electric vehicle future.