We've started production on the new Nissan LEAF - and it's a landmark day for the car industry
As production starts on the new Nissan LEAF today, December 16, it’s been hailed as a landmark day for the car industry.
The third generation car is the first LEAF model launched under Nissan’s EV36Zero blueprint for the future of EV production and will be built on Wearside by the plant’s team of 6,000 people.
The EV36Zero project will see the car manufacturing giant use Nissan’s Sunderland headquarters as a hub to build three electric vehicles at three gigafactories as the company strives to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Speaking at the Sunderland plant as production got underway, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said the region's automotive sector would receive £50m in new funding, secured from the government.
New Nissan LEAF is ‘turning point’
Ms McGuinness, said: “The start of production for the new Nissan LEAF is a landmark day for our car industry, but it also comes at a turning point for EV in the North East which we are backing with £50 million of new investment.
"We’re not just talking about the future of transport – we’re building it right here and that means jobs for local people while we make it easier for car owners to switch to EV. Drivers can get a £3,750 subsidy from the Government on buying a new LEAF and that’s a real boost for workers at Nissan and its supply chain.
“We are installing new charge points in the North East faster than anywhere else in the UK. We are delivering on our promise to install more than 1,000 new EV charge points and that’s happening right now in places like Berwick, Otterburn and Spennymoor.
“We will also work with bus companies to double the number of electric buses to give passengers a smoother, cleaner ride, starting with busy routes to and from Chester-le-Street, Metrocentre and Gateshead in the new year. I want to see every bus in the North East go electric within 10 years.”
Industry Minister Chris McDonald MP, said: “With this funding we’re backing electric vehicle manufacturing in both the North East and West Midlands to succeed – shoring up our supply chains, securing local jobs and creating new opportunities in local communities.
“Through our modern Industrial Strategy we’re giving the car sector the tools it needs to thrive, and working in partnership with business and local government to ramp up EV manufacturing across the country as we drive forward the net zero transition.”