Up to 9,000 new jobs could be created in a massive boost for the UK car industry.
The Tata gigafactory announcement - of a £4billion investment in an electric car battery factory - is said to be the biggest UK news for the industry since Nissan came to Wearside.
Let's look back at Nissan's own huge impact over the years in nine retro Sunderland Echo photos.
5. Back to 1986 for the official opening of Nissan on Wearside.
Back to 1986 for the official opening of Nissan on Wearside. | se
6. The first Nissan Bluebird loads at Teesport in 1988.
The first Nissan Bluebird loads at Teesport in 1988. | se
7. Delighted to export Nissan Primeras to Japan in 1991 were Patrick Hore, Chris Hindmarsh, Gary Turnbull, Lee Brooks, Tony Curry and Ian Ingram of Nissan.
Delighted to export Nissan Primeras to Japan in 1991 were Patrick Hore, Chris Hindmarsh, Gary Turnbull, Lee Brooks, Tony Curry and Ian Ingram of Nissan. | se
8. Nissan Micra was the car of the year in 1992 and these workers had every reason to celebrate.
Nissan Micra was the car of the year in 1992 and these workers had every reason to celebrate. | se
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