Nissan to build two new models at Sunderland plant
Updated : 13:42
Nissan will build two new models at its Sunderland plant, in the first major investment decision by a carmaker since the Brexit vote.
The company said it will build the Qashqai and X Trail SUV models at the plant, which would protect more than 7,000 jobs
Prime Minister Theresa May said Nissan’s decision was a vote of confidence and it shows Britain is open for business.
“It is a recognition that the government is committed to creating and supporting the right conditions for the automotive industry so it continues to grow, now and in the future.”
The decision was made after Nissan’s chief executive Carlos Gosn lobbied for guarantees to protect the carmaker from the impact of the Brexit vote and was given assurances from the Prime Minister.
Ghosn said he welcomed May's "commitment to the automotive industry in Britain and to the development of an overall industrial strategy.
“The support and assurances of the UK government enabled us to decide that the next generation Qashqai and X-Trail will be produced at Sunderland.”
The Sunderland plant, which has been described by Gosn as a “European plant based in Britain”, makes over 500,000 cars a year, with 28,000 supply chain jobs dependent on it.