Published on 01 July 2021
Nissan has announced a major expansion of electric vehicle production at its Sunderland car plant which will create 1,650 new jobs.
The Japanese carmaker says it will build its new-generation all-electric model at the site. Its partner, Envision AESC, will also build a new electric battery plant.
The new electric vehicle hub, launched with £1bn worth of investment, will also support thousands of jobs in the UK supply chain. Of that £1bn, Nissan said it would invest up to £423m to produce a new-generation all-electric vehicle in the UK, building on the success of its existing electric car, the Leaf.
Production of the new model will create 909 new jobs and more than 4,500 in its UK supply chain.
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, Sir David Bell KCB DL, said: “For everyone who lives, works or studies in the city, this is tremendous news.
"As with so much else in recent times, it demonstrates that Sunderland can combine great ambition with an ability to deliver major projects for the good of all.”
Professor David Baglee, Head of School of Engineering at the University of Sunderland, said: "This is fantastic opportunity for Nissan, the City of Sunderland and the North East. The University will be at the forefront in providing the necessary academic programmes to enhance the skills of current and future Nissan staff.
"The University already supports Nissan through our degree apprenticeship programme and a number of integrated-learning short-course training courses specifically designed for industry skills development.
"It is exciting to see Nissan pave the way for the future of the automotive industry and we are equally excited to be developing the future engineers through our programmes and emerging technologies."
Professor Lawrence Bellamy, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Tourism, said: "The significant investment in green automotive technology at Nissan Sunderland is indicative of the long-term commitment to a regional workforce which has delivered outstanding results for Nissan for decades.
"Automotive supply chains are facing a seismic shift in their focus towards Electric Vehicles and this presents huge opportunities to establish a strong foothold for the NE as a recognised leader in the manufacturing of vital components for technology which will be dominant in the near future.
"Despite the concerns of Brexit and the impact of Covid on world economies confidence should now be returned in the potential of the NE to continue to act as a key part in the global industry."