Production of the next-generation Nissan Leaf has begun in Sunderland, making it the first new electric car to be mass-produced in the UK from 2020 onwards.
Nissan is investing more than £450 million to manufacture the new Leaf at its Wearside factory, supporting more than 6,000 jobs in its supply chain.
Industry Secretary Chris McDonald will be attending the launch in Sunderland today and hails the start of production as a major boost for both the North East and the automotive sector, and a step that underlines the UK’s position at the forefront of manufacturing green technology.
Adam Pennick, vice president of manufacturing at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, said: “Nissan is investing in a state-of-the-art factory to build the EVs of the future, and our team is extremely proud and excited to build this amazing vehicle in Sunderland.”
“The skills, expertise and teamwork of our people are the driving force behind Sunderland’s success and the transformation of our factory for the new Leaf demonstrates our leadership in the electrification journey.”
This latest development builds on the biggest post-war government investment in the UK car industry, with £4 billion of funding from the Modern Industrial Strategy to accelerate the electrification of car factories and invest in batteries, electric motors and power electronics.
How industrial strategy will drive EV manufacturing
Through its industrial strategy, the government plans to focus EV manufacturing across growth sectors.
To coincide with the introduction of the new Nissan Leaf, the Government has announced that it is partnering with metro mayors in the North East and West Midlands to begin piloting two new regional EV supply chains.
These programs, delivered under DRIVE35, will strategically drive growth, strengthen the resilience of the UK supply chain and increase domestic production in the transition to zero-emission technologies.
AESC is opening a new 12GWh Gigafactory in the same region to supply batteries to Nissan, demonstrating the power of investment to strengthen the supply chain through new jobs and opportunities in the region.
Industry Secretary Chris McDonald said: “Production of the Nissan Leaf in Sunderland will strengthen the UK’s position as a world leader in manufacturing and as a destination of choice for investment.”
“The Government is taking decisive action to support the automotive sector through a modern industrial strategy, securing new trade deals, creating export opportunities and helping UK manufacturers protect jobs, helping to secure the future of the sector for decades to come.”
Electric car subsidy promises big discounts on Nissan Leaf
Drivers can save £3,750 on a new Nissan Leaf thanks to the Government’s electric car grant, putting thousands of pounds back into the pockets of families who decide to switch to an electric car.
The scheme supports the UK car industry, a key sector identified in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, supporting 133,000 jobs in the UK and a further 320,000 jobs across the economy.
Source link
