“For Nissan, our plant in Sunderland, North East England, is absolutely fundamental.
Nissan has an objective to be the number one Asian brand in Europe and the plant in Sunderland is the kingpin of that.
The staff and management team have been very focused on getting a competitive plant and attracting new models.
It’s all about not being complacent, but being challenging for your future, and the plant has an excellent track record in doing that. The plant’s efficient work practices, helped in no small measure by excellent industrial relations, also contribute.”
Nissan (NMUK)
Nissan (NMUK) is one of the most productive car plants in Europe, producing more than half a million cars a year and exporting to over 130 global markets. The plant has grown from 1,100 in 1987 to supporting more than 6,700 jobs in 2018. Currently the Sunderland car plant produces the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Leaf (Electric Model).
The plant supports a major Tier One supply chain of over 30 companies, and has recently invested £420m into its battery plant and 100% electric LEAF model production at Sunderland.
North East England road vehicle exports have trebled, from just over £1.5bn in 2000 to £4.8bn in 2014; with one in every three cars made in the UK, now being made in North East England.