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Nissan to build new models in Sunderland | Nissan to build new models in Sunderland |
(35 minutes later) | |
Nissan has confirmed it will build both the new Qashqai and the X-Trail SUV at its Sunderland plant in the first major development for the car industry since the Brexit vote. | |
The Japanese company's commitment to Britain's biggest car plant had been in doubt following the referendum. | |
Carlos Ghosn, Nissan chief executive, said government "support and assurances" allowed it to decide to make the two new cars in Sunderland. | |
The decision will secure 7,000 jobs. | |
Mr Ghosn said he welcomed prime minister Theresa May's "commitment to the automotive industry in Britain". | |
Last month he warned that Nissan may not invest in the Sunderland plant unless the government guaranteed compensation for costs related to any new trade tariffs resulting from Brexit. | |
Mrs May described the announcement as "fantastic news", adding: "This vote of confidence shows Britain is open for business." | |
Business Secretary Greg Clark said: "The fact Nissan have not only made a long-term commitment to build the next generation Qashqai and X-Trail at Sunderland, but decided to upgrade their factory to a super-plant, manufacturing over 600,000 cars a year, is proof of the strength of the sector." | |
Building the X-Trail SUV at is an unexpected addition to the model line-up at Sunderland, which makes almost one in three cars built in Britain. Last year the plant produced 475,000 vehicles last year - 80% of which were exported. | |
Sunderland opened in 1986 and has produced almost nine million cars over the past three decades. | |
Production of the next Qashqai model is expected to begin in 2018 or 2019. | Production of the next Qashqai model is expected to begin in 2018 or 2019. |