Nissan invests £1bn creating an EV manufacturing ecosystem in Sunderland

Nissan and partners’ initial £1bn investment to create EV36Zero will transform its Sunderland manufacturing facility and create a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem.

Complementing vehicle and battery production is the Sunderland City Council-initiated Microgrid project, which will have the capability to deliver 100 per cent renewable electricity to Nissan and its neighbouring suppliers, incorporating the existing Nissan wind and solar farms, including Nissan’s brand new 20MW solar farm.

The additional two models, alongside an additional gigafactory and further investment for infrastructure projects, will result in an investment of up to £2bn. It means Nissan’s plans for the future electric versions of Qashqai, JUKE, and the replacement for LEAF, will enable up to a £3bn investment in the UK.

In addition, the UK Government has awarded £15m of funding for a £30m collaborative project led by Nissan. It will strengthen the technical expertise and R&D zero emission vehicle capability of the Nissan Technical Centre (NTCE) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, increasing opportunities for securing additional UK R&D investment in future vehicle models.

Today’s announcement comes as a new Investment Zone (IZ) was confirmed for North East England. The North East Investment Zone will focus on Advanced Manufacturing and Green Industries, building on the Arc of Innovation running from Northumberland down to Sunderland and Durham with opportunities along the Tyne Corridor and benefits felt across the wider region.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “Nissan has a proud history in car manufacturing in Sunderland and their continued commitment to the UK shows how our support for business is getting results helping create thousands of jobs and solidifying Britain’s place as the world’s 8th largest manufacturer.”

UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “The investment by Nissan in Sunderland shows once again that the Government’s plan for the automotive sector is working. “The forthcoming Advanced Manufacturing Plan will build on this deal and other recent big investment wins for the UK car industry, helping to support thousands of jobs and drive growth across the UK.”

Cllr Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The strength of our partnership with businesses like these alongside our ability to work with Government is essential to the continued success of the sector, and the Investment Zone for the North East announced today means we can build on our track record by attracting further investment of this scale and significance.”

John McCabe, chief executive at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “This transformative project will create more skilled, higher-paid jobs and safeguard hundreds of jobs in the region, and will provide a significant boost to the North East’s economy.

“Investments such as this really highlight the North East’s huge potential, with thriving regional supply chains and availability of renewable energy sources, and we look forward to working with Nissan to provide support for the project.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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