Production of the next-generation Nissan LEAF has begun in Sunderland – making it the first new high-volume electric car to be produced in the UK since 2020.
Nissan has invested more than £450m into manufacturing the new LEAF at their Wearside plant, supporting 6,000 jobs and thousands more in the supply chain.
Industry Minister Chris McDonald will attend the launch in Sunderland today, where he will hail the start of production as a major boost to both the North East and the automotive sector, a step which underlines the UK’s position at the forefront of manufacturing green technologies.
“Nissan has invested in our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs of the future, and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland,” stated Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant.
“The skills, expertise and teamwork of our people have powered Sunderland’s success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.”
This latest development builds on the biggest government investment into the UK’s car industry of the post-war era, with £4bn funding from the modern Industrial Strategy going towards accelerating the electrification of vehicle plants and investment in batteries, electric motors and power electronics.
How the Industrial Strategy boosts EV manufacturing
Through the Industrial Strategy, the government plans to cluster EV manufacturing across growth areas.
Along with the introduction of the new Nissan LEAF, the government is announcing the launch of two new regional EV supply chain pilots in partnership with the North East and West Midlands Metro Mayors.
Implemented under DRIVE35, these programmes will strategically boost growth, enhance UK supply chain resilience, and increase domestic production in the transition to zero-emission technologies.
In the same area, AESC has opened a new 12 GWh gigafactory, which will supply batteries for Nissan, showcasing the power of investment in boosting the supply chain through new jobs and opportunities in the region.
Industry Minister Chris McDonald said: “Production of the Nissan LEAF in Sunderland will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader for manufacturing and as the destination of choice for investment.
“This government has taken decisive action to back the automotive sector through our modern Industrial Strategy, securing new trade deals and creating export opportunities, supporting UK manufacturers to safeguard jobs and helping to secure the future of the sector for decades to come.”
Electric Car Grant promises significant discounts on the Nissan LEAF
Drivers can save £3,750 off the new Nissan LEAF thanks to the government’s Electric Car Grant, which is putting thousands of pounds back in families’ pockets when they decide to make the switch.
The scheme is backing the UK’s automotive industry, a key sector identified in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, which supports 133,000 jobs in the UK, and a further 320,000 jobs in the wider economy.
