(MENAFN – The Peninsula) AFP
Sunderland, UK: Japanese car Nissan will invest up to £1. 12 billion to build electric models of two of the best-selling cars in Sunderland, north-east England, supporting thousands of jobs, it said on Friday.
The carmaker will invest in electric versions of its best-selling Juke and Qashqai models at Sunderland, which is its largest plant in Europe and employs around 6,000 people.
“Nissan’s latest investment includes up to £1. 12bn ($1. 4bn) across its UK operations and wider R&D chain.
The news will spur further investment in infrastructure projects and the wider supply chain, adding a new battery factory for electric cars, which could bring the total investment to £2 billion.
“Exciting electric cars are at the heart of our plans toward carbon neutrality,” said Makoto Uchida, Nissan chairman and chief executive officer.
“With the arrival of electric versions of our core European models, we are moving into a new era for Nissan, for the industry and for our customers. “
The news comes as Britain looks to play a leading role in electric car production, as corporations and governments move away from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles.
“Nissan’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK car industry, which already contributes £71 billion a year to our economy,” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who will attend an official announcement on Friday.
“This venture will undoubtedly secure Sunderland’s future as the UK’s Silicon Valley for electric vehicle innovation and manufacturing.
“Making the UK fit to do business is at the heart of our economic plan. “
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