Brexit: Nissan boss confident UK will remain a 'competitive place to do business'

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn attended a meeting with the Prime Minister at Downing Street today Credit: Reuters

The boss of car company Nissan has said he is confident the UK will remain a "competitive place to do business" when the UK leaves the EU.

The comments from Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn were made following crunch talks on Brexit with Prime Minister Theresa May.

The Number 10 meeting was held amid concerns about the future of the car giant's plant in Sunderland post Brexit.

He has suggested the company will halt new investment in the factory unless it can agree a compensation deal with the Government for any adverse financial impact from the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU.

Following the talks, Mr Ghosn said: "We want to ensure that this high-performing, high-employment factory remains competitive globally and continues to deliver for our business and for Britain.

"Following our productive meeting, I am confident the Government will continue to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to do business. I look forward to continued positive collaboration between Nissan and the UK Government."

The Wearside plant has been open since 1986 and employs 7,000 people, producing around 2,000 car each day.

PM Theresa May held 'crunch talks' with Nissan CEO at Downing Street today Credit: Reuters

Concerns over the future of the plant had been sparked after Mr Ghosn warned that "important decisions will not be made in the dark" earlier this year.

Keeping Nissan in the UK is regarded as vital to Mrs May's hopes for a successful Brexit: "Our automotive industry is a great British success story and Nissan has been at the heart of it. Over the past 30 years they have had an excellent relationship with the UK Government.

"We are now at the start of the complex negotiating process as Britain exits the EU and I have been clear that there will be challenges ahead. But I am confident we will achieve the best deal for Britain and the Government will engage closely with employers and investors as part of our work to create a global Britain.

"That's why I was pleased to have met with Mr Ghosn today to discuss our shared belief that Britain remains an outward-looking, world-leading nation in which to do business."