Nissan to commit to making new electric Qashqai and Juke models in Sunderland

Nissan is to commit to manufacturing future electric versions of its two best-selling cars in Sunderland.

The Japanese carmaker will announce on Friday that its new electric Qashqai and Juke models will be made at the site, according to widespread reports.

The company’s investment is in the region of £1 billion and will be supported by a contribution from the Government, the reports stated.

In his autumn statement on Wednesday, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said £4.5 billion would be made available to support strategic manufacturing sectors such as the car industry.

Nissan’s commitment to its Sunderland plant is expected to help preserve 6,000 jobs at the factory.

There are fears many electric cars exported between the UK and the EU will be hit with 10% tariffs due to post-Brexit trade rules due to be implemented from 1 January.

This is because most manufacturers will struggle to meet the requirement to source at least 45% of their components by value in the UK or EU, due to the lack of battery production.

Nissan is the only carmaker in the UK with a dedicated battery plant nearby.

The Qashqai is the UK’s second most popular new car so far this year, with the Juke at number seven on the list.

A spokesman for Nissan said: “We do not comment on rumours and speculation.”

The Government was approached for a comment.

Figures circulated within the motor industry have suggested that building the two electric models on Wearside would be worth £4 billion to the North East economy by 2027 and create up to 12,000 jobs in the local supply chain.

An industry source said: “The UK government was pivotal in bringing Nissan to the UK in the 1980s.

“It has probably been the most successful foreign direct investment into the UK given the scale and growth of Nissan.”

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