Nissan is to pump £170m into its Sunderland plant to build a new model called Nissan Kicks.
The compact B-segment crossover features Nissan’s e‑Power hybrid technology will be manufactured alongside the Qashqai, Juke and Leaf.
Massimiliano Messina, chairperson Nissan AMIEO Region, said: “This is fantastic news for our European region and demonstrates the agility and speed with which we can bring new models to new markets.
“Kicks is a compact crossover, with the unique e‑Power hybrid drivetrain, exciting design and innovative technology. Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”
UK Government Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said: “Nissan has been at the heart of British manufacturing for four decades, with Sunderland producing millions of vehicles that supported thousands of skilled jobs and helped establish the North East as a global automotive powerhouse.
“The decision to build this new model in Sunderland is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s manufacturing expertise and automotive future. I’m excited in what our partnership with industry can achieve so this Government delivers good growth, investment and skilled jobs in every postcode.”
Kicks is the second product update from Nissan in Europe this month following the announcement of a new A-segment small electric car, which will be called Pixo.
The second-generation Kicks model is currently built in Japan, Mexico and Brazil for sale globally. In total, Kicks has surpassed 1.8 million units sold in more than 70 countries.
SMMT CEO Mike Hawes welcomed the move: ” Today’s announcement is a major boost for Nissan Sunderland, the thousands of highly skilled jobs it supports and the wider local supply chain. It is also another vote of confidence in UK automotive manufacturing with its world-class workforce, innovation and engineering excellence.”
