Nissan has officially commenced production of its latest electric vehicle at its massive Sunderland factory, marking a pivotal moment for the UK's automotive sector as it shifts away from traditional petrol and diesel engines.
A Major Investment in British Manufacturing
The Japanese carmaker is launching the third generation of its pioneering Leaf model, which was the first mass-market battery electric car built in the United Kingdom. Nissan has invested more than £450 million into manufacturing the new Leaf, with a significant portion—over £300 million—being pumped directly into its UK operations.
To date, the Sunderland plant has produced an impressive 282,704 units of the Leaf. The site remains Britain's largest car factory, employing 6,000 people and possessing the theoretical capacity to manufacture 600,000 vehicles annually. However, industry data from MarkLines indicates actual output for 2024 was around 284,000 units, reflecting broader challenges faced by European car manufacturers.
Securing the Future of the Sunderland Plant
The successful rollout of the new Leaf is seen as critical for safeguarding the long-term future of the entire Sunderland facility. In 2023, Nissan revealed it was considering building two additional electric models at the plant. These vehicles are intended to eventually replace the petrol-powered Qashqai SUV and Juke crossover currently made there, though a final investment decision is still pending.
Proceeding with these future models will also be vital for the adjacent AESC battery factory, which is majority-owned by a Chinese company. This move comes against a backdrop of global restructuring for Nissan, which is closing seven factories worldwide and cutting 20,000 jobs after a period of overexpansion and leadership instability. The Sunderland site is not affected by these closures.
Nissan's Vice-President for Manufacturing at the plant, Adam Pennick, stated: "There is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland." The sentiment was echoed by Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who called Sunderland "the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry" and hailed Nissan's commitment as a major vote of confidence in the north-east and the wider economy.
Specifications and Government Support
The new Leaf model boasts significant improvements, including a range of up to 386 miles on a single charge thanks to a larger, 75 kilowatt-hour battery. In a boost for potential buyers, the UK government has confirmed the vehicle will qualify for the full £3,750 electric car grant.
Looking ahead, Nissan's Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa indicated in May that the company might also use the Sunderland facility to manufacture cars for its Chinese partner, Dongfeng, as part of its turnaround strategy. This development underscores the plant's evolving role in Nissan's global network and the UK's ambition to remain a competitive force in electric vehicle production.
