A major boost for British manufacturing unfolded today as the latest Nissan LEAF began production, a move set to secure the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers across the nation.
A Landmark Day for Sunderland and the UK
The third generation of the world's first mass-market electric vehicle rolled silently off the line at Nissan's plant in Sunderland. This pivotal moment is backed by a substantial £450 million investment, directly safeguarding an estimated almost 40,000 jobs throughout the UK. This figure encompasses the 7,000 employed directly by Nissan UK and a further 30,000 within its extensive supply chain.
The government has concurrently announced plans to generate up to 2,000 new jobs on top of this existing workforce. Production of the new LEAF will reach an impressive rate of one car every minute at the Tyne and Wear facility, signalling a robust commitment to the UK's automotive future.
Pride and Security on the Production Line
For the workforce, the arrival of the new model brings profound relief and pride. Jamie Williams, 36, a senior supervisor, highlighted the plant's deep-rooted community ties. "My dad worked here and now I am part of making the latest model," he said, emphasising the project's importance for "tens of thousands of people" in the supply chain.
Jess Brown, 38, a logistics section manager who joined when the first LEAF launched in 2013, spoke of the widespread security the new model brings. "Getting the new model here was huge as there are so many other jobs created in the battery gigaplant and other suppliers," she explained.
Guy Reid, 46, a production engineering director with 22 years at Nissan, summed up the sentiment: "We have a pride in everything we do. Days like this make you realise just how important it is."
Innovation Driving the Future
The new LEAF represents a significant technological step forward. With a starting price of around £32,000, the vehicle offers a range of up to 386 miles for the 75 kWh battery version. Rapid charging can provide substantial range in just 30 minutes.
Max Messina, Nissan's Chair in Europe, hailed the LEAF as an icon. "From day one it was designed to break down the barriers to electric driving," he stated, noting the model's global sales of 700,000 units and its role in avoiding an estimated two billion kilograms of CO2 emissions.
The production process itself, dubbed 'EV36Zero', incorporates cutting-edge technology including virtual reality, digital plant mapping, 78 new high-tech robots, and a fully automated laser welding facility. A fleet of 475 automated guided vehicles ensures parts are delivered directly to the line.
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle called the investment a "huge vote of confidence in our economy." The government's support is further evidenced by its new Electric Vehicle Cluster Fund, designed to help companies transition to EV part production. Additionally, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness is providing £22 million to install EV charging points and plans to double the region's electric bus fleet within six months.
Adam Pennick, Nissan Vice President for Manufacturing, reflected on the plant's legacy, which has produced nearly 12 million vehicles since the first Nissan Bluebird in 1986. He paid tribute to the dedication of the workforce, whose efforts have now secured a vibrant new chapter for UK car manufacturing.
