Nissan to stay in Britain

Nissan will build its new Qashqui SUV at its plant in Sunderland, England, says the Economic Times. The announcement has eased concerns about Brexit’s impact on the UK auto industry, with Nissan saying in a statement that their decision “follows the UK government’s commitment to ensure that the Sunderland plant remains competitive.” “As a result, Nissan will increase its investment in Sunderland, securing and sustaining the jobs of more than 7,000 workers.” The marque will also add production of the next four-wheel drive X-Trail model to the plant. British Prime Minister Theresa May said the announcement was “fantastic news for the UK,” adding that Nissan was “at the heart of this country’s strong automotive industry.” Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn welcomed May’s “commitment to the automotive industry in Britain and to the development of an overall industrial strategy.” Ghosn had previously warned the British government in September that the company needed guarantees over Britain’s vote to leave the EU before it could commit to further investment at the plant. The Sunderland plant has produced almost nine million cars since its opening in 1986, and now makes one in three cars manufactured in Britain. Around 80 per cent of the vehicles built at the plant are exported to more than 130 international markets. Business Secretary Greg Clark says the announcement is vital for the Sunderland region, whose economy has been affected by decades of post-industrial decline. “The UK automotive sector has had a remarkable year - exporting over one million cars around the world. "This is thanks to our highly-skilled workforce, long-term investment in new technology and innovation and the strong partnership between government and industry as we develop together our industrial strategy.”