The third generation Nissan LEAF is commencing production at the company’s Sunderland Plant as it begins the EV36Zero plan.
As part of £450m investment by Nissan across its operations and supply chain, the production line has been updated for the new EV.
Work included adopting new technology including big data, virtual reality and digital mapping, 137 new press dies, 78 new robots, new colour palettes, a fully automated battery marriage facility, 475 new automated guided vehicles to deliver parts, and 360,000 hours of training on how to build the vehicle.
The team at Sunderland Plant will follow LEAF with a new all-electric Nissan JUKE next year, with both models built on the plant’s production Line Two. It means that Nissan Sunderland now produces vehicles from fully electric to hybrid, including Nissan’s unique e‑POWER technology on Qashqai, and JUKE HEV, as well as ICE.
Nissan supports 6,000 jobs in Sunderland and 7,000 in total across its UK operations, including NTCE and its Design Centre in Paddington, London. The company also supports an estimated 30,000 jobs in its wider UK supply chain.
The landscape around the plant has also been transformed with a brand-new AESC gigafactory just over the road from the plant. AESC will supply next-generation battery technology with increased energy density to deliver superior range and performance for the new LEAF.
UK government Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:
“Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry, and Nissan’s investment is a major commitment to the North East and a huge vote of confidence in our economy.
“Through this government’s modern Industrial Strategy, we’re delivering £4 billion into our world leading auto sector – the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era – driving growth, innovation and jobs across the country.”
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO), said:
“Today is a momentous occasion as we begin production of the third generation Nissan LEAF in the UK, the electric vehicle that started it all.
“Smart, sleek and aerodynamic, the all-new LEAF captures the energy of a new generation as a car that redefines what’s possible and sets the stage for Nissan’s next chapter.
“LEAF brings to life our world first EV36Zero vision, which combines EV manufacturing, battery production and renewable energy.”
Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant said:
“Nissan has invested into our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs of the future and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland.
“The skills, expertise and team-work of our people have powered Sunderland’s success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.”
Jim Marley, AESC UK Plant Director, said:
“The launch of our new UK electric vehicle battery gigafactory represents a significant leap in battery technology. It will power the new Nissan LEAF and drive the electrification of the British car industry to a new level.
“This gigafactory will anchor a resilient, globally competitive EV supply chain for the UK.”
Sunderland City Council Leader Michael Mordey added:
“It’s fantastic to see production of the new third generation LEAF starting here in Sunderland today, bringing to life Nissan’s EV36Zero vision and showcasing the amazing talent of the whole team here at Nissan.
“The scale of investment which Nissan has made in the plant is hugely significant, continuing to create valuable employment opportunities in high quality green jobs for residents from across our communities in Sunderland and throughout the wider North East region.
“We could not be more proud that this world-leading car is being made in our city and of the talented workforce who make that possible.”
Image courtesy of Nissan
