Nissan has announced plans to launch a new model in Europe and will invest £170m to build it at its plant in the UK.
The Nissan Kicks is a compact crossover which features its e-POWER hybrid technology and will be manufactured in Sunderland, alongside the Qashqai, Juke and LEAF.
Currently built in Japan, Mexico and Brazil, Kicks has so far surpassed 1.8 million units sold in more than 70 countries.
The Sunderland announcement brings the model to Europe, adding a further e-POWER hybrid model to the range and ensuring Nissan “continues to offer a variety of electrified powertrains to suit all customer needs”, it said.
Kicks is the 10th model allocated for Sunderland production since 1986, and follows the Bluebird, Primera, Micra, Almera, Note, Infiniti Q30, JUKE, Qashqai and LEAF.
It will be equipped with the third-generation system, launched in 2025, and re-engineered for even better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and elevated refinement.
From next year, Sunderland will also manufacture the all-new, third-generation Nissan JUKE which will be 100% electric. It also following the announcement of a new A-segment small electric car, which will be called PIXO and unveiled next week.
Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing, Nissan Sunderland Plant, said:
“I’m proud to welcome this new model allocation for Sunderland. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our 40th year as a world-class manufacturing site. We look forward to seeing Kicks e-POWER hybrid going down the production line with our electrified line up of 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.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“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.
“The UK sector has the fundamental strengths to secure growth. But to unlock that potential, we must continue to strengthen our competitiveness – supporting a healthy market, tackling the high cost of business, especially energy and additional employment costs – and ensuring trade works for manufacturers. Do this and yet more companies will choose to build the next generation of vehicles here in Britain.”
Image courtesy of Nissan
