Global automobile manufacturing giant Nissan announced up to a GBP 3 billion (AUD 5.7 billion) investment to make 100 per cent electric versions of two models at its UK plant, delivering a significant boost to the United Kingdom’s auto industry.
The move means the EV36Zero hub in Sunderland, which is Nissan’s blueprint for future manufacturing, will consist of three electric vehicles and three gigafactories.
In a media release, Nissan said the project will manufacture all-electric versions of Nissan’s flagship Qashqai and JUKE crossovers. It will also include the production of the next-generation Nissan LEAF.
EV36Zero Microgrid will power both vehicle and battery manufacturing and will incorporate the wind and solar farms at Nissan, delivering 100 per cent renewable electricity to the company and its neighbouring suppliers.
“Exciting, electric vehicles are at the heart of our plans to achieve carbon neutrality. With electric versions of our core European models on the way, we are accelerating towards a new era for Nissan, for industry and for our customers,” said Makoto Uchida, president and CEO of Nissan.
“The EV36Zero project puts our Sunderland plant, Britain’s biggest ever car factory, at the heart of our future vision. It means our UK team will be designing, engineering and manufacturing the vehicles of the future, driving us towards an all-electric future for Nissan in Europe.”
Nissan’s investment includes up to GBP 1.2 billion (AUD 2.29 billion) into its UK operations and wider supply chain for research and development and manufacturing of two new models, including facility and manufacturing process improvements, skills training and tooling for suppliers.
This follows a GBP 423 million (AUD 809 million) investment announced by Nissan in the first phase of EV36Zero for the first future EV.
The latest announcement builds on Nissan’s Ambition 2030 vision to become a truly sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world. The manufacturing giant recently announced that all its new cars in Europe from now will be fully electric, with plans to have its passenger car line-up in Europe be 100 per cent electric by 2030.
