Nissan's Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, which currently builds its highly successful Qashqai SUV and Micra compact car, will be building a brand new compact car for the Japanese marque by 2010, after the current K12C Nissan Micra facelift production ends. According to Car Online, the car is expected to be a more sporting version of the company's current range of crossovers (i.e. Qashqai, Qashqai +2 and upcoming Murano) with the 2006 Urge Concept as the main design inspiration.
“Today's announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan's recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.” said British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Carlos Ghosn said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products.”
The Nissan Micra is built only at the UK plant and even exported to Japan. However, the new model will be an addition to the current Nissan range and replace the Micra's relatively small production at Sunderland. The next generation Nissan Micra will be produced in five Leading Competitive Countries (LCC) like India, China and Thailand on a brand new A platform which will be used on at least three vehicles. This plays well into the previously announced Renault-Nissan joint venture with Bajaj Auto to producing a new ultra-budget mini car.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that it will source an innovative all-new compact car from its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom (UK), starting in 2010. Building on the success of the Qashqai, the all-new product will reinforce Sunderland’s role as manufacturer and exporter of high-value products.
The decision was announced following a visit today by the British Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Gordon Brown, to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.
The Prime Minister said, "Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I'm pleased to welcome Nissan's new investment in the UK. Today's announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan's recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.
"Sunderland's success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK's position as a strong player in the global car industry," he added.
Carlos Ghosn said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products. We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.”
The all-new vehicle will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010.
Next generation Micra
Nissan will compete in the entry-car market with a dedicated new A platform that will be used for at least three models, including the next generation of Micra, and will be built in five Leading Competitive Countries (LCCs).
Production sites for this family of compact cars will include the new plant in Chennai, India, being constructed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The development of a competitive A platform is one of several business breakthroughs announced as part of Nissan GT 2012, the company’s new five-year business plan.
The Nissan plant in Sunderland produced a record 374,000 vehicles in fiscal year 2007. Nissan is the largest vehicle exporter from the UK, with around 80% of production sold outside of the country. Together with the engine assembly plant and other facilities, Sunderland currently employs 4,700 workers.
asif
June 3, 2008 4:40:19 PM
much as i love nissan, i reckon they have gone overboard with the whole crossover/4x4 thing. what does europe need? firstly a beautiful 4 door saloon/hatchback/estate to show the yawn inducing mondeo how it should be done. despite what they say, the market may be reducing but if the major players like ford, honda, mazda, vauxhall, toyota etc NOT abondoning the sector then its clear Nissans thinking is strange. And also to bring back the 200sx/silvia for maximum smiles for minimum cash.
much as i love nissan, i reckon they have gone overboard with the whole crossover/4x4 thing. what does europe need? firstly a beautiful 4 door saloon/hatchback/estate to show the yawn inducing mondeo how it should be done. despite what they say, the market may be reducing but if the major players like ford, honda, mazda, vauxhall, toyota etc NOT abondoning the sector then its clear Nissans thinking is strange. And also to bring back the 200sx/silvia for maximum smiles for minimum cash.