Britain’s largest car manufacturing plant has been thrown a vital lifeline after Nissan officially began building the next-generation Leaf at its Sunderland site, securing thousands of jobs despite the company posting a huge £3.8 billion loss.
The start of production of the third-generation Nissan Leaf marks a critical moment for the Japanese manufacturer, which is relying heavily on the electric model to help stabilise its finances and safeguard its UK operations. Sunderland, which employs around 6,000 people, is Nissan’s biggest factory anywhere in the world and sits at the centre of the UK car industry.
The Leaf has a long history in Britain. Since its launch in 2010, more than 70,000 have been sold in the UK, while roughly a quarter of a million have been built over the past 15 years – all at the Sunderland plant.
Nissan is hoping the latest version will replicate that success at a time when the company is under intense pressure.
Last year, Nissan recorded its largest-ever annual loss and announced a sweeping global cost-cutting programme, which included plans to close seven factories and cut 20,000 jobs worldwide.
While other sites face an uncertain future, Sunderland has avoided closure for now, largely because of its central role in Nissan’s electric vehicle strategy.
The decision to build the new Leaf in the UK forms part of a £450 million investment across Nissan’s British operations and supply chain, helping secure the future of the 40-year-old factory.
The new model is one of three electric cars Nissan is counting on to rebuild sales and confidence, alongside upcoming electric versions of the Micra and Juke.
To prepare for the Leaf, the Sunderland plant has undergone a major overhaul. Production lines have been upgraded to handle electric vehicles for the first time in certain areas, while advanced technology such as digital mapping, virtual reality and data-led manufacturing systems have been introduced.
New robots, welding systems and pressing equipment have also been installed across the factory.
Nissan has invested heavily in its workforce too, delivering hundreds of thousands of hours of training to ensure staff are equipped to build its most advanced electric vehicle yet.
A new battery gigafactory has also opened nearby, supplying next-generation batteries designed to improve range and performance.
The presence of this UK-based supply chain helped the Leaf qualify for the Government’s full £3,750 electric car grant, bringing its starting price down to just over £32,000.
