A statement from the North East Automotive Alliance in response to new Qashqai model as well as the X-Trail SUV being built in Sunderland:
“Nissan’s announcement is fantastic news for the North East automotive sector. “Not only will it secure the 7,000 jobs within Nissan, it will secure the many thousands of jobs within the supply chain throughout the UK. It is testament to the excellence of the Nissan employees and the supply chain that the Sunderland plant has been able to secure this investment ahead of increased competition from within the Nissan-Renault Alliance.
“The Qashqai is the UK’s most successful UK built vehicle and was designed, developed and produced in the UK. One Qashqai is being produced every 62 seconds at the Sunderland plant. The additional announcement that the X-Trail will also be produced is an excellent addition to the Sunderland plant and will open up many more opportunities for the UK automotive sector.
I have no doubt that this announcement will provide a springboard for the future growth and expansion of the North East automotive sector and I look forward to working with Nissan and its supply chain to maximise this opportunity for the North East region.”