£170m investment in new Nissan vehicle at Sunderland plant helps secure 6,000 jobs

Nissan have announced they’re investing £170m at their Sunderland car manufacturing plant to build a new model of vehicle, the Nissan Kicks, helping to secure thousands of jobs.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson at Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania (AMIEO) Region, said this will help secure the future of the current 6,000 strong workforce in the city and region.

He said: “Along with our customers, our employees are our greatest asset. I’m super-proud of our workforce in Sunderland and we want to keep our workforce there. This announcement does not mean new jobs at the moment, but it does help secure the jobs of the current 6,000 strong workforce .”

On the decision to choose Sunderland as the plant to manufacture the new Kicks model, Mr Messina added: “The decision on where to build our cars is a very lengthy and methodical process. There were a lot of plants in the running, but ultimately Sunderland was the best location in this case.

“Sunderland has a great team and I’m super proud the Kicks model is going to be built there.”

The new SUV is set to use Nissan’s unique e-Power hybrid technology and will be manufactured in Sunderland, alongside the Qashqai, Juke and LEAF.

Mr Messina 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.”

Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, added: “I’m proud to welcome this new model to 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.”

The news has been welcomed by the North East mayor, Kim McGuinness who said: "Nissan bringing the Kicks to Sunderland is a £170m vote of confidence in North East car making and the people who work in our industry.

"We’ve backed our auto sector to switch to electric through the Made initiative and our £50m EV transition fund and it’s paying off with four models on the books at Nissan now - that’s good news for North East workers, our economy and North East jobs."

The Government’s Sunderland born Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds described the news as a “huge vote of confidence in the UK's manufacturing expertise and automotive future”.

It will be welcome news to Nissan’s 6,000 strong North East workforce as the car manufacturing giant celebrates its 40th anniversary on Wearside.

Mr Messina said: “The UK has a fantastic, strong customer base. There are many conditions to be factored into plant locations, but as long as we retain our level of support then I’m confident we will be in Sunderland in another 40 years.”

The Nissan chief confirmed the company is still in negotiations with Chinese car manufacturer Chery to manufacture some of its cars at the Sunderland plant.

In June (2026) Nissan confirmed they’d signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese manufacturer.