Nissan has announced a significant investment in its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, marking a renewed commitment to electric vehicle (EV) production. The £2 billion ($2.5 billion) upgrade aims to support the manufacturing of the next-generation Nissan Leaf and other future EVs.
Key Points:
- Nissan’s Sunderland plant has undergone a major retooling to accommodate EV production.
- The next-generation Nissan Leaf is expected to enter production in March 2025.
- The Sunderland plant will also produce electric versions of the Juke and Qashqai crossovers.
- The new Leaf will likely be built on the “Chill-Out” concept platform, adopting a more crossover-like design.
- Production of the current Leaf in the US has ended, with future models being made in Japan or the UK.
- Nissan’s US-built electric sedan project has been delayed to focus on SUVs.
Quotes:
- Allan Johnson, Nissan UK’s Regional Manufacturing Boss: “The factory’s future had been uncertain for years due to Brexit, but now Nissan seems committed to it.”
Challenges:
- The US market for the next-generation Leaf remains unclear, as it likely won’t qualify for US tax credits due to its UK production.
- Nissan is facing a cooling EV market and has delayed its US-built electric sedan project to prioritize SUVs.
What to Expect:
- Test production of the 2025 Leaf is expected to begin in August 2024.
- More details on the final production version of the Leaf are expected by the end of 2024.
Also: Chevrolet Unveils the 2026 Bolt EUV: A Stunning Electric SUV for the Future
Industry Impact:
This investment signifies Nissan’s commitment to its European EV production and the future of the Leaf brand. However, the US market strategy for the next-generation Leaf remains uncertain. The focus on SUVs reflects the current market trends, but it’s unclear how the US market will react to a potentially ineligible Leaf for tax credits.