Nissan bases production of the all-new INVITATION in the UK
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Japanese motor manufacturer Nissan has announced that it is to produce its new INVITATION model in the UK, representing a further commitment from the brand to UK manufacturing. Production on the INVITATION, which will be registered with Staveley Head Insurance and other providers in the B segment, will begin in 2014.
Nissan already produces the 100 percent electric LEAF and the Qashqai crossover at the Wearside plant, and the addition of the new model will lead to the creation of 3,000 UK jobs. While 625 of these positions will be at Nissan itself, the remainder will be spread throughout the various companies that make up the UK automotive supply chain.
Announcing the deal with Nissan chief operating officer Toshiyuki Shiga on a visit to Japan, Prime Minister David Cameron said the move is a very positive one for the UK. He commented: "It is fantastic news that Nissan will be building their new hatchback model in the UK. It's proof of the strength and vitality of the British manufacturing industry."
Mr Shiga added that his company's growth in Europe is down to the introduction of innovative, customer-focused models, a trend the INVITATION should continue. "I would also like to thank the UK government for its strong and sustained support which allows us to make significant investment in our Sunderland plant," he explained.
The latest round of investment totals £127 million, with £8.2 million in further support coming from the government's Regional Growth Fund. The total investment at the Sunderland plant now stands at more than £900 million, and will mean that both production lines at the plant will now operate around the clock to produce more than half a million cars each year.
Nissan has released any details on the specification of the INVITATION, but has confirmed it marks the company's return to the mainstream medium segment in Europe.
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