Production on the new model Qashqai has started at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
The updated model features improved fuel efficiency and longer range. More than 4.5m Qashqais have been manufactured at Sunderland since 2006 and it has been one of the 海角视频’s biggest selling cars for the last three years.
The Sunderland plant is also preparing for the next generation of the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, the first model to be launched as part of the company’s EV36Zero project, which brings together electric vehicles, renewable energy and battery production. Nissan has worked with the Government, battery producer AESC and Sunderland City Council on the plan.
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The Sunderland plant is also gearing up for the production of an all-electric Nissan Juke next year.
Adam Pennick, Nissan’s vice president for manufacturing in the 海角视频, said: “Our world-class manufacturing and engineering team have been building Qashqai with pride since 2006. That’s why have the perfect blend of experience, skill and technical expertise to manufacture Qashqai with this fantastic new e-POWER drivetrain.
“It was an exciting moment to watch the first new e-POWER battery being fitted on the production line at the plant. We’re confident that our customers worldwide will love this new, no-compromise electrified powertrain.”
He added: “Building fantastic cars that our customers love is what we do best. To see these cutting-edge vehicles driving silently off our lines shows we are pushing forward with our EV36Zero vision for EV manufacturing.”
Earlier this week the Qashqai secured an award after Eco Car named it the best home-grown electrified car of the year.
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Ian Robertson, editor of Eco Car, said: “The British-built medium SUV is one of the most popular new cars on sale today for very good reason, as it’s hugely versatile, comfortable, well-equipped and good value. It’s also efficient, with a long list of standard equipment as standard, and a choice of five feature packed models.
“It’s our favourite British-built electrified car of 2025 – a big round of applause to the British designers, engineers and factory workers that make it all possible.”
Last month Nissan said it planned to reduce headcount at Sunderland by 250 as part of a global restructuring which will cut 20,000 jobs around the world. Office staff and some floor supervisors are being offered packages to voluntarily leave the company but manufacturing staff will not be affected.