Nissan is taking another bold step in its journey towards full electrification. A new powertrain factory for its next-generation electric vehicles, including successors to the Leaf, Qashqai, and Juke, will soon begin construction in Sunderland. This major project will be spearheaded by Jatco, a Japan-based company primarily owned by Nissan, and responsible for transmission systems for several automakers, including Renault.
The Sunderland expansion will generate 183 new jobs directly, with an additional 400 jobs expected across the wider supply chain, creating a ripple effect throughout the region. UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed the UK government’s commitment to the project by contributing a £50 million investment. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the UK’s electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities, ensuring a globally competitive EV supply chain.
“This investment is a significant boost for the UK’s automotive industry and the local economy,” said Reynolds. He heralded the venture as “a vote of confidence” in the UK’s economy and part of the government’s ambition to position Britain as the preferred destination for investments in the EV sector.
EV36Zero Project and Expanded Sunderland Role
The Sunderland plant is rapidly evolving into a central hub for Nissan’s EV development, thanks to the EV36Zero project. EV36Zero includes Nissan’s £2 billion investment plan to boost electric vehicle technology. This initiative spans multiple projects, from a second battery production facility on-site to an upcoming third gigafactory powered by Nissan’s Chinese partner, Envision. These facilities will play pivotal roles in supplying batteries for future Nissan models.
Alan Johnson, Nissan’s Senior VP of Manufacturing, shed light on the importance of the new powertrain plant: “This represents a major leap forward for EV36Zero and our electric future. Partnering with Jatco strengthens our supply chain significantly.”
The first milestone vehicle to emerge from this ambitious plan will likely be the next-generation Nissan Leaf, transitioning from a hatchback to a versatile crossover. Reports suggest production could commence as early as March, following planned testing.
Supporting the Transition to Electric Mobility
The Sunderland plant’s transformation extends beyond state-of-the-art facilities. Production lines are being revamped specifically for electric vehicles, paving the way for entirely new models. This includes the upcoming fully electric Juke, expected by 2027, and the all-electric Qashqai launching around the same time.
Tomoyoshi Sato, CEO of Jatco, expressed gratitude to the UK government and stakeholders for their roles in bringing the project to life. “This factory will help Nissan’s EV36Zero achieve a truly sustainable future,” said Sato.
Jatco’s Sunderland site will be the company’s first facility in Europe. The investment elevates the UK’s position as a serious player in the electric vehicle revolution, while delivering on Nissan’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Nissan Sunderland Powertrain Plant Overview
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Location | Sunderland, UK |
Key Operator | Jatco (Majority-Owned by Nissan) |
Primary Products | Electric Powertrains |
Direct Jobs Created | 183 |
Supply Chain Jobs Added | 400 |
Government Investment | £50 Million |
Flagship Models | Next-Gen Leaf, Electric Juke, Electric Qashqai |
Start of Leaf Production | Expected as early as March |
This forward-thinking investment not only boosts Nissan’s Sunderland facility but also solidifies the region’s role as the backbone of the UK’s push into the future of clean, electric mobility.