Nissan announces £200m investment in car battery plant in Sunderland
Mon 20 July 2009
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The Government has warmly welcomed the announcement by Nissan that it will invest more than £200m over five years in a lithium-ion battery plant in Sunderland. The news came alongside the announcement that the Government is to make the north-east the "UK's Low Carbon Economic Area specialising in ultra-low carbon vehicles".
Nissan's battery factory now makes Nissan's Sunderland car-making factory a leading contender for Europe's leading electric vehicle plant. Following the announcements, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “Nissan’s investment in a new battery plant and its hope to start producing electric vehicles here in Sunderland is great news for the local economy, creating up to 350 direct jobs and creating and safeguarding hundreds more in the associated supply chain.
“This investment is also hugely significant as we embark on Building Britain’s Future, our plan for recovery and beyond powered by low carbon, high technology industries, products and services.
“Sunderland could now be a strong contender to produce electric vehicles for Nissan in Europe, and we will continue to work with Nissan to ensure this happens.”
The Government says that it is working with Nissan on supporting this investment by offering grants and loan guarantees, including support through the Automotive Assistance Programme.
Low Carbon Economic Areas (LCEAs) were introduced a a part of the Government’s Low Carbon Industrial Strategy earlier in the month. They aim to draw together national, local and regional agencies to focus support on accelerating the growth of low carbon industries, skills base and supply chain. The CBI also welcomed the announcements from Nissan and the Government. Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Director of Business Environment, said: "This is great news for the North East, the region’s carmakers and the many firms involved in the supply chain.
“The UK’s automotive sector is among the most efficient in the world, and the North East has the chance to become a major centre of expertise. Getting electric and hybrid vehiclesoff the drawing board and onto the roads will be key to reducing our carbon emissions. The long-term opportunities for UK companies are significant.”
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