Nissan ploughs £170m into Sunderland plant as new Kicks hybrid
By William Fletcher MBE, Chief Executive Officer, New Reg Limited
Nissan has committed £170 million to its Sunderland factory and confirmed the new Kicks will be built there as a series hybrid for European buyers.
Nissan is investing £170 million in its Sunderland manufacturing plant and has confirmed that the second-generation Kicks will be produced there for the European market, a move that secures around 6,000 jobs at the site, according to multiple reports.
The new Kicks will be powered by Nissan's e-Power system, which operates as a full series hybrid. In a series hybrid arrangement the petrol engine generates electricity to drive the wheels rather than connecting to them mechanically, meaning the car behaves more like an electric vehicle in everyday driving without needing to be plugged in.
The Kicks is a distinct addition to the Sunderland line-up rather than a replacement for the Leaf. The Leaf, which is also manufactured at the same plant, is a fully electric model, so the two vehicles will sit alongside each other serving different parts of the market. European buyers who are not yet ready for a pure EV will have access to the hybrid Kicks, while those who want a fully electric option can still choose the Leaf.
The £170 million commitment underlines the continued importance of the Sunderland factory to Nissan's European operations. The plant has long been one of the largest car manufacturing sites in the UK, and the confirmation of a new model alongside the investment provides a degree of stability for the thousands of workers and suppliers connected to it.