Skip advert
Advertisement

Nissan boss: future investment in Sunderland plant hinges on Brexit terms

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says he is optimistic about the future of the UK but Brexit is a big consideration

NIssan Qashqai plant, factory, build, plant, sunderland

Nissan's Sunderland plant could be at risk of losing investment after the vote for Britain to leave the EU, although Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn says he is "reasonably optimistic" about the UK's future in Europe.

"Common sense will prevail from both sides," Mr Ghosn said, adding that "the question is what will happen to customs, trade and circulation of products. That will determine how, and how much we will invest in the UK." Ghosn also described the plant as a European facility based in the UK. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Brexit spells uncertainty for UK car industry

The Sunderland Nissan factory employs 6,700 workers, and produces the popular Nissan Qashqai and Juke models, as well as the Infiniti Q30 hatchback. 500,000 cars were produced there last year, with most being exported to other European countries.

Ghosn warned that any investment into the facility will have to wait until Britain's relationship with the EU after a split form the EU is made clearer. 

• Brexit vote to spell end of pre-registered car bargains

He also said that it was inevitable that car prices in the UK will rise, due to the falling value of the pound, as well as the uncertainty and the possibility of a recession in the UK that will hurt consumer confidence.

The Nissan boss made his comments in Brazil, where the 2016 Olympic games is being held with Nissan as a headline sponsor.

Do you think Brexit will be good for the UK car industry? Let us know in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025
Confirmed: Renault Twingo-based Nissan EV incoming
Nissan A-segment EV

Confirmed: Renault Twingo-based Nissan EV incoming

Online investors’ call confirms Nissan will build a “derivative” of the Renault Twingo from 2026
News
31 Mar 2025
Honda and Nissan merger collapses
Honda ZR-V and Nissan Qashqai - front tracking

Honda and Nissan merger collapses

It was hoped the merger would better equip the two firms on future EVs and software-defined vehicles
News
13 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans
Future of Nissan in the UK - header with Phil McNamara

Future of Nissan in the UK: new Gigafactory to power bold EV plans

Nissan is about to go from building the Qashqai hybrid to three fresh EVs in the UK over the next three years – all powered by a new gigafactory
Features
19 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025
New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025