Nissan has announced plans to launch a new model in Europe and will invest £170m to build it at its plant in the UK, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The Nissan Kicks – a compact (B-segment) crossover – features Nissan’s unique e‑POWER hybrid technology and will be manufactured in Sunderland, alongside the Qashqai, Juke and LEAF.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson Nissan AMIEO Region, said: “This is fantastic news for our European region and demonstrates the agility and speed with which we can bring new models to new markets.
“Kicks is a compact crossover, with the unique e‑POWER hybrid drivetrain, exciting design and innovative technology. Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”
UK Government Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said: “Nissan has been at the heart of British manufacturing for four decades, with Sunderland producing millions of vehicles that supported thousands of skilled jobs and helped establish the North East as a global automotive powerhouse.
“The decision to build this new model in Sunderland is a huge vote of confidence in the UK’s manufacturing expertise and automotive future. I’m excited in what our partnership with industry can achieve so this Government delivers good growth, investment and skilled jobs in every postcode.”
Kicks is the second exciting product update from Nissan in Europe this month following the announcement of a new A-segment small electric car, which will be called PIXO and is to be unveiled next week.
The second-generation Kicks model is currently built in Japan, Mexico and Brazil for sale globally. In total, Kicks has surpassed 1.8 million units sold in more than 70 countries. This announcement heralds the model’s European debut, adding a further e‑POWER hybrid model to the range and ensuring Nissan continues to offer a variety of electrified powertrains to suit all customer needs.
It will be the tenth model to be built at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in the North East of England, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. Nissan also has a design centre in Paddington, London and a research and development site in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
Surpassing a further milestone, the plant has now built 12 million vehicles since the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the production line in 1986. On average, that’s equivalent to one car every 1 minute 45 seconds.
Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing, Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: “I’m proud to welcome this new model allocation for Sunderland. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our 40th year as a world-class manufacturing site. We look forward to seeing Kicks e‑POWER hybrid going down the production line with our electrified line up of Qashqai, Juke and LEAF.”
Rob Lawson OBE, Chair of Sunderland Business Partnership, said: “This is fantastic news for Sunderland and a major endorsement of the City’s bright future. Nissan’s £170 million investment will help secure high-quality jobs and support businesses across the region. It further strengthens Sunderland’s position as a leading centre for automotive manufacturing and innovation.”
