Nissan's Sunderland Plant Gets New Hybrid Model, Securing Jobs
The introduction of the Kicks hybrid crossover represents a £170 million investment and marks the tenth Nissan model to be produced at the UK factory.
Nissan is bolstering its UK operations with the introduction of the new Kicks hybrid crossover, which will be manufactured at its Sunderland plant. This move brings an investment of £170 million to the North East facility and is expected to secure thousands of jobs.
The Kicks will be produced alongside other Nissan models at Sunderland, including the Qashqai, Juke, new Leaf EV, and the upcoming electric Juke, slated for production from summer 2027. This announcement comes as Nissan marks 40 years of manufacturing in the UK, a period that has seen the Sunderland plant produce over 12 million vehicles since its opening in 1986.
The compact crossover, already available in overseas markets, will feature Nissan's e-Power hybrid drivetrain for the UK market. Other global markets will receive the Kicks with 1.0-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, which will also be built at Sunderland. The five-door SUV offers seating for five and approximately 450 litres of boot space. With dimensions similar to the current Juke, it is positioned as a practical option for families.
This investment is a significant development for Nissan in the UK, particularly following a challenging period for the company. In May, thousands of jobs were at risk after Nissan combined production lines amid a projected net loss for the fiscal year ending March 2026. The company also recently signed an agreement with Chery Group to utilize unused capacity at the Sunderland plant.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds welcomed the news, stating, "Nissan has been at the heart of British manufacturing for four decades, with Sunderland producing millions of vehicles, supporting thousands of skilled jobs and helping establish the North East as a global automotive powerhouse." Massimiliano Messina, chairman for Nissan's AMIEO region, highlighted the Kicks's hybrid drivetrain, design, and technology, emphasizing Nissan's commitment to offering diverse electrification options to European customers.
The Kicks model has a global sales history, with over 1.8 million units sold across 70 countries since its initial launch in 2016. It was previously offered in Latin American markets, the U.S., Canada, and Japan, but is new to the European and UK markets. Pricing for the UK market has not yet been confirmed but is anticipated to be similar to the current Juke Hybrid, potentially around £25,000.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes called the announcement a "major boost for Nissan Sunderland" and a "vote of confidence in UK automotive manufacturing." He also noted the sector's strengths but stressed the need for continued competitiveness through market support, addressing business costs, and ensuring favorable trade conditions to attract further investment. The Sunderland plant has been a cornerstone of UK automotive production, with its first model being the Bluebird. Over the years, it has also produced the Primera, Micra, Almera, Note, Juke, Qashqai, and Leaf, as well as the Infiniti Q30. Adam Pennick, vice president of manufacturing at the plant, expressed pride in the new model allocation, viewing it as a fitting way to celebrate the site's 40th anniversary as a world-class manufacturing facility.