Nissan powers up

Nissan, acting within the Renault-Nissan Alliance, has announced plans to create hundreds of jobs following a £200m investment to manufacture batteries for electric cars in Sunderland.

The car manufacturer said the five-year investment will see up to 350 direct jobs created and more in the supply chain safeguarded as they work to make the north east a manufacturing hub for the UK’s move towards zero-emission mobility.

Speaking at a visit to Nissan’s Sunderland plant, Gordon Brown said: ‘This investment is 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.’

Brown’s comments follow last week’s report by the Business and Enterprise committee which criticised the government’s lack of action in supporting the UK’s car industry.