Nissan to Keep Sunderland Plant Open and Continue UK Manufacturing

A Nissan spokesperson told GB News the company will keep manufacturing vehicles in Sunderland and maintain its overall UK operations. The statement addressed concerns raised by recent changes to the Sunderland plant and the company's Re:Nissan recovery plan.

Nissan opened its Sunderland facility in 1986. The plant produced more than 282,000 vehicles in 2024, the highest total among UK manufacturers. The Qashqai accounted for 175,000 units and the Juke for 102,000 units.

Nissan confirmed it is consolidating production at Sunderland from two lines to one. The company also dropped earlier plans to build a 3-in-1 electric vehicle powertrain at the site with partner Jatco. The spokesperson said Nissan will continue to invest in UK manufacturing ahead of future product launches. Production of an all-electric Juke is scheduled to begin at Sunderland in 2027.

Nissan directly employs more than 6,000 people across design, research, and manufacturing sites in the UK and supports an estimated 35,000 supply chain jobs. The Sunderland plant builds the Qashqai, Juke, and the third-generation Leaf. Through late May 2026, Nissan has sold 28,389 new vehicles in the UK this year, representing more than three percent of the market.

The Qashqai ranks as the fourth-best-selling model nationally.