Nissan has unveiled a new model for Europe, with production set to take place at the historic Sunderland factory, in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
The Nissan Kicks has been revealed by the Japanese manufacturer as it looks to expand its offering in the UK and across Europe.
As part of the new production, Nissan will invest £170million into the Sunderland plant as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The B-segment crossover will feature Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER hybrid technology, although a timeline has not been given for when the Kicks will begin production.
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The compact crossover will be made alongside the Qashqai, Juke and new electric Leaf models in Sunderland, with the factory being the biggest employer in the city.
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.”
The second-generation Kicks is currently being built in Japan, Mexico and Brazil, with the model being sold 1.8million times in more than 70 countries.
Nissan’s new Kicks model will be available in Europe for the first time as the automaker attempts to match the desire for electrification from European customers.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds praised the development of the new hybrid model in Sunderland, which he described as being “at the heart of British manufacturing for four decades”.
He noted that the Sunderland facility has produced millions of vehicles and turned the North East of England into a “global automotive powerhouse”.
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The Labour MP for Stalybridge and Hyde added: “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.”
Nissan has produced 12 million vehicles at the Sunderland plant since the legendary Bluebird rolled off the production line in 1986 – equivalent to one car every 105 seconds.
The Kicks will also be a milestone for the Sunderland factory, as it is the 10th model produced in the North East, following the Bluebird, Primera, Micra, Almera, Note, Infiniti Q30, Juke, Qashqai and Leaf.
Nissan will also begin manufacturing the new third-generation Juke in Sunderland next year. The model will be available with an electric powertrain for the first time.
The product offensive from Nissan comes ahead of the new A-segment small electric car, the Pixo, which is being unveiled next week.
Nissan first unveiled details about the Pixo on World EV Day (September 9), as it aims to expand its offering of purely battery electric vehicles.
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