Nissan to build Leaf EVs in UK
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Japanese auto group Nissan Motor Co Ltd is to build its Leaf electric car in Britain, two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.
Carmakers worldwide are investing large sums in electric vehicles as they seek to meeting tightening regulations for emissions and struggle to pull themselves out of a savage industry downturn.
Nissan has already announced production of the all-electric Leaf hatchback in Japan and the United States, with the car due to go on sale at the end of this year.
The company has not specified how much the car will cost, saying only that it will be competitive with similar-sized cars with conventional engines.
Nissan, with French alliance partner Renault, are aggressive proponents of electric vehicle technology, together investing around 4 billion euros (US $5.5 billion) in electric vehicle projects.
Founded in 1984, Nissan's Sunderland factory in northeast Britain employs around 4,000 people and built its 5 millionth vehicle in June 2008.
Nissan said last month that its new Juke small crossover would be manufactured at Sunderland.
Last year it announced that it would make batteries for electric vehicles in the UK, as well as at a site in Portugal.
Related News
Oil crash only a foretaste of what awaits energy industry
LONDON - The oil-price crash of March 2020 will probably not last long. As in 2014, when the oil price dropped below $50 from $110 in a few weeks, this one will trigger a temporary collapse of the US shale industry. Unless the coronavirus outbreak causes Armageddon, cheap oil will also support policymakers’ efforts to help the global economy.
But there will be at least one important and lasting difference this time round — and it has major market and geopolitical implications.
The oil price crash is a foretaste of where the whole energy sector was going anyway — and that is…
