Nissan: The reaction
Nissan: Sunderland timeline

by Keith Collantine

British car manufacturing received good news today as Nissan revealed their new car will be designed and built in Britain.

The Japanese manufacturer unveiled the details of their new car at the Paris Motor Show launch today.

The Qashqai – pronounced ‘cash-kai’ – is a 4x4 slightly larger in size than an average hatchback.

Nissan expect it to be popular with buyers who want a bigger or more luxurious car than a standard Focus or Astra.

It will be produced at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland which has built over four million cars to date.

Nissan Motor Manufacturing employs 4,400 workers and Qashqai production could generate hundreds more jobs.

Commenting on the new model Nissan’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “European customers want it all: dynamic design, driving performance and an attractive interior. Qashqai delivers it all.”

The concept Qashqai was first presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It is the first car to have been styled by Nissan Design Europe since its move to London three years ago.

The news follows a year of hardship for British car manufacturing in which over 9,000 jobs were lost at Longbridge (MG Rover), Ellesmere Port (Vauxhall) and Ryton (Peugeot).

Internet links

Nissan UK site
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