Japanese automaker Nissan is set to close one of its two production lines at its Sunderland plant in the UK. Nissan currently manufactures the Qashqai, Juke, and the third generation of the all-electric Leaf model at Sunderland.
Starting in 2027, an electric version of the Juke is also planned for production at the plant, followed shortly by an electric Qashqai. This would bring the plant's total to three electric vehicle (EV) model lines. The production facilities in Sunderland have long been designed to manufacture vehicles with various powertrain types on a single line.
In 2025, 273,174 Nissan vehicles were produced at Sunderland, while in 2024, that figure was over half a million cars, according to the Autocar portal. This indicates a significant decrease in production volume.
According to Nissan, the shutdown of the production line is expected to occur in the second half of the year, though a precise date has not yet been announced. Management states the move is not intended to alter overall production capacity but rather to consolidate two moderately utilized lines into one operating at high capacity.
In parallel with the shutdown of one production line, the other line will be shifted to a three-shift operation to offset any capacity loss. Consequently, the company asserts that no production jobs will be eliminated when Sunderland operates with just one line; the workforce will be reassigned for the three-shift schedule.
Nissan apparently plans to focus its future operations on Production Line 2. The Japanese automaker has invested nearly half a billion Euros in the site over recent years to prepare the plant for the production of the current Leaf, with series production beginning mid-December 2025. As part of this, Production Line 2 was upgraded for electric vehicle manufacturing, making it the more modern of the two lines.
View Price on AmazonWhile production jobs in Sunderland are said to be secure, this assurance does not extend to all Nissan positions across Europe. The automaker has simultaneously confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a workforce reduction of approximately ten percent of its European staff, which would impact around 900 jobs.
According to reports by the BBC, citing a Nissan spokesperson, parts of the Barcelona warehouse are slated for closure, and the import of vehicles into Nordic countries will also be reorganized. Nissan had operated its own plant in Barcelona until 2021, maintaining a warehouse there even after production ceased.
The planned European job cuts are part of the 'RE:Nissan' restructuring plan. These measures aim to create a 'leaner, more resilient company that quickly adapts to market changes.'
Which specific markets and departments will be affected by these cuts is not yet known, as discussions are still ongoing.
Discussions are also reportedly underway on another front: another automaker could potentially utilize the capacity of the soon-to-be-shuttered production line in Sunderland to expand its own European manufacturing without investing in a new plant. The BBC reports that Chinese automaker Chery is among the companies Nissan is negotiating with regarding production at Sunderland. Reports of such a 'sublease' involving Chery first emerged in April. The two companies already share a history in this regard, as Chery is establishing its initial European assembly operations at Nissan's former plant in Zona Franca, Barcelona.
Chery was unreachable for comment when contacted by the BBC. However, the British broadcaster cited statements from Victor Zhang, head of Chery UK, indicating that the company is exploring establishing a production site in Great Britain. Chery has been active in the UK since late 2024 and has reportedly seen 'rapid' sales growth there. According to SMMT data, Chery brands Jaecoo and Omoda recently held a market...
Source: electrive.net
