Car manufacturer Nissan announced it will stop using one of its UK production lines and will be cutting 900 jobs in Europe.
The company confirmed it would be merging two of the lines producing the Leaf, Juke and Qashqai models at its Sunderland plant, but said no jobs would lost through the change.
However, the Japanese-owned car maker said it was in talks to cut about 10% of its European workforce, which included plans to close part of its warehouse in Barcelona and import cars to Nordic countries.
A Nissan spokesperson said the changes were being made under its RE:Nissan recovery plan and were designed to create a “leaner, more resilient business that adapts quickly to market changes”.
The company said it had started discussions with its European employees with a view to simplifying structures and “ensuring we operate in a sustainable and profitable way”.
A spokesperson said: “We have also announced that we will consolidate production from two lines to one at our Sunderland plant as we assess future opportunities to secure full plant utilisation.”
Talks with Chery
Nissan said no jobs would be lost because of the line merger but confirmed the 900 being cut across Europe included a small number – fewer than 50 – in UK-based office roles.
Consolidation of work on a single production line leaves the second available for another manufacturer to come in and build their own cars, helping to absorb surplus capacity at the factory.
Although the Sunderland site is used to build three models, it currently operates well below its potential and has been holding talks with other firms.
It is understood to have spoken to several companies including Chinese giant Chery, owner of the Jaecoo and Omoda brands.
The firm has been present in the UK since late 2024, and its sales in the country have grown rapidly.
It is already preparing to assemble cars at a former Nissan plant in Barcelona.
Chery was unavailable for comment but its UK head, Victor Zhang, previously told the BBC it was evaluating whether to set up a manufacturing base in the UK.
By BBC News
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
