Partner Article

New model to save Nissan plant?

Nissan’s Wearside workers are hoping for a boost from the launch of a new model, dubbed the Qazana.

Nissan has taken the wraps off its top secret new model – a smaller brother to the Qashqai – which is due to go into UK production next year. Dubbed the Qazana, it is a cross between a 4x4 and a small hatchback and is due to replace the Micra on the Sunderland production line.

If the Qazana is a success it will secure 1,100 jobs and the plant’s medium-term future.

Nissan says the Qazana, which will be the centrepiece of the company’s stand at the 2009 Geneva motor show, was designed and developed in the UK and represents around £57 million of investment.

Trevor Mann, Nissan manufacturing senior vice president, said: “The difficulties currently facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not been immune. As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future for the plant.

“Qazana points the way to that future and gives an indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in Sunderland next year.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .