Nissan: 350 jobs from battery production

Nissan has announced plans to create jobs in the production of batteries for electric cars.

The plans are hoped to create hundreds of jobs at an existing factory in Sunderland, while also "pioneering" the manufacture of zero carbon vehicles.

The £200 million investment could create up to 350 jobs. The Sunderland car plant is one of the largest in the UK and a significant employer in the north-east.

Gordon Brown said: "Nissan's investment in a new battery plant and its hope to start producing electric vehicles here in Sunderland is great news for the local economy, creating up to 350 direct jobs and creating and safeguarding hundreds more in the associated supply chain.

"This investment is also hugely significant as we embark on Building Britain's Future, our plan for recovery and beyond powered by low carbon, high technology industries, products and services."

The prime minister added: "Sunderland could now be a strong contender to produce electric vehicles for Nissan in Europe, and we will continue to work with Nissan to ensure this happens."

Nissan have announced the production of the batteries as part of an alliance with the governments of the UK and Portugal. Two plants (Sunderland and also one in Portugal) are scheduled to supply the advanced lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The projected annual capacity for each plant is 60,000 units, according to Nissan.

UK business secretary Peter Mandelson said: "The north-east has distinguished itself as the first specialised region for ultra-low carbon vehicles. This is good news not just for the north-east, but for the whole of the UK, helping to attract foreign investment and securing UK's place as a global leader in high-tech manufacturing and automotive industries.

"The collaboration between local businesses, universities and colleges will create a hub of expertise to boost innovation and accelerate business growth in this important area of 'green' industry."