Luke and other MPs at Nissan
16 December 2025 — Nissan’s announcement that it has begun production of the next-generation LEAF, backed by £450 million investment, marks a major boost for the North East and for the UK’s automotive industry. The decision will support more than 6,000 jobs at the plant and thousands more across the regional supply chain, reinforcing the North East’s position as one of Europe’s most important centres for advanced manufacturing.
Luke Myer MP has consistently backed Nissan as a cornerstone of the North East economy. During his visit to the Nissan site last year, he saw first-hand the scale of investment already underway through the EV36Zero hub, including new electric vehicle lines, battery manufacturing and the transition to cleaner, more efficient production. He has repeatedly stressed the importance of government working in partnership with major employers like Nissan to secure long-term, high-quality jobs and keep manufacturing rooted in the region.
Today’s announcement builds on wider progress made under the Labour Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which is delivering £4 billion into the automotive sector through the DRIVE35 programme. Alongside Nissan’s LEAF investment, this includes support for battery supply through the AESC gigafactory in Sunderland, backing for the £50 million JATCO electric powertrain plant, and new regional pilots to strengthen UK EV supply chains. Together, these measures are designed to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles creates jobs and growth here in the UK, rather than overseas.
The government has also acted to support demand and competitiveness, including through:
- the Electric Car Grant which will save drivers £3,750 off the new Nissan LEAF
- securing three trade deals with the US, India and EU – supporting the automotive sector by reducing tariffs & creating new export opportunities
- the launch of both the Industrial and Trade Strategies, cementing the North East’s position as a top investment destination for automotive manufacturing;
- and closer working with manufacturers to ensure the transition to electric vehicles is practical and fair for British industry.
For the North East, the result is growing confidence that advanced manufacturing, skills and innovation will continue to be at the heart of the regional economy for decades to come.
Luke Myer MP said:
“Nissan’s £450 million investment in the next-generation LEAF is a huge vote of confidence in our region and in the skills of our workforce. When I visited the plant last year, it was clear how important Nissan is to our regional economy and how serious the company is about its EV future here. This announcement shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together — backing good jobs, strengthening our supply chains and making sure the North East remains at the forefront of British manufacturing.”
Industry Minister Chris McDonald said:
“We’re proud of our historic car industry, so I’m delighted that Nissan is producing the new LEAF in Sunderland. This will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader for manufacturing and as the destination of choice for investment. This government has taken decisive action to back the automotive sector through our modern Industrial Strategy, securing new trade deals and creating export opportunities, supporting UK manufacturers to safeguard jobs and helping to secure the future of the sector for decades to come.”
Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant said:
“Nissan has invested into our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs of the future and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland.
The skills, expertise and team-work of our people have powered Sunderland’s success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.”