Nissan find new confidence after PM meeting

Published Date: 18th Oct 2016

Carlos Ghosn, the Nissan chief executive said he feels very confident that Nissan will continue operations in the UK car manufacturing industry after meeting Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss post-Brexit, Britain.

The Japanese firm currently employs around 7,000 staff and produces an amazing 500,000 cars a year with 80% exported to more than 130 countries around the world. The prospect of this changing in the near future would be a rather large blow to the UK car industry and economy.

At the Paris Motor show just this month, the Nissan boss said that a commitment from the government was needed if Nissan was to continue investment in the UK. Alongside the very well known Sunderland production facility in the North East, Nissan also has other commitments in the UK with a design centre in London, sales and marketing HQ in Hertfordshire and a research and development site in Bedforshire.

Comments from both the PM and Nissan Chief Executive

“Since Mrs May’s appointment, we have maintained a clear dialogue with the UK Government during this challenging time,” Ghosn said. “It was my pleasure to be here today for a positive meeting with the Prime Minister and key members of her Government and I welcome their commitment to the development of an industrial strategy for Britain.”

“Following our productive meeting, I am confident the government will continue to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to do business. I look forward to continued positive collaboration between Nissan and the UK Government.”

Following the discussions, May spoke out in praise of the UK’s automotive industry, describing it as a “great British success story with Nissan at the heart of it”.

“Over the past 30 years, Nissan has had an excellent relationship with the UK Government,” she added, “a track record of investment and innovation, and their Sunderland plant is one of the most productive anywhere in the world, a testament both to their company and the skill of our workforce.

“We are now at the start of the complex negotiating process as Britain exits the EU and I have been clear that there will be challenges ahead. But I am confident we will achieve the best deal for Britain and the Government will engage closely with employers and investors as part of our work to create a global Britain.”