Infiniti has confirmed that it will manufacture vehicles from Nissan’s production base in Sunderland.

The announcement represents an investment of around £250mn into the facility and is expected to secure a further 1,000 jobs at Sunderland and across the UK.

Colin Dodge CBE, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd executive vice president and chief performance officer, stated:

“This milestone, our first premium product to be manufactured at Sunderland, reconfirms our commitment to UK manufacturing and the on-going success of the plant, which is moving up the value chain.

“Just as important, the new Infiniti, which will be exported around the world, is being developed with help from our London design centre and our European Technical Centre at Cranfield.”

Attending a ceremony at Sunderland, business secretary Vince Cable said: “Sunderland will be the only place in the world to make this new premium compact car. Nissan in the UK goes from strength to strength – not only will the new car be made here and exported all over the world, the UK has already contributed to its design and development.

“Today’s news is a strong endorsement of the quality of Britain’s car industry, which is creating jobs, taking on apprentices and contributing to building a stronger economy. The auto sector is living up to being one of the great success stories of our industrial strategy and a testimony to government and private sector working together in close partnership.“

Prime Minister David Cameron added: “This investment is excellent news for the North East and another vote of confidence for UK manufacturing.

"The continued success of Nissan in the UK demonstrates the strength of the car industry here, and its importance, as we rebalance and grow the economy.

“This announcement shows how the car industry in partnership with the Government continues to win important long term investment projects, in a tough competitive sector; helping the UK to get ahead in the global race.”

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