Nissan Leaf production ends in UK

Nissan has stopped producing the current-generation Leaf at its factory in Sunderland, as the model reaches the end of its life-cycle.

It means UK customers will now only be able to buy Leaf models from stock.

Nissan says there is still "good supply" of the model available, as it remains on sale.

Production of the next-generation Leaf, in Sunderland, is expected to start in 2026 as part of a £3bn investment in the facility.

Electric versions of the Juke and Qashqai will also be built there.

A statement issued by Nissan said: “After 13 years of great success, the Nissan Leaf, the world’s first mass-market 100% electric vehicle, is approaching the end of its life cycle in Europe.

"In the UK, the Leaf remains on sale in 2024. With a range of great consumer offers and good supply at Nissan dealerships, it continues to be an affordable and accessible option for customers looking to switch to electric motoring.

"Nissan has already announced a new line-up of 100% electric vehicles for the European market to be produced in Sunderland plant as part of our commitment to sustainability and electrification.”

More than 280,000 Leafs have been produced in Sunderland since 2013.

Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, added: “The Nissan Leaf is a true electric superhero, looks wise it might be Clark Kent to Tesla’s Superman, but this small electric hatchback has converted legions of drivers to the joys of battery powered cars, saving billions of kilograms of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere along the way.

"But the hard fact is that even superheroes start to show their age and the Leaf is now looking outdated compared to the latest models."