Tag Archives: Nissan

News

Nissan Unveils UK’s First Shared eHGV Charging Hub at Sunderland Plant

Nissan has officially launched the UK automotive industry’s first private shared charging station for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), marking a significant step toward decarbonising supply chain logistics. Located at the company’s flagship Sunderland manufacturing facility, the new £1.4 million depot is set to eliminate an estimated 1,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

This landmark initiative forms part of Nissan’s wider EV36Zero strategy—a vision for sustainable vehicle manufacturing that integrates electric mobility, renewable energy, and battery production under one roof.

The charging hub features seven high-capacity stations capable of powering up to ten eHGVs simultaneously, supporting a fleet of 25 trucks. With a rapid charging output of up to 360kW, the site will enable more than 60 daily eHGV deliveries to and from the plant, covering over 2.4 million kilometers a year—entirely emissions-free.

Michael Simpson, Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Nissan AMIEO, praised the initiative:

“It is fantastic for our plant to be leading the charge to an electrified supply chain with this project… The charging station looks brilliant and is a big step forward in Nissan’s EV36Zero vision, which brings together electric vehicles, zero-carbon energy, and battery manufacturing.”

The trucks will service routes reaching as far as Derby and will transport both vehicle components and finished cars, including deliveries to the Port of Tyne. This project not only reduces emissions but also paves the way for broader adoption of eHGVs across the industry.

In collaboration with logistics partners Fergusons, Yusen, and BCA, Nissan is participating in the Electric Freightway initiative—a consortium led by GRIDSERVE and funded under the UK Government’s £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.

Daniel Kunkel, CEO of GRIDSERVE, emphasized the collaborative strength of the initiative:

“The decarbonisation of transport logistics is much stronger and reaches far wider when done in partnership… Depot charging is critical for the electrification of HGVs, going hand in hand with future public infrastructure developments.”

UK Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, echoed this sentiment, noting the government’s support for such industry-led efforts:

“We’re working closely with the road freight sector to slash transport emissions… It’s great to see Nissan taking advantage of our scheme, which is supporting high-paid jobs and putting money in the pockets of working people—all part of delivering our Plan for Change.”

As part of its long-term strategy, Nissan is exploring further opportunities to open the site to third-party hauliers, potentially expanding the environmental and logistical impact of this pioneering project.

The launch of this facility underscores Nissan’s commitment to environmental leadership in the automotive sector and positions Sunderland as a key hub in the UK’s transition to zero-emission logistics.

Source: Nissan Europe

News

Nissan to Close Historic Oppama Plant by 2027 as Part of Re:Nissan Restructuring Plan

In a bold move aimed at streamlining its global manufacturing footprint, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it will cease vehicle production at its historic Oppama Plant by the end of fiscal year 2027. The decision is a central part of the company’s Re:Nissan recovery strategy, which seeks to cut global production capacity by nearly 30% while boosting plant utilization rates to around 100%.

Production of current and future vehicle models at the Oppama Plant, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, will be transferred to Nissan Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd., the company’s manufacturing base in Fukuoka Prefecture. According to Nissan, this consolidation is expected to drive down manufacturing costs, enhance plant competitiveness, and improve long-term profitability in Japan.

“This wasn’t an easy decision—for me or for the company—but I believe it’s a vital step toward overcoming our current challenges and building a sustainable future,” said Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa in a heartfelt statement. “The Oppama Plant is a proud part of our history, and its legacy will endure.”

A Legacy Plant Enters Its Final Chapter

The Oppama Plant has long been one of Nissan’s cornerstone facilities, producing millions of vehicles over decades and playing a pivotal role in the brand’s global expansion. Its closure marks the end of an era, but not the end of Nissan’s presence in the area. The automaker confirmed that several key facilities in the Oppama district—including the Nissan Research Center, GRANDRIVE test track, crash test facilities, and the Oppama Wharf—will remain fully operational.

In the meantime, all employees currently working at the Oppama Plant will retain their positions until the end of fiscal year 2027. Nissan has committed to clear communication and union consultations regarding post-closure employment arrangements, signaling a socially responsible transition strategy.

Strategic Shift Under Re:Nissan

The move comes as part of a larger realignment under Re:Nissan, which aims to reduce the automaker’s global production capacity (excluding China) from 3.5 million units to 2.5 million. Nissan has been systematically consolidating its 17 global production sites to just 10, with Japan playing a key role in that transformation.

Kyushu, known for its robust logistics and workforce efficiency, has emerged as the ideal candidate to absorb the production load. By centralizing operations there, Nissan expects to unlock significant economies of scale while freeing up capital for innovation and electrification efforts.

Next-Gen Models and Phasing Out of Aging Lines

As part of the same announcement, Nissan confirmed that production of the aging NV200 van at the Nissan Shatai Shonan Plant will conclude in fiscal year 2026. A successor model is planned for launch in 2027, with more details to follow. Additionally, the consignment of the AD model is set to end in October 2025, further streamlining Nissan’s domestic lineup.

While the final fate of the Oppama Plant site remains undecided, Nissan said it is actively evaluating “a wide range of options” for its future use. Possibilities could include transformation into a technology hub, R&D center, or sustainable mobility campus.

End of Consolidation Phase

With this announcement, Nissan concludes all planned vehicle production consolidations in Japan under the Re:Nissan initiative. The company is expected to disclose related financial impacts in its upcoming first-quarter earnings report.

A Turning Point for Nissan

Though difficult, the closure of Oppama’s vehicle production line marks a turning point for Nissan. With the brand still rebuilding after years of financial volatility and market pressures, the Re:Nissan plan signals a more focused, cost-efficient, and future-facing strategy.

As the global automotive industry pivots toward electrification and software-defined vehicles, Nissan’s restructuring—though painful in the short term—may well be the reset it needs to compete on tomorrow’s terms.

Source: Nissan

News

Next-Gen Qashqai Rolls Off the Line with Segment-Leading e-POWER Efficiency

The first examples of the most advanced Nissan Qashqai yet, featuring the next-generation e-POWER powertrain, have rolled off the assembly line at its flagship manufacturing facility in Sunderland. The launch marks a significant step forward for the best-selling crossover, in line with Nissan’s wider vision for electrified mobility as part of its EV36Zero initiative.

Built on Production Line One, the latest iteration of the Qashqai showcases not only an enhanced version of Nissan’s unique e-POWER system, but also raises the benchmark for efficiency, refinement, and responsiveness in the C-segment crossover market. Boasting best-in-class fuel consumption of just 4.5L/100km (WLTP) and a theoretical driving range of up to 1,200 kilometers, the new Qashqai takes another step toward a fully electric future—without the need to plug in.

A Drive That Feels Electric, Without the Cable

Nissan’s e-POWER system is unlike typical hybrids. While it uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, the wheels are powered exclusively by an electric motor. The internal combustion engine acts only as a generator to supply electricity to the battery, offering drivers a smooth, EV-like experience—with immediate torque delivery, linear acceleration, and impressive cabin quietness.

In its latest form, e-POWER has undergone substantial upgrades:

  • Fuel economy: Improved to 4.5L/100km, with CO₂ emissions cut by 12% to 102g/km
  • Performance: Sport Mode now provides an additional 11kW boost for sharper throttle response
  • Refinement: Cabin noise reduced by up to 5.6 decibels, enhancing the premium feel
  • Range: Up to 1,200km, making it ideal for long-distance, low-stress driving

A Milestone in UK Manufacturing

The production start comes as Sunderland Plant celebrates a major milestone: the 4.5 millionth Qashqai built since the model’s launch in 2006. That equates to one Qashqai produced every 2.5 minutes over the past 19 years—a testament to the vehicle’s enduring popularity and the plant’s manufacturing prowess.

Speaking at the launch, Adam Pennick, Vice President for Manufacturing at Nissan UK, praised the team’s dedication:

“Our world-class manufacturing and engineering team have been building Qashqai with pride since 2006. That’s why we have the perfect blend of experience, skill and technical expertise to manufacture Qashqai with this fantastic new e-POWER drivetrain.”

He added,

“It was an exciting moment to watch the first new e-POWER battery being fitted on the production line. We’re confident that our customers worldwide will love this new, no-compromise electrified powertrain.”

Driving Toward EV36Zero

The Qashqai e-POWER is just the beginning. Nissan’s EV36Zero project aims to transform Sunderland into a global hub for EV manufacturing. The blueprint combines vehicle production, renewable energy, and battery development in a bid to lead the industry into a sustainable future.

Following the Qashqai, the Sunderland team is already gearing up for the next big launches: the all-electric next-generation Nissan LEAF, and in 2026, the fully electric Nissan Juke. Both models will be central to Nissan’s zero-emissions ambitions.

“Building fantastic cars that our customers love is what we do best,” Pennick said. “To see these cutting-edge vehicles driving silently off our lines shows we are pushing forward with our EV36Zero vision for EV manufacturing.”

The first examples of the most advanced Nissan Qashqai yet, featuring the next-generation e-POWER powertrain, have rolled off the assembly line at its flagship manufacturing facility in Sunderland. The launch marks a significant step forward for the best-selling crossover, in line with Nissan’s wider vision for electrified mobility as part of its EV36Zero initiative.

Source: Nissan