Nissan has announced that it has started production of its new Qashqai at the brand’s factory in Sunderland.
The Qashqai launched in 2007 as the first ‘crossover’ – blurring the boundaries between an SUV and a hatchback. It proved to be a huge hit for the Japanese firm, and is now the highest-volume car made in Britain.
Produced in Sunderland alongside the smaller Juke crossover and Leaf EV, more than 3.5 million have been produced across the two generations of Qashqai so far.
Nissan has now started production of the new model, which boasts a fresher design, more interior space, and electrified powertrains for the first time. Being designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, the Qashqai is said to support 7,000 Nissan jobs, as well as 24,000 roles across the supply chain and 5,000 in UK dealerships.
At the same time as production commences, the firm has announced further support for its ‘Nissan Skills Foundation Event’, which aims to inspire the younger generation to think about careers in manufacturing and engineering. It says that every school child in the North East will be offered a place on the firm’s programme, which offers various activities for those aged between seven and 18 and resources for regional schools.
Alan Johnson, Nissan vice president for manufacturing in the UK, said: “Sunderland Plant is built on 35 years of manufacturing excellence, and from the skills and expertise of our world-class team comes a car for the future.
“We know it has been a tough year for young people, so we’re using the launch of this next-generation car to step up our efforts to inspire the next-generation of manufacturing talent. We want every child in the North East of England to have the opportunity to be inspired by the Nissan Skills Foundation.”
Customers can now register their interest for the new Qashqai online or in dealerships, with prices for the crossover starting from £23,535.
Enquire on a new Nissan Qashqai