# Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/automotive-manufacturing-investments-in-the-united-kingdom
> Updated: 2026-09-21T12:45:13.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 4.

Nissan has confirmed that the second-generation Kicks compact crossover will be launched in Europe, with production taking place at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom. This represents a confirmed investment of approximately €210 million (£170 million). The Kicks will utilize Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER hybrid technology, featuring a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery and power an electric motor. The Sunderland facility is also scheduled to begin production of a new all-electric Juke in 2027.

In a broader context of automotive manufacturing in the UK, McLaren Automotive is undertaking a major strategic shift through a £500 million investment in its engineering and production capabilities. Supported by Abu Dhabi-based shareholder L'IMAD, the capital will be used to expand existing facilities and construct a new assembly plant. This initiative focuses on strengthening the company’s hybrid technology strategy, including the development of two new powertrains to support hybrid models. For the first time, McLaren will design and manufacture its own engines and transmissions in-house.

A central component of this expansion is the development of the brand’s first performance SUV. The investment will fund a new vehicle assembly facility and expand existing sites, including the McLaren Production Centre in Woking and the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in South Yorkshire. By 2032, the programme is expected to create at least 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs, effectively doubling McLaren’s UK manufacturing workforce, while potentially supporting up to 3,000 additional roles within the broader supply chain.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: McLaren to invest £500m in UK hybrid technology and manufacturing

McLaren Automotive is investing £500 million to expand UK operations, including in-house engine production, a new hybrid strategy, and the development of a performance SUV.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mclaren-to-invest-500m-in-uk-hybrid-technology-and-manufacturing

### 2026-09-19: McLaren to invest £500 million in UK manufacturing and new SUV

McLaren Automotive will invest £500 million in UK manufacturing and engineering, aiming to create 1,000 jobs and launch its first high-performance SUV by the end of the decade.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/automakers-mclaren-and-nissan-announce-major-uk-manufacturing-investments

### 2026-09-18: Nissan to produce Kicks hybrid crossover in Sunderland

Nissan will produce the new Kicks hybrid crossover in Sunderland, UK, investing approximately €210 million to bring the model to the European market using e-POWER technology.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nissan-to-produce-kicks-hybrid-crossover-in-sunderland

### 2026-09-16: Nissan to produce Kicks hybrid SUV in UK Sunderland plant

Nissan is investing up to €200 million to produce the Kicks e-POWER hybrid crossover at its Sunderland plant in the UK, marking the model's debut in the European market.

42 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nissan-to-invest-170-million-in-uk-plant-for-european-kicks-launch

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Cite as: Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/automotive-manufacturing-investments-in-the-united-kingdom