[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-20 20:39 UTC → 2026-09-21 16:21 UTC · added removed

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. This system is designed to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and provide a quieter driving experience. The Sunderland facility, which has produced 12 million vehicles since 1986, is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. The Kicks will be the tenth model manufactured at the site, joining the existing lineup of the Qashqai, Juke, and Leaf. Additionally, the plant 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. Funded 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, reportedly codenamed ‘P47’. This move marks a departure from McLaren’s traditional focus on mid-engine supercars as the company seeks to expand its customer base and improve profitability. SUV. The investment will fund a new SUV is expected to feature high-performance hybrid technology vehicle assembly facility and may be introduced around 2028. Additionally, McLaren plans to diversify its lineup with at least one new model annually through 2028, potentially expand existing sites, including a front-engine Grand Tourer (GT), while aiming to bring the development McLaren Production Centre in Woking and production of future powertrains back in-house. McLaren’s investment, supported by L’imad Holding Co, the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in South Yorkshire. By 2032, the programme is also expected to create approximately at least 1,000 new jobs by 2032. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-21 16:21 UTC Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom
  2. 2026-09-20 20:39 UTC Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom
  3. 2026-09-20 18:03 UTC Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom
  4. 2026-09-20 14:08 UTC Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom
  5. 2026-09-19 14:23 UTC Automotive manufacturing investments in the United Kingdom

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.