Visit to Nissan by Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer
8 February 2008
Nissan hosted Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, British Government. During his visit, the Chancellor took the opportunity to see the Nissan Dualis, the Japanese market version of the successful UK built Qashqai crossover vehicle.

Last week, Nissan confirmed that it will recruit an additional 800 workers at its Sunderland plant in the UK to support expanded production of the Qashqai.

The Chancellor also held talks with Hidetoshi Imazu, Executive Vice President, Manufacturing, Nissan Motor Company and Chairman, Management Committee Europe. The discussions included an update on Nissan’s investments in design, engineering and manufacturing facilities in the UK.

The Chancellor said: “Nissan in Sunderland is a great UK-Japan success story. The phenomenal sales of the UK designed, developed and manufactured Qashqai (Dualis) is the latest in a long line of great Nissan Sunderland successes. I am delighted that Nissan will employ an extra 800 staff to meet demand. And we look forward to many more great Nissan cars from the North East of England.”

Mr Imazu said: “The Qashqai is a great success for Nissan and for our employees at the Sunderland plant. I would like to recognise the ongoing support of the British Government towards keeping all our operations in the UK competitive on a global basis.”

---