Nissan celebrates 30 years of UK production as they announce production figures from the UK.

• Nissan UK production above 500,000 vehicles in 30^th anniversary year
• New records for all-electric LEAF and 2^nd generation Qashqai
• New export routes launched from Sunderland to USA and China

Nissan recorded a significant 30^th anniversary in the UK in 2016, with output of more than 500,000 vehicles, cementing its position as the largest British car plant in history, and major investments pointing the way to further growth.

Production in Sunderland of 507,430 vehicles last year was the second highest total in the plant’s history. Highlights included record volumes of the all-electric LEAF and the 2^nd generation Qashqai, with the original crossover now made on both production lines for the first time.

And 2017 is set to be another big year for Nissan in Sunderland. Total volume at the plant is now approaching 9m since the first car rolled off the line in 1986. 

Other milestones on the horizon include the launch of a refreshed Qashqai, and the introduction of Autonomous Drive technology.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan Divisional Vice President, European Manufacturing, said: “Since the birth of our factory three decades ago, North East England has become one of the major international automotive centres. 

Britain is now home to Nissan’s best-selling and most technologically-advanced models in Europe, covering our market-leading crossover range, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle and two premium models for global export.

“This has been achieved through hard work, innovative thinking, ingenuity and strong partnerships with forward-thinking local companies. 

With future models secured and new facilities in development, congratulations to all of my colleagues in Sunderland and across the UK on another great year.”

Following the start of production of the Infiniti Q30 in late 2015, a second Infiniti model, the QX30, went into production for global markets in 2016 – which also represented the first time vehicles have been exported from Sunderland to the USA and China.

Other highlights in 2016 included the installation of 19,000 new solar panels alongside the plant’s existing 10 wind turbines, taking the contribution of renewables to 7% of the plant’s total electricity requirements.

Last year also saw the number of children to have taken part in the Nissan Skills Foundation go past 18,000, covering workshops, competitions and practical activities which use motorsports, electric vehicles and Nissan’s manufacturing prowess to inspire the engineers and manufacturers of the future.

Looking ahead, new facilities under development at the company’s Sunderland plant include a new £37m Extra Large Press line, due to start production in the coming weeks. Other investment announced in 2016 includes the £22m Qashqai capacity expansion and £26.5m in manufacturing a future generation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in the UK.

In addition to the company’s £3bn annual injection into the British economy through suppliers, services and wages, £650m ongoing investment in new facilities and future models in Sunderland will take the total capital investment by Nissan in the plant since it opened to beyond £4bn.

Nissan’s continuing investment in the UK has been supported by several previously announced UK Government grants for innovation and energy efficiency projects, including future-generation EV batteries (£7.1m).

Employment in Nissan’s UK design studio (Paddington, London), technical centre (Cranfield Bedfordshire), manufacturing plant (Sunderland, Tyne and Wear) and sales and marketing operations (Maple Cross, Hertfordshire) now totals more than 8,000. A further 28,000 jobs in Nissan’s UK supply chain and 4,000 in its UK dealer network takes the total British jobs supported by Nissan to more than 40,000.

New models on the horizon for Sunderland include three next-generation crossover models, building on Nissan’s leadership in the segment. Not only have the future Juke and Qashqai been secured for UK production, but an additional model, the X-Trail, will in future be made in the UK for the first time.

Having played a crucial role in the development of the current models, the teams in Nissan’s European Design Centre in Paddington, London and European Technical Centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, will be instrumentally involved in the development of these new pioneering crossovers.

Nissan collaborates with UK-based design firm Studio Hardie to create the first all-electric e-NV200 WORKSPACe

• Nissan collaborates with UK-based design firm Studio Hardie to create the first all-electric e-NV200 WORKSPACe
• One-off vehicle offers a cost-effective desk space solution as flexible working and hot-desking trends grow worldwide
• All-electric e-NV200 WORKSPACe provides a showcase of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision and the changing relationship between vehicles and people

Nissan has collaborated with UK-based design workshop Studio Hardie to transform its zero-emission e-NV200 van into the world’s first all-electric mobile office – the e-NV200 WORKSPACe.

This professional office environment on wheels features an integrated fold-out desk, touchscreen computer, wireless internet, smartphone-controlled LED lights, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth® audio system, mini fridge and barista-quality coffee machine.

The e-NV200 WORKSPACe concept not only highlights the customisable potential of its electric van, it paints a picture of what desk-based employment could look like in the future as hot-desking and flexible working grows in popularity across the globe. 

Moreover, the one-off vehicle also provides an example of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision, and the company’s view of how the relationship between vehicles and people are changing.

During 2015¹, the number of co-working and hot-desking spaces worldwide increased by 36 percent as small businesses and working professionals looked for increased mobility and a more cost-effective alternative to traditional city-centre office space.

Today, the average UK commuter already spends £358² on travelling to work each month, with London office space fetching £1619³ per square metre annually, and estimated to rise a further 1.4 percent over the next year.

With electric vehicles costing as little as £0.02 per mile⁴ to run, the e-NV200 WORKSPACe offers a cost-effective desk space solution allowing users to work for free in some city-centres that offer free EV charging bays, or escape the city altogether for the countryside or coastal fresh air.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles, Nissan Europe said: “The Nissan e-NV200 is already a smart, sustainable transport solution for forward-thinking businesses, making it the ideal vehicle to be used as the basis for a mobile work place. The e-NV200 WORKSPACe takes the ingenuity of our 100 percent electric van a step further and by enlisting the design expertise of Studio Hardie - renowned for its creative eco approach - the e-NV200 has been reimagined as an innovative, zero-emission working environment.

“With property prices in our capital cities at such a premium and the modern professional needing to be ever more mobile, businesses will need to think smart and consider what the workplace of the future looks like,” he added. “With hot-desking and remote working on the rise, it is not too big a leap to see a future where our vehicles will become connected, energy efficient, mobile workspaces and the e-NV200 WORKSPACe project could become more than just a concept.”

The e-NV200 WORKSPACe can be rapid charged from empty to 80 percent power in just 30 minutes, and for those times when you want to leave the office parked and charging up, there’s an internal mount for a folding Brompton Bike, allowing users to make short trips around the city or complete the ‘last mile’ of any journey.

William Hardie, celebrated UK-based designer and founder of Studio Hardie, said: “We specialise in creating amazing spaces in unexpected places, but we’ve never done anything in an electric vehicle before.

“Given the van’s green credentials we wanted to maximise the space with smart and considered features such as sustainably sourced materials and efficiently-powered technology. We believe the future of technology is a return to quality craftsmanship, so we’ve also looked to hone an environment that professionals will really enjoy working in. All the comfort and connectivity of a modern office, with a few surprising touches thrown in!”

The Nissan e-NV200 is part of Nissan’s popular zero-emission range, combining the best elements of two multi-award winning vehicles – the Nissan Leaf and Nissan NV200. It provides a zero-emission light commercial vehicle solution, offering low vehicle running costs of £2.00 per 100 miles and a range of up to 106 miles on a single charge⁵. This makes it the perfect transportation option for businesses both big and small, as not only does it contribute to reducing a company’s carbon footprint, it is also practical, reliable and cost-effective.

As a pioneer of zero-emission technology, Nissan is dedicated to providing Intelligent Mobility solutions for all and to date, the company has sold more than 250,000 electric vehicles worldwide.

The New e-Up! is available to order from today, with improved range, better interior and more tech, it's one to consider.

• New e-up! is available to order at Volkswagen Retailers from today
• All-electric, zero emission, city car supports Volkswagen’s e-mobility strategy
• Stylish, practical new e-up! is priced at £20,780 (RRP OTR, incl. government grant)

Volkswagen’s highly praised new up! city car is now available to order in all-electric form as the new e-up! four seater joins the refreshed up! range in the UK.

Expanding on the extensive appeal of the new up!, which has already been roundly praised for its style, versatility and quality, the new e-up! builds on the standard car’s accomplished packaging with a zero emission solution.

With its 82 PS electric motor the e-up! boasts a peak torque figure of 210 Nm, equating to a brisk 0-62 mph time of 12.4 seconds and it will keep on going, where the law permits, to 80 mph.  The car boasts a maximum range of around 93 miles between charges.

This e-up!’s power derives from a lithium-ion battery pack located within the car’s floor and consisting of 204 cells, together rated at 374 volts and 18.7 kWh. 

The motor is mated to a single-speed gearbox that is optimised for minimum friction.  The driveline is particularly quiet and compact as a result of the electric motor and the gearbox being integrated with very high quality intermeshing inside a single housing.

The battery weighs 230 kg but, despite this, the e-up! still weighs less than its internal combustion engined sibling, tipping the scales at 1,139 kg thanks to Volkswagen engineers’ extensive weight-saving measures.  

The necessary variety of charging cables includes a fast charge connection which allows for up to 80 per cent of the battery’s capacity to be replenished in just 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, a full charge from a standard household plug takes nine hours.  

Customers can purchase an optional wall box for home garage use, which provides a 3.6 kW supply and can recharge a battery in six hours. 

Zero emission electric drive doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or convenience, either.  A strong line-up of factory-fitted equipment includes electronic air conditioning as standard, as well as cruise control and parking sensors.  

The windscreen wipers function automatically, and when the sun goes down a dusk sensor automatically activates the headlights. 

The new e-up! is available as a five-door, and fresh styling includes beefier front bumpers which house unique ‘C’ signature LED running lights that make the e-up! stand out from the crowd.  

At the rear, a more angular bumper includes a prominent diffuser panel alongside a sharper tail light design.  The interior of the new e-up! features a leather-trimmed steering wheel, while chrome-trimmed interior door handles, air vent surrounds and instruments add a finishing flourish. 

The new e-up! scores highly when it comes to bringing the online world into the cabin.  Like the new up! it features an innovative smartphone docking station which enables the driver’s phone to be turned into the car’s infotainment system.  

Simply click the smartphone into the ‘Maps + More’ docking system on the centre console to unlock a host of features via the Volkswagen app. 

The smartphone can be used to select and play music, or as a navigation system.  It can even display key data from the e-up!’s systems and tips from the Volkswagen Think Blue. Trainer - which coaches a driver in efficient driving techniques.

The smartphone connection is extended in the new e-up! thanks to Volkswagen’s Car-Net e-remote.  This gives the driver the power to manage the car’s charging process from their smartphone via the Volkswagen e-up! app.  

They can also use the app to switch on their e-up!’s air conditioning remotely before getting in and review vehicle trip statistics, too.  A three-year subscription to the Car-Net e-remote service is included with the new e-up!.

The new e-up! is priced at £20,780 (RRP OTR) including the Government Plug-in Car Grant of £4,500.  Deliveries are expected to begin in October and the e-up! comes with a standard three-year warranty.  

The vehicle’s battery comes with an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty, while the standard service interval is 20,000 miles or two years.

Currently, the e-up! is available from £275* per month via Volkswagen’s e-Solutions Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) scheme, with a £900 deposit contribution.  The deal is based on 6.4% APR representative, with full details available from Volkswagen Retailers.

The latest e-up! is a continuation of Volkswagen’s long history of electric mobility provision.  The first electric Golf, for instance, was launched fully 40 years ago, in 1976, badged as the CityStromer. Around 100 examples were built. 

Now the e-up! joins the all-electric e-Golf in Volkswagen’s line-up of plug-in cars.  The Volkswagen range also includes the award-winning petrol-electric hybrid Golf GTE and Passat GTE models.  

These four cars represent the start of a significant acceleration toward electro-mobility for Volkswagen.  

The German manufacturer has stated, via its recently announced TOGETHER – Strategy 2025 programme, that it will introduce 30 additional electric or plug-in hybrid models by 2025.  And by that year Volkswagen expects purely battery-powered electric vehicles to account for a quarter of the global passenger car market.

Nissan Motor Company and UBER collaborate with the addition of 20 LEAF vehicles added to the Car Hailing fleet.

• 20 all-electric Nissan LEAFs supplied for trial with car hailing service Uber
• Run in partnership with the Energy Savings Trust, study will look into feasibility of running electric private hire vehicles in the UK
• First time fully electric vehicles have been available in the UK via the Uber app

Nissan is working with the car hailing service Uber as it embarks on a new, major electric vehicle (EV) project as part of its commitment to tackling air pollution in London and across the UK.

The carmaker has supplied a fleet of 20 all-electric Nissan LEAFs to Uber for use as part of an extensive EV trial in the capital that gets underway today. It is the first time pure EVs have been available for hire through the Uber app in London.

Gareth Dunsmore, Head of Electric Vehicles, Nissan Europe, said: ‘We are delighted to be working closely with Uber on what is a very exciting project that could ultimately lead to major improvements in air quality in London and across the UK.

‘We are confident this trial will prove a success and that Uber will join scores of taxi and private hire operators across the UK and wider Europe in recognising the financial and environmental benefits of Nissan’s market-leading electric vehicles.

‘With the impact of poor air quality remaining a cause for concern, the trial could prove to be a pivotal moment for tackling the challenges in London.’

Run in partnership with the Energy Savings Trust (EST), the study will look into the feasibility of running large numbers of electric private hire vehicles in the UK.

The EST will research the experience, driving patterns and economics of private hire drivers using electric cars and the capacity of London’s current network of charging points to support these vehicles.

Already 60 percent of Uber journeys in London are made in hybrid vehicles, but the company is keen to explore the environmental and economic benefits of going fully electric ahead of the introduction of the capital’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone in 2020.

Nissan forged the EV market in 2010 with the launch of the first generation Nissan LEAF. Fast forward to 2016 and it remains the world’s best-selling EV with more than 230,000 on the road globally. With a focus on bringing Intelligent Mobility solutions to the masses, Nissan recently introduced a new 30 kWh battery model that delivers 26 percent more range versus the previous generation model, and up to 155 miles of driving range on a single charge*.

With running costs as low as two pence per mile*, the Nissan LEAF and the larger Nissan e-NV200 Combi have already proved their worth as taxis and private hire vehicles. In fact, hundreds are now in operation in towns and cities, having clocked up tens of thousands of fares and more than three million pure EV miles.

Jo Bertram, Regional General Manager of Uber in the UK, said: ‘People already associate Uber with hybrid cars, but we now want to go a big step further with fully electric cars on the road from today.

‘We are determined to use technology to help tackle the challenge of air pollution in London and across the UK. Our car-sharing service has already saved 1.2 million miles and 211 metric tonnes of CO₂. With electric vehicles - and more people sharing their journey and leaving their own cars at home - there's even more we can do.’

Max Whitlock is one of the first of many TEAM GB gold medalists to be given a Gold wrapped Nissan LEAF.

• Whitlock becomes one of the first Team GB athletes to win all-gold, all-electric Nissan LEAF
• Sir Chris Hoy announces that all Nissan ambassadors who medal gold at Rio will win all-gold LEAF 

Gymnastics sensation Max Whitlock has become one of the first Team GB athletes to be presented with a stunning all-gold 100% electric Nissan LEAF following his medal triumph at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games yesterday.

The Nissan ambassador made headlines around the world when he took two gold medals – securing gold on the floor and pommel horse – on what has been dubbed ‘Sensational Sunday’.

In recognition of his astonishing achievement, Nissan will now present him with the keys to a LEAF completely wrapped in brilliant bright gold – on his return to the UK.

Nissan Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes returning from Rio with a gold medal will be presented with a gold Nissan LEAF, making it one of the most limited edition Nissan models ever.

Nissan is the official automotive partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB and has been delighted by the success of its other competing ambassador athletes so far, including first gold LEAF winner - rower George Nash, for his win in the men’s coxless-four.

Chris Marsh, Marketing Director at Nissan Motor (GB), said: “Max has been a Nissan ambassador since we first launched our partnership with Team GB and so many of us at Nissan have had the pleasure of working with him and getting to know him as he prepared for the biggest sporting night of his life.

“We are all so proud to have him associated with Nissan and he’s the perfect person to be a recipient of one of our gold LEAFs.”

Nissan ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, launched the Gold LEAF campaign announcing that all Nissan sponsored athletes who win a gold medal at the Rio Games would be rewarded with a special gold wrapped all-electric Nissan LEAF upon their return from Rio.*

* Only one Nissan LEAF will be gifted per Nissan gold medal winner, regardless of the number of gold medals won.

Renault strengthens it's ties with The Eden Project with the addition of Eighteen all electric vehicles.

• Renault and The Eden Project strengthen their relationship with the supply of 18 all-electric vehicles
• UK’s leading environmental centre will use the Renault ZOE, Twizy and Kangoo Van Z.E onsite
• 100 per cent electric Renault EVs support The Eden Project’s sustainability messages
• Zero tailpipe emissions and minimal noise of Renault Z.E range to help preserve the environment of The Eden Project
• Renault is Europe’s leading electric vehicle manufacturerRenault’s innovative range of 100 per cent electric vehicles is set to be a familiar sight at The Eden Project with the strengthening of the longstanding relationship between Europe’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer and the world-famous UK tourist destination.

Following successful trials of Renault’s range of all-electric cars and vans that epitomise the brand’s commitment to the environment, Eden has welcomed 18 Renault EVs to its inspiring, Cornwall-based attraction.

At the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) technology for several years and with the ambition to provide everyone with access to affordable, sustainable motoring, Renault is the perfect automotive partner for The Eden Project. 

The arrival of the environmentally-compatible Renaults is particularly timely as Eden is wishing to place a greater emphasis on informing and educating its visitors about the benefits of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions.

To be used by its team throughout the site and also further afield in the promotion of the ever-popular tourist attraction and educational charity, Eden’s vehicles span the full spectrum of the Renault Z.E range and encompass the Twizy quadricycle, ZOE supermini and Kangoo Z.E in both Panel Van and Maxi Crew Cab body styles.

Renault’s significant presence at Eden will also extend to an interactive electric vehicle exhibit in the Core building – Eden’s exhibition, science and learning centre. To be hosted during the school summer holidays between 23 July and 4 September, the exhibit is designed to engage with visitors and provide them with an insight into the environmental benefits and workings of electric vehicles.

With zero tailpipe emissions and being near silent in operation, the Renault EVs are ideal for Eden. The vehicles work to preserve the site’s striking landscape and tranquil, back-to-nature atmosphere, while also offering the flexibility and versatility that its team require when operating vehicles in and around a complex and busy visitor destination.

The Renault Twizy is a perfect fit in more ways than one, its narrow width and compact dimensions enabling it to negotiate the entire pathway network of Eden and even be allowed to drive into the climate-controlled Biomes with their rainforest and Mediterranean horticulture. Eden’s Renault Twizys will be used by staff across the site.

The Eden Project will use two of its three Renault ZOEs to assist with visitor services, the design of the award-winning five-door hatchback making it suitable to transport less able-bodied visitors around the site. Thirteen Kangoo Z.Es – comprising of four Maxi Crew Cab versions and nine Panel Vans – will be used across the site by maintenance, horticulture, security, live programming and catering teams.

The supply of the increasingly popular range of Renault EVs follows Renault becoming the Official Car Partner of the Eden Sessions – a series of outdoor gigs, featuring some of the best acts in the world playing against the backdrop of the famous Biomes.

James Boyer, Marketing Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “The partnership with The Eden Project is a fantastic endorsement for our passion to develop electric vehicles that are inspired by the environment. 

Renault's revolutionary electric vehicles are the perfect fit for Eden and we are delighted that they will help demonstrate the many attributes of electric vehicles to thousands of visitors, delivering a peaceful and effortless drive through an ergonomic and simple design. Easy to charge and frugal in use, they will play a key role in the day-to-day running of The Eden Project.

“They also provide a superb electric vehicle experience that is within the reach of many – the ZOE having being recognised by What Car? as the ‘Best electric car on sale for under £20,000’ for the last three consecutive years and also being voted ‘Best Supermini’, and number two overall out of 150 vehicles, in the 2016 Auto Express Driver Power ownership survey.”

Rita Broe, Sales and Marketing Director at The Eden Project, said: “We are delighted to have strengthened our relationship with Renault and to have this opportunity to showcase a beautiful new fleet of electric vehicles at Eden. We are always keen to promote the benefits of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions.

“Having the Renault fleet hard at work across the site, as well as hosting a major interactive Renault exhibit at Eden in peak season, will help inform and educate our hundreds of thousands of visitors about the benefits of owning electric cars in a fun, engaging way. Our visitors are already very interested in seeing the vehicles – and the Twizys in particular are causing quite a stir!”

Ben Fletcher, Electric Vehicle Product Manager, Groupe Renault UK, added: “With the Renault Z.E range encompassing a variety of vehicles, The Eden Project will enjoy the convenience of having an electric vehicle that is suitable for the vast majority of their onsite requirements. In addition to offering environmental benefits, the vehicles’ highly attractive running costs will also contribute to lowering the site’s operational costs, while their flexible charging options and ease of use ensure they are immensely practical.”

For the UK market, the Renault Z.E offering comprises of the innovative, two-seater Twizy urban vehicle, Twizy Cargo that offers a load area of 180 litres and a useful 75 kg payload, the multiple award-winning ZOE five-door hatchback and the Kangoo Z.E and Kangoo Maxi Z.E vans that combine the same generous load capacity and options as the equivalent diesel versions with ultra-low running costs.

In 2015, Renault was the European market leader for electric cars, with ZOE, and also Europe’s electric van leader with Kangoo Van Z.E., and sold a total of 23,086 electric vehicles (including Twizy). ZOE is the second best-selling electric car in the UK representing one in five EVs sold. Renault has sold over 94,000 electric vehicles across the world to date.