Nissan was a vocal opponent of Brexit and warned that the U.K.’s split from Europe could hurt the economy. That was then. Now Nissan is recommitting itself to Britain.
The Japanese automaker, which operates the largest auto factory in the U.K., said it will bring production of its X-Trail vehicle to the U.K. and will continue producing Qashqai models in the country. The X-Trail is currently produced in Russia and Japan.
The company’s massive facility in Sunderland employs 7,000 people and produces over 470,000 vehicles per year. Nissan’s commitment to new production at Sunderland, while still making the Qashqai there, means these 7,000 jobs are safe.
Nissan (NSANY) said it was convinced to keep production in the country after getting reassurances from the British government, though it wouldn’t provide details.
Prime Minister Theresa May, in a statement Thursday, said only that “the government is committed to creating and supporting the right conditions for the automotive industry so it continues to grow.”
