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By Moses Akaigwe
The third generation Nissan LEAF is gliding silently off a transformed Sunderland Plant production line as the company brings to life its world first EV36Zero plan.
Building the new LEAF in the UK represents an investment of £450m (approx. R10bn) by Nissan across its operations and supply chain and marks the return of the car that pioneered mass EV production more than a decade ago.
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO), said: “Today is a momentous occasion as we begin production of the third generation Nissan LEAF in the UK, the electric vehicle that started it all.
“Smart, sleek and aerodynamic, the all-new LEAF captures the energy of a new generation as a car that redefines what’s possible and sets the stage for Nissan’s next chapter.
“LEAF brings to life our world first EV36Zero vision, which combines EV manufacturing, battery production and renewable energy.”
To launch its most advanced vehicle yet, Nissan has transformed Sunderland Plant, enabling EV manufacturing on production Line Two for the first time.
Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant said:
“Nissan has invested into our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs of the future and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland.
“The skills, expertise and team-work of our people have powered Sunderland’s success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.”
To support production of LEAF in Sunderland, the plant’s transformation has included:
● Adoption of factory of the future technology including intelligent use of big data, virtual reality and digital mapping of the plant
● 137 new press dies (the giant moulds that are used to press LEAF’s 42 different body panels) in the Press and Plastics Shop
● 78 new high-tech robots in the Body Shop, including a fully automated laser welding facility, delivering precision to 3mm, to craft LEAF’s seamless roof
● New colour palettes in Paint Shop to give LEAF its vibrant new Sukumo Blue and Luminous Teal colours
● A state-of-the-art battery marriage facility in Trim and This fully automated technology brings the battery into the car, applying 26 bolts in 56 seconds
● 475 new automated guided vehicles to deliver parts direct to the production line for new LEAF
● More than 360,000 hours’ training across the team of 6,000 to build the new car Nissan marked the start of production of new LEAF with a ceremony next to the production line at Sunderland Plant.
UK government Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry, and Nissan’s investment is a major commitment to the North East and a huge vote of confidence in our economy.
“Through this government’s modern Industrial Strategy, we’re delivering £4 billion (approx. R89 bn) into our world leading auto sector – the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era – driving growth, innovation and jobs across the country.”
The landscape around the plant has also been transformed with a brand-new AESC gigafactory just over the road from the plant. AESC will supply next-generation battery technology with increased energy density to deliver superior range and performance for the new LEAF.
Jim Marley, AESC UK Plant Director, said: “The launch of our new UK electric vehicle battery gigafactory represents a significant leap in battery technology. It will power the new Nissan LEAF and drive the electrification of the British car industry to a new level.
“This gigafactory will anchor a resilient, globally competitive EV supply chain for the UK.”
The Nissan brand is represented in Nigeria by Stallion Motors
