At the Geneva Motor Show in March, Nissan unveiled their INVITATION Concept, a five-door compact car that was rumored to be destined for the UK markets in the near future. Well, as it turns out, the rumors weren't that far off - this compact car (or at least, something very close to it) will hit the production line at Nissan's Sunderland factory in the United Kingdom by the end of next year. It's not the only new car the Brits will be treated to, either - another small hatchback similar to the Nissan Versa will be rolling off the lines in Sunderland before long.

How exactly will this expansion take shape? It will start with a $200 million investment, which will accommodate an additional production shift and 3,000 news jobs. Which is pretty impressive when you consider that Sunderland workers already produce 480,000 units annually, 80 percent of which are exported to 45 markets worldwide.

Nissan Chief Operation Officer, Toshiyuki Shiga explains, "In Europe Nissan has achieved record growth in recent years by providing innovative, customer-focused models like Qashqai and Juke that are designed, developed and produced within the region. Nissan already produces more vehicles in Europe than any other Asian manufacturer and the model[s] announced today will bring world-class quality and leading technology to our customers."¹

Further details about either of these new models have yet to be released, but we expect to hear more as we approach their respective release dates next year.

Will we see the new hatchback or compact car here in the States? It's not likely, though you never really can be sure. Regardless, be sure to stay tuned with us here at Firkins Nissanfor more on this and other Nissan news - including updates to any of the models built right here in America. Speaking of which, if you have any questions regarding any of the models in our new Nissan inventory, don't hesitate to contact us online or stop by our showroom.

Source:

¹http://newsroom.nissan-europe.com/uk/en-gb/Media/Media.aspx?mediaid=91160