Nissan Leaf Flies Off UK Production Line

The first all-electric car to be built in the UK has rolled off the production line.

The manufacturing of Nissan's Leaf, which until today had been built solely in Japan, was shifted to Sunderland after the Japanese firm chose its UK plant for a £420m investment.

The car, which has had 100 upgrades to its design since it took to the roads two years ago, has shifted just over 50,000 models worldwide to date.

Critics suggest that is because motorists are yet to be convinced by the all-electric concept, previously identifying poor ranges, bad handling because of heavy batteries and thin tyres with recharging rates too slow.

Nissan has argued that its improvements address many concerns.

The five-seater hatchback, which goes on sale this summer, can travel about 125 miles on a single charge - powered by lithium-ion batteries which are also being made in the North East.

Nissan's Executive Vice President Andy Palmer said: "Today's announcement progresses Nissan's unwavering commitment to zero emissions motoring.

"The Nissan Leaf is our most technically advanced car yet and the launch of this new model, built along with its batteries in Sunderland, is a huge boost not only for the plant but for British manufacturing.

Prime Minister David Cameron attended the launch and was given a tour of the plant.

He was also shown a Leaf that was cut in half, to see how it works inside, and got the chance to stick a Nissan badge onto the front of one of the cars fresh off the production line.

He said: "I warmly welcome the production of the new electric LEAF model and battery plant at Sunderland.

"This £420m investment, backed by Government, is supporting over 2,000 jobs in our automotive sector including more than 500 at Nissan in Sunderland, helping people in the area who want to work hard and get on.

"The Government has committed £400m to make the UK a leading market for ultra low carbon vehicles.

"Nissan's announcement shows the confidence the company has in the skills-base and the business environment in the UK and that the UK is open for business."

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