The new compact car will build on the success of the Qashqai. The decision was announced following a visit by the British Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Gordon Brown, to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

The all-new vehicle will be an addition to the current Nissan range and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010.

Nissan will compete in the entry-car market with a dedicated new A platform that will be used for at least three models, including the next generation of Micra, and will be built in five Leading Competitive Countries (LCCs).

The Nissan plant in Sunderland produced 374,000 vehicles in 2007. Together with the engine assembly plant and other facilities, Sunderland currently employs 4,700 workers.

(Source: Nissan)