Nissan Kicks Europe Production Gets GBP 170 Million Boost

Nissan Kicks Europe Production Plans

On September 16, Nissan announced plans to launch the new Nissan Kicks in Europe and invest GBP 170 million to produce the B-segment crossover at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom. The production program will support customers across the UK, Europe, and Turkey while adding another model to the Sunderland facility’s manufacturing portfolio. The investment links the new Kicks directly to Nissan’s established production capabilities at the plant, where e-POWER hybrid vehicles are already manufactured.

Third-Generation e-POWER Technology

The new Kicks will use Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER system, which is designed to provide improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a smoother driving experience. Under this system, the electric motor drives the vehicle’s wheels, while the gasoline engine generates electricity to charge the battery. This configuration allows the driving wheels to be powered electrically while the gasoline engine serves as an electricity source. Nissan’s existing experience producing e-POWER hybrid models at Sunderland will support manufacturing of the new crossover.

Sunderland Plant Expands Kicks Production Role

The Sunderland facility has accumulated GBP 5 billion in investment and employs around 6,000 people. Production of the new Kicks will make it the 10th model manufactured at the plant since production began in 1986. The facility’s existing experience with e-POWER hybrid vehicles provides a direct manufacturing foundation for the new crossover. The program therefore adds to the plant’s established vehicle production activities while extending its role in manufacturing electrified Nissan models for customers in multiple markets.

Upcoming Nissan Model Production at Sunderland

The new Kicks will join the production activities of Nissan Motor Co Ltd at Sunderland, with vehicles intended for customers in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Turkey. The plant is also scheduled to begin producing the new third-generation Nissan Juke from next year, with that model described as fully electric. The combination of the Kicks and upcoming Juke production means Sunderland will continue adding new electrified vehicle programs alongside its existing manufacturing experience.

Sunderland Investment and Production Details

The announced program combines a new vehicle launch, additional manufacturing investment, and continued use of electrified powertrain expertise at Sunderland. The GBP 170 million investment is specifically tied to producing the Nissan Kicks at the plant, while the facility’s cumulative investment has reached GBP 5 billion. Around 6,000 employees currently work at Sunderland, and the Kicks will become the 10th model produced there since 1986. These details establish the scale and manufacturing context of Nissan’s latest European production plan.

Production and Investment Overview

The following table summarizes the key production, investment, employment, and vehicle-program details stated in Nissan’s announcement, including the markets targeted by Sunderland-built Kicks vehicles and the additional model planned for the facility from next year.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The Kicks production plan strengthens the role of Sunderland in Nissan’s European vehicle manufacturing strategy by combining additional investment with an established e-POWER production capability. For Europe, the program adds another locally produced electrified crossover to Nissan’s model portfolio, while the planned Juke production will expand the facility’s fully electric manufacturing activity from next year. The immediate practical implications center on vehicle production, plant utilization, employment, and supply for the UK, European, and Turkish markets. Further developments will depend on the implementation of the Kicks production program and the scheduled transition to the new Juke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the Nissan Kicks be produced for European markets?
The new Nissan Kicks will be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom for customers in the UK, Europe, and Turkey. Nissan plans to invest GBP 170 million in production of the B-segment crossover at the facility. The Sunderland plant has already produced e-POWER hybrid vehicles, giving it existing experience with the technology used by the new Kicks. The model will become the 10th vehicle produced at the plant since 1986.

What powertrain will the new Nissan Kicks use?
The new Nissan Kicks will use Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER system, which is intended to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and provide a smoother driving experience. In the system, an electric motor drives the wheels, while a gasoline engine generates electricity to charge the battery. Nissan already has experience producing e-POWER hybrid versions at Sunderland. The plant will apply that manufacturing experience as it begins production of the new Kicks for its specified markets.