The UK Car industry has suffered one blow after another. Just about everyone is shut down or on short time, and the rounds of strikes we’ve seen in the UK in the last days is a pretty clear indication of fear in the jobs market. So it’s nice to see a bit of good news.
That well-known Geordie company Nissan, has announced that the concept for a new mini crossover called the Nissa Qazana will be shown at Geneva. So how does that help the workers at Sunderland? Simple – that’s where they’re going to make it.
The Qazana concept is a sort of mini Qashqai; smaller and lower to the ground, but with five doors, the Qazana will take over the production facilities from the Micra, which are due to end in 2010
The Nissan Qazana Concept – At least we know what it looks like now!
This is great news for the Sunderland staff, as it will secure over 1,000 jobs. Not only will the Qazana be produced in Sunderland, but the whole car was designed and developed here in the UK, with an investment by Nissan of almost £60 million.
Nissan are probably on to a winner with the Qazana. The Qashqai has been a success for the Japanese company, and with the world and his dog looking to downsize at the moment, the new car should be good news. Due to launch in 2010, we should soon see what it looks like (Geneva Motor Show is in March).
The man from Nissan, Trevor Mann, speaking to CAR, said:
‘The difficulties currently facing the car industry have been widely documented, and Nissan has not been immune. As a result we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the reason we have done so is to secure a long and positive future for the plant. Qazana points the way to that future and gives an indication of the unique and exciting car we will be producing in Sunderland next year.’
But for now, all we can bring you is one of those daft ‘Teaser’ images of three lines purporting to show the outline of the new Nissan Qazana. Let’s see if it looks anything like when it shows up.
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