Nissan maintains production activity in UK thanks to post-Brexit deal

The entry of the Nissan plant in Sunderland in March 2019. AP - Frank Augstein

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Japanese automaker Nissan confirms it remains in the UK, where it has the country's largest auto plant.

A decision made thanks to the post-Brexit free trade agreement between London and Brussels.

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Nissan had threatened in recent years to shut down its plant in Sunderland, United Kingdom if the country failed to reach an agreement with the European Union.

Finally, thanks to

the free trade

agreement concluded on Christmas Eve between London and Brussels, Nissan will escape customs duties in the European area, which will allow it to still be competitive on the Old Continent.

This " 

Brexit deal allows business to continue in the short term, protects 75,000 jobs in Europe and most importantly all the models we make in Sunderland,

 " operational director Ashwani Gupta told reporters. from Nissan.

Such a decision is very important for the British government and

the city of Sunderland

.

The Japanese automaker's site employs 6,000 people and puts 27,000 more to work in the supply chain.

" 

It's a big vote of confidence in the United Kingdom

," Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson responded on Friday morning.

400,000 vehicles produced each year in Sunderland

400,000 vehicles per year are produced there, 80% of which are for export.

The Japanese group has also promised to make investments.

He plans to move to Sunderland the production of electric batteries that equip his Leaf model, which are currently manufactured in the United States.

The auto industry is one of the big beneficiaries of the UK-EU free trade deal.

Manufacturers escape the so-called "rule of origin" taxes which apply to products made from a large part of elements from countries outside the European Union, and which disrupt trade in many countries. domains between UK and EU since January 1.

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  • Brexit

  • United Kingdom

  • European Union

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  • Automotive