This new Nissal Leaf will mark a shift from the traditional hatchback to a crossover design, prefigured by the Chill Out concept unveiled in 2021.
Production of the current generation Leaf ended in March.
Nissan has invested £2 billion in overhauling its Sunderland factory to accommodate the upcoming changes. This investment not only facilitates next-generation Leaf production but also supports broader enhancements including new EV battery installation stations currently under construction. These developments are part of Nissan's commitment to electrify additional models such as successors to the Juke and Qashqai which are also produced at the same location.
Alan Johnson, the regional manufacturing boss at Nissan, voiced concerns about manufacturing challenges in the UK. Despite high energy costs that “sometimes twice what is paid in mainland Europe”, Johnson remains cautiously optimistic saying, “Producing EVs in the UK can work but only if all the stars align.” He sums up his outlook with realism about operating under such challenging conditions: “We can just about justify continuing operations here, but it is not easy. It’s a real challenge.”
Looking ahead, Nissan plans to start rigorous six-month-long production trials of the new Leaf starting August 2024. Furthermore, anticipation builds as Nissan gears up for an unveiling of this newly designed Leaf model by late 2024.
Source: Autocar
