LONDON, Dec. 16 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

* UK's largest car plant transformedwith launch of new generation EV,supporting 6,000jobsandboosting economic growth. * Industry Minister Chris McDonaldwill visitsiteand hailthenew LEAFas major step forward fortheauto sector's EV transitionandgreeneconomy. * Start of productioncomesasgovernment's modern Industrial Strategyis delivering £4 billion intotheautomotivesector - the biggest investment into the car industrysincethepost-war era.

In a hugeboost tothe UK economyandauto industry, car manufacturing giant Nissan hasbegunproductionofthenext generation LEAF in Sunderland-making itthe first new high volume electric cartobe produced in the UKsince 2020.

Nissan has investedmore than£450 million intomanufacturingthe new LEAFat their Wearside plant-includingover£300 million directly into the firm's UK operations- supporting 6,000jobs and thousands morein the supply chain.

Today [16 December], Industry Minister Chris McDonaldwill attendthe launch in Sunderland, wherehewillhail thestart of productionas a majorboosttoboththeNorth Eastand theautomotivesector, astepwhichunderlinesthe UK's positionat the forefront of manufacturinggreentechnologies.

This latest development builds on the biggest government investment into the UK's car industry of the post-war era, with £4 billion of fundingfrom the modern Industrial Strategygoing towards accelerating the electrification of vehicle plants and investment in batteries, electricmotorsand power electronics.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK's automotive industry, and Nissan's investment is a major commitment to theNorth Eastand a huge vote of confidence in our economy.

Through this government's modern Industrial Strategy, we're delivering £4 billion into our world leading auto sector - the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era - driving growth, innovation and jobs across the country.

Government has worked closely with Nissan and their partners to transformSunderlandinto anEV manufacturinghub,strengthening thenation'sdomestic EV manufacturing capabilitiesandboosting economic growth.

Industry Minister Chris McDonald said:

We're proud of our historic car industry, so I'm delighted that Nissan is producing the new LEAF in Sunderland. This will strengthen the UK's position as a global leader for manufacturing and as the destination of choice for investment.

This government has taken decisive action to back the automotive sector through our modern Industrial Strategy, securing new trade deals and creating export opportunities, supporting UK manufacturers to safeguard jobs and helping to secure the future of the sector for decades to come.

Through the Industrial Strategy, thegovernment plansto cluster EV manufacturing across growth areas. Along with the introduction of the newLEAF, the government is announcing the launch of two new regional EV supply chain pilots in partnership with theNorth Eastand West Midlands Metro Mayors.

Implemented under DRIVE35, these programmes will strategically boost growth, enhance UK supply chainresilienceand increase domesticproductionin the transition to zero emission technologies.

Just over the road from the plant, AESC hasopeneda new12 GWhgigafactorywhich willsupply batteries forNissan,showcasingthe power of investmentinboosting the supplychain through newjobsand opportunities in theregion.

Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant said:

Nissan has invested into ourstate-of-the-artplant to build the EVs of the future and thereishuge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland.

The skills, expertise andteam-workof our people have powered Sunderland's success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.

Drivers can save £3,750 off the new Nissan LEAF thanks to the government's Electric Car Grant which is putting thousands of pounds back in families' pockets when they decide to make the switch. The scheme is backing theUK's automotive industry, a key sector identified in theUK's modern Industrial Strategy, which supports 133,000 jobs in theUK, and a further 320,000 jobs in the wider economy.

This moment follows the government launching both the Industrial and Trade Strategies and securing three trade deals with the US,Indiaand EU - supporting the auto sector by reducing tariffs and creating new export opportunities - whilst cementing the UK's position as a top investment destination.

Notes to editors:

* Through the government's modern Industrial Strategy's£2.5 billionDRIVE35 programme, anadditional£1.5 billion investmentwasannounced intheBudget, bringing total capital support to an unprecedented £4 billion until 2035. * The ECG was launched earlier this year and is making it cheaper and easier to own an electric vehicle, with over 40,000 people benefiting from the grant so far.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.