Crisis-hit car brand ‘in talks’ to build Chinese motors in UK after axing 900 jobs in major restructure

A MAJOR car brand is reportedly in talks with Chinese manufacturers to start building cars in the UK.

It comes after a major restructure, which saw the automaker axe 900 staff.

Nissan is said to be considering a partner to share its manufacturing site in Sunderland, according to reports from GB News.

The brand’s chief executive Ivan Espinosa confirmed that he would consider allowing the factory to be used by other manufacturers to build cars.

He added that Nissan was “looking at options” after dealing with financial difficulties, which saw a global cost-cutting effort.

The brand previously announced it would be cutting 20,000 jobs across worldwide, as well as closing several factories.

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Nissan recently confirmed that hundreds of these job cuts would occur across Europe, with Sunderland plant, which employs 6,000 people hearing that one of its production lines would be closed.

A spokesperson for Nissan said the company would “assess future opportunities to secure full plant utilisation”.

Reports suggest the automaker has been in discussions with the recently launched Chinese brand Chery, however, Espinosa said there is currently “nothing specific about any partner to announce”.

However, he added that partnering with other motors manufacturers is “something that we would likely look into considering”.

A Nissan spokesperson told The Sun: “Under the Re:Nissan recovery plan, we have been taking decisive actions to enhance performance and create a leaner, more resilient business that adapts quickly to market changes.

“As part of this approach, today we have opened discussions with our European employees with a view to simplifying our structures, reducing complexity, and ensuring we operate in a sustainable and profitable way.

“This includes discussions on proposals for the partial closure of our Barcelona warehouse and to move to an importer model for our Nordic markets.

The rep added: “We have also announced that we will consolidate production from two lines to one at our Sunderland Plant as we assess future opportunities to secure full plant utilisation.”