by Nissan may allow Dongfeng to use its plants outside China
Nissan, which recently considered collaborating with Honda to improve its situation, is now discussing the possibility of allowing its Chinese partner Dongfeng to use its international production capacities. This is part of cost-cutting measures the company is implementing after the failed deal with Honda. One of Nissan’s key plants in Sunderland (UK) could become a production site for Dongfeng vehicles.
According to company executive Ivan Espinoza, Nissan is open to collaborating with Dongfeng outside China. He noted that the Sunderland plant is operating at only half capacity (282,000 vehicles per year with the potential to produce 600,000). Joint production could improve the plant’s efficiency and create additional jobs.
We are open to collaborating with them. Everything is being considered. We could use our joint operations outside China by inviting them into our production ecosystems.
Government support and the future of electric vehicles
Nissan also plans to expand electric vehicle production. In the UK, a new battery plant for electric cars is already under construction, which will become the largest in the country. However, the company is calling on the government to provide support, especially regarding energy costs, which are significantly higher in the UK than in other regions.
It is still unknown which specific Dongfeng models may be produced in the UK. Currently, both companies jointly manufacture vehicles for the Chinese market at a plant in Wuhan. Decisions regarding further collaboration could impact Nissan’s global strategy amid growing competition in the electric vehicle market.
