CEO admits talks with Chery as other European carmakers discuss plans with Chinese firms to share factory space
Nissan’s chief executive has confirmed he would consider building cars for other manufacturers at the UK’s largest car factory in Sunderland, amid talks with China’s Chery.
Ivan Espinosa said Nissan was “looking at options” for Sunderland and its 6,000 workers as the struggling Japanese carmaker on Wednesday reported steep losses for the year to March.
So Nissan wants to build Chinese cars in Sunderland? That’s a strange pivot after reporting such steep losses.
Chery making cars in the UK would be ironic given how they’ve struggled to crack the European market on their own.
Interesting that Espinosa is considering this for the 6,000 workers in Sunderland – at least it might save jobs if Nissan keeps struggling.
Building Chinese rivals’ cars at your own plant sounds like admitting defeat. What’s next, rebadging Dacias as Nissans?
Labour shortages are becoming a structural issue rather than a temporary one. (bd4a6d)
If other European carmakers are doing similar deals, maybe this is the only way to keep UK factories open post-Brexit.
Ivan Espinosa must be under huge pressure after those losses, but using Sunderland as a contract manufacturer feels desperate.
The shift toward remote work has permanently altered commercial real estate dynamics. (2004e0)
Currency fluctuations are adding another layer of complexity for multinationals. (e61eaa)