‘Emissions targets threaten thousands of jobs’, warns Sunderland carmaker Nissan

A carmaker has warned thousands of jobs could be lost unless the Government U-turns on “potentially irreversible” damaging green targets.

Nissan says Westminster plans to accelerate electric vehicle sales “risk undermining the business case for manufacturing cars in the UK”.

However, the Government has stood by its zero emission vehicle mandate, which states 22 per cent of manufacturers’ new car sales must be carbon-free models, with the figure rising to 80 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent in 2035.

But Nissan – which has made the all-electric Leaf hatchback at its 6000-job Sunderland plant for more than a decade, and is gearing up to manufacture green versions of its flagship Qashqai and Juke models on Wearside through its EV36Zero blueprint – says the targets are unrealistic.

Bosses – speaking just days after revealing the Japanese firm is planning to cut 9000 jobs worldwide to mitigate falling sales – say the Government must ramp up “consumer incentives” to boost electric vehicle adoption and roll out more charging points.

Guillaume Cartier, chair of Nissan’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, said: “(The zero emission vehicle mandate) risks undermining the business case for manufacturing cars in the UK, and the viability of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in investment.

“We now need to see urgent action from the Government by the end of the year to avoid a potentially irreversible impact on the UK automotive sector.

“We are committed to working with the Government and industry partners on a long-term solution, but action is needed urgently to ensure we protect UK car manufacturing and ensure we can all realise and support the transition to zero emissions and carbon neutrality.”

Nissan’s rallying cry came as market rival Ford revealed 800 UK jobs are at risk in cost-cutting plans to “ensure the long-term sustainability and growth” of European operations, though it is understood roles will not be affected at the business’ Dagenham and Halewood plants, or a Southampton distribution hub.

Citing “significant disruption” in the European electric transition, caused by “competitive and economic headwinds… and “a misalignment between CO2 regulations and consumer demand”, John Lawler, Ford Motor Company’s vice chair and chief financial officer, called for greater collaboration between industry, policymakers and trade unions.

He added: “We lack a clear policy agenda to advance e-mobility, such as public investments in charging infrastructure, meaningful incentives to help consumers make the shift, improving cost competitiveness for manufacturers and greater flexibility in meeting CO2 compliance targets.”

Vauxhall owner Stellantis is also carrying out a feasibility review into its Ellesmere Port and Luton plants against the backdrop of zero emission demands.

However, the Government says it remains committed to its targets, saying it is putting infrastructure in place to speed up motorists’ transition.

A spokesperson added: “The UK automotive sector now has the fastest growth of zero emission vehicles of any major European market.

“We’re providing more than £2.3 billion to support industry and consumers in making the switch, with 57 new public electric vehicle chargers added on average each day.”