Core Points - Nissan has commenced production of the third generation Nissan Leaf at its Sunderland plant, representing a GBP450 million investment in operations and supply chain [1][5] - The new Leaf is positioned as a smart, sleek, and aerodynamic vehicle that redefines possibilities for electric vehicles, marking a significant milestone for Nissan [2] - The Sunderland plant has undergone significant transformation to support EV manufacturing, including the introduction of advanced technologies and new equipment [3][4] Investment and Production - The investment of GBP450 million signifies Nissan's commitment to the UK automotive industry and the North East economy [1][5] - The production of the Leaf includes the implementation of factory of the future technologies, such as big data, virtual reality, and digital mapping [4] - A state-of-the-art battery marriage facility has been established, utilizing fully automated technology to integrate the battery into the vehicle efficiently [6] Technological Advancements - The Sunderland plant features 137 new press dies for the Leaf's body panels and 78 new high-tech robots for precision manufacturing [4] - The introduction of 475 automated guided vehicles enhances the efficiency of parts delivery directly to the production line [6] - Over 360,000 hours of training have been provided to the 6,000 team members involved in the production of the new Leaf [6]
Nissan starts production of third generation Leaf at UK plant