Nissan to combine UK production lines with jobs impact unclear

Japanese car maker Nissan has announced plans to cut roughly 10% of its European workforce, with the precise impact on UK operations unclear.

Two of Nissan's Sunderland production lines are to be combined into a single line under restructuring plans, with the remaining one operating at full capacity.

And while no manufacturing roles are understood to be lost, the impact on other jobs is unclear.

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Around 900 out of 9,300 European jobs are to go, nearly 10% of headcount across the continent. Approximately 6,000 people are employed at Nissan's manufacturing operations in Sunderland.

As well as the manufacturing plant in Sunderland, Nissan operates a technical centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire and a vehicle design site in London.

It's the second job cuts announcement in just under a year. In May 2025, Nissan said it would shut seven factories and cut 20,000 jobs globally in a bid to slash costs.

The consolidation at Sunderland comes, "as we assess future opportunities to secure full plant utilisation", a spokesperson said.

Reporting in the Financial Times said Nissan was in talks with other producers for them to use excess manufacturing capacity at its Sunderland factory.

"We have been taking decisive actions to enhance performance and create a leaner, more resilient business that adapts quickly to market changes", the spokesperson added.

The Sunderland factory was the site of many prime minister visits, with both Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson visiting during their tenure.

Outside of the UK, Nissan has European headquarters in France, as well as sites in Brussels and Spain.

"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," the Nissan statement said.

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

(c) Sky News 2026: Nissan to combine UK production lines with jobs impact unclear