Nissan releases sketch of new compact crossover for 2010

Nissan announced today that it will build ‘an innovative all-new compact car’ at its Sunderland plant in the UK starting 2010. Not many details were given about the vehicles but Nissan said that the car will be “Building on the success of the Qashqai” hinting that it may be a compact crossover of some sort.

A sketch was released along with the press release that reminds us a lot of the shape of the Nissan Urge concept. Oh and if you remember; while everyone was going crazy over the confirmation of the Infiniti G37 Convertible when Nissan recently announced its mid-term business plan, it also confirmed a ‘mini-SUV.’

The new vehicles will take over the production capacity when the production of the current Micra ends in 2010.

Click through for the press release.

Nissan Urge Concept Gallery:

   

  

Press Release:

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW VEHICLE FOR SUNDERLAND PLANT

LONDON, Tuesday 3rd June, 2008 – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that it will source an innovative all-new compact car from its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom (UK), starting in 2010. Building on the success of the Qashqai, the all-new product will reinforce Sunderland”s role as manufacturer and exporter of high-value products.

The decision was announced following a visit today by the British Prime Minister, the Right Honorable Gordon Brown, to Nissan”s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

The Prime Minister said, “Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I’m pleased to welcome Nissan’s new investment in the UK. Today’s announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan’s recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.

“Sunderland’s success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK’s position as a strong player in the global car industry,” he added.

Carlos Ghosn said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products. We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.”

The all-new vehicle will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2010.

Next generation Micra
Nissan will compete in the entry-car market with a dedicated new A platform that will be used for at least three models, including the next generation of Micra, and will be built in five Leading Competitive Countries (LCCs).

Production sites for this family of compact cars will include the new plant in Chennai, India, being constructed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. The development of a competitive A platform is one of several business breakthroughs announced as part of Nissan GT 2012, the company”s new five-year business plan.

The Nissan plant in Sunderland produced a record 374,000 vehicles in fiscal year 2007. Nissan is the largest vehicle exporter from the UK, with around 80% of production sold outside of the country. Together with the engine assembly plant and other facilities, Sunderland currently employs 4,700 workers.