
Inside major car brand's new ‘iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat
ROAD AHEAD Inside major car brand's new 'iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A STRUGGLING car brand has released details of its new electric crossover ahead of a full reveal later this month.
Built at a huge factory in Sunderland, the Nissan Leaf is set to join the market later this year.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
5
The third-generation Nissan Leaf is set to launch later this year
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
5
Its sleek, higher-riding design emphasises aerodynamics and range
Credit: Nissan
5
The car features an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
5
The Nissan Leaf has sold 700,000 models since its 2010 debut
Credit: Getty
Now in its third-generation, the electric crossover is scheduled to begin production over the next few months.
The launch comes amid the company's financial struggles after they announced £4 billion in losses.
As other manufacturers are slowing production on EVs, Nissan's Sunderland factory is focusing more on these eco-friendly alternatives.
The company has reduced its production from 17 to 10 factories, with an announcement that 20,000 jobs will be lost.
Its newest model has been announced as part of this focus on EVs.
Global product strategy boss Richard Candler told Autocar that the latest model was informed by customer feedback since the car's 2010 debut.
He said: "Leaf is an icon for us. It's one of our core 'heartbeat' models."
First launched in 2010, the Leaf was one of the first mass-market electric cars.
Nissan has sold 700,000 Leafs since 2010, covering over 28 billion kilometres.
Richard added: "We have really substantial, real-world insight about the customer - understanding how their needs have evolved from the early days of Leaf until now."
The company has substantially changed this version's shape and positioning, learning from their Mk1 and Mk2 models.
This results in more aerodynamic efficiency, helping to achieve a longer range.
While not being officially announced until the debut later this month, its estimated maximum range is 372 miles.
The new design reflects a wider market shift away from traditional hatchbacks towards higher-riding cars.
Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky 'bug eye' headlights
It means that the Nissan Leaf could rival cars like the Skoda Elroq.
While few details have been announced so far, European product boss François Bailly said they were emphasising "real-world range."
This means they have prioritised range and aerodynamics with the design to ensure motorists get the most out of their EV.
Global design boss Alfonso Albaisa added: "It's very modern, simple and nice.
"We wanted something tailored, handsome, well-proportioned, with a super-tech interior that feels open and cool."
It will include features like an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding, creating more headspace by removing the need for physical blinds.
Its in-car systems are equipped with their updated Car and Connected Service platform, using a Google-based infotainment system and advanced driver assistance systems to "make your life easier."
The new model is launching amidst the company's financial problems.
Over the last few weeks, Nissan has announced plans to cut 20,000 jobs, and reported £4billion in losses leading to an £1 billion government bailout.
To save on costs, they plan on closing down seven of their factories, with its only UK based factory focusing more on electric cars.
During this turbulent period, production on some models has stalled.
The company may need to sell its £500 million Yokohama-based global headquarters to combat its extensive losses.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Sunderland Nissan supplier exploring wind turbine plan
A key supplier to car maker Nissan is exploring plans for a new wind turbine to help reduce carbon (UK) Ltd, an automotive manufacturing company, wants to install a 492ft (150m) tip wind turbine at its Sunderland plant on Cherry Blossom Way, in firm, which supplies press-formed vehicle parts to the Nissan plant in Washington, said the wind turbine could generate up to application to Sunderland City Council planning officials has requested a "scoping opinion" on the plans to look at environmental impacts. Site plans show the wind turbine proposed for a parcel of land near the Unipres boundary with the Nissan plant site, which already has wind was noted the "energy generated would be distributed directly to the warehouse and would function to meet the energy needs of the facility".Applicants said the proposed development would "aim to reduce the carbon emissions from the facility" and would be "largely self-sustainable", with any "excess energy" potentially being exported back to the national grid. 'Employment benefits' Following the period of operation, estimated at 25 years, the applicant is also expected to "decommission" the wind turbine "in line with best practice industry guidance".The supporting environmental impact scoping report adds: "The proposed development would have economic and employment benefits in the form of contracting opportunities for local and regional contractors both for construction activities themselves and throughout the supply chain."A decision on the screening opinion request will be made by the council following a consultation exercise, with a decision expected in coming months. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.


Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Families on benefits can apply now to get up to £120 in free cost of living cash – are you eligible?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THOUSANDS of households can now apply for cost of living cash worth up to £120. Cash-strapped families can get access to the money through the Household Support Fund (HSF). Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Thousands of families can apply for free cash worth up to £120 Credit: Alamy The scheme has been extended several times, with the latest round running between April 2025 and March 2026. Every council in England has been allocated a share of the £742million fund and can give it to residents in need. Exactly how the money will be paid depends on your council but it could come in the form of free cash, vouchers or white goods. Eligibility criteria also varies depending on where you live but the help is usually available to those on benefits or a low income. Households in Middlesbrough can now apply for the support, which is worth up to £120. The money is available to help residents with energy bills, food and essential costs, such as council tax. To qualify for the support you must live at a property in Middlesbrough and be responsible for paying the council tax, rent or a mortgage. The support is being rolled out in stages to different types of residents in need. Households who get benefits and have children can now apply. Families with children who receive free school meals were automatically sent a voucher before July 9. But the cash is also available to families with a child who receives income-related free school meals and: Is aged under five, if another child in the household is eligible for free school meals. Goes to a school outside of Middlesbrough but lives in Middlesbrough. You can also apply if your child is not eligible for income-related free school meals but your household gets one of the following benefits: Council Tax Reduction Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Housing Benefit Income Support Pension Credit Universal Credit Household Support Fund explained Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund. If you're battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments. In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families. Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. And don't delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date. Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it's crucial you apply as soon as possible. Eligible households will receive a voucher for £60 per child. This means that if you have two children you could be given £120. To apply visit It can take up to 21 working days for the council to process applications, so apply now to avoid the payment being delayed. Which other councils are also offering support? Other councils have also announced the details of their schemes. Among them is Sutton, which is offering residents support worth up to £150. To qualify for the cash you must live in the borough of Sutton and have less than £3,000 in your bank account. Meanwhile, North Somerset Council has also announced it will provide food vouchers of up to £100 to those in need. Plus, families living in Worcestershire can apply for cost of living cash worth £500. At the same time, Cheshire West Council's latest allocation of the Household Support Fund is worth £200. Keep an eye on your local council's website or social media channels to avoid missing out. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories


Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Lewis Hamilton BOOTED OUT of F1 Belgian Grand Prix qualifying just hours after sprint race went terribly wrong
Hamilton had earlier declared he "refused" to not go the extra mile to try and win a title Hammer blow Lewis Hamilton BOOTED OUT of F1 Belgian Grand Prix qualifying just hours after sprint race went terribly wrong Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEWIS HAMILTON'S Spa weekend went from bad to worse as he was booted out in Q1. The seven-time world champion was knocked out in P16 after being penalised and having his last lap deleted for track limits. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Lewis Hamilton's weekend at Spa went from bad to worse Credit: Reuters 3 Hamilton was eliminated in Q1 after getting a lap time deleted Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Hamilton was too greedy over the top of the hill with the kerb, with all four wheels going just over the white line and costing him dearly. The British 40-year-old had the pace and was on track to finish in seventh, which would have comfortably seen him through to Q2. On his team radio, Hamilton said: "Is everything okay?" To which his race engineer Riccardo Adami said: 'Track limits at turn 4." READ MORE IN F1 good fer-it? Horner tipped to become Ferrari boss, day after Hamilton's brutal sacking take Hamilton asked: 'Am I out?" Adami finished with: 'Yeah, lap time is deleted.' It comes after he qualified in 18th for the sprint race on Friday before finishing the race today in 15th. He spun off track in the sprint qualifying after locking up, leaving him unable to complete his lap. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He said: 'I spun… There's not much to say. 'Tomorrow's a new day. Obviously I'm massively frustrated… Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.' 'You don't have too many positive things to say' - Lewis Hamilton in tense exchange with Martin Brundle over F1 photo Hamilton's woes in Spa came after the British driver held crunch talks with Ferrari chiefs ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. Hamilton prepared documents and held a number of meetings following his fourth-place Silverstone finish. He remains without a Grand Prix podium after 12 races, although he did win the China sprint and finish third in the shorter Miami race. Ferrari has not won a title of any kind since the Constructors' Championship in 2008, while their last drivers' title was with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. Hamilton said: "The team have had amazing drivers - Fernando [Alonso], Sebastian [Vettel] - and yet they didn't win a title with Ferrari. "I refuse for that to be the case with me, that's why I am going the extra mile. If you take the same path, you get the same results."