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Inside major car brand's new ‘iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat

Inside major car brand's new ‘iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat

Scottish Sun05-06-2025
The new model has undergone a significant redesign
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
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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.
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The third-generation Nissan Leaf is set to launch later this year
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Its sleek, higher-riding design emphasises aerodynamics and range
Credit: Nissan
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The car features an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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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.
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Are you on the state pension cliff edge and is the triple lock safe? Experts reveal what YOU need to do
Are you on the state pension cliff edge and is the triple lock safe? Experts reveal what YOU need to do

Scottish Sun

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Are you on the state pension cliff edge and is the triple lock safe? Experts reveal what YOU need to do

We explain what a huge state pension review could mean for you PENSION TENSION Are you on the state pension cliff edge and is the triple lock safe? Experts reveal what YOU need to do MILLIONS of Brits could work for longer after the government announced a review of the state pension age this week. Chancellor Rachel Reeves says a review is needed to keep the state pension system 'sustainable and affordable'. 5 A huge review into the state pension is going ahead as concerns grow over the affordability of the system Credit: Getty 5 The current State Pension costs the Treasury around £125 billion a year Credit: Getty The current State Pension costs the Treasury around £125 billion a year – and it's only going to go up as we all live longer. The triple lock promise, which guarantees that the state pension increases in line with inflation, wages or 2.5%, is expected to hit £15.5billion a year by 2030. Blathnaid Corless and Ruth Jackson-Kirby explains what is happening and what YOU should do now. What is happening? The state pension age - when you can start claiming - is currently 66. It is rising to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046. A new review means the rise could be accelerated and the state pension age could even rise to 69 or 70. The government reviews the state pension age every six years and the next review was due in 2029 - but will now come in 2027. Rachel Vahey, head of public policy at AJ Bell, said: "An increase to the state pension age from 66 to 67 is already slated to happen between 2026 and 2028. "But it's less clear what will happen after that. "There is also an increase to age 68 pencilled in for 2046, but a faster increase is definitely on the cards. "The first two reviews of the state pension age advocated bringing this forward, but successive governments have treated the issue like a hot potato." The government has also asked the Pensions Commission to tackle a savings crisis faced by retirees, including how much is saved via minimum auto-enrollment contributions and how to help self-employed people. Hargreaves Lansdown head of retirement Helen Morrissey, said: 'The concern is that many people are not saving enough and risk not having enough in retirement.' When will I get the state pension? The big question is whether the move to a state pension age of 68 will be brought forward. Any changes could mean people in their mid-50s being left facing a gap between when they planned to retire and when they can start claiming their state pension. For anyone under 55, it means that you will have to factor in working longer into your retirement plan. 5 Chancellor Rachel Reeves says a review is needed to keep the state pension system 'sustainable and affordable' Credit: AFP Former pensions minister and LCP partner Steve Webb said: 'The most likely change in the short to medium term is getting to 68 sooner, as this has been recommended by two previous reviews of state pension age.' A previous review, called the Cridland Review, recommended that the rise to 68 should be brought forward. Whatever happens the government must give at least 10 years notice of any increase to the state pension age. If the state pension age rises to 68 earlier than planned, people born in the early 1970s could lose out on £17,340, based on the state pension rising 2.5 per cent each year, according to AJ Bell. You can see when you will get the state pension as planned by using our Sun Club tool at 5 Anyone under 48 years old will almost certainly have a state pension age of 68 'We're relying on the pension... and now it's going to be pushed back and back' NICOLA Jones, 58, gave up her job as a mental health worker last year to become a full-time carer for her partner Tracy, 54, who has MS. The couple say they're very worried about potential changes to the state pension age, which they're hoping will ease the financial strain of living solely off benefits including Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance, which give them a joint monthly income of £1118.67. While Nicola will not be affected by the predicted changes, Tracy probably will. 'We're on the bread line as it is because I'm a full time carer and we have no savings. We keep hearing that people should be saving towards their pension, but we can't do that,' Nicola said. 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Australia and UK to sign 50-year defense agreement
Australia and UK to sign 50-year defense agreement

Daily Mail​

time7 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Australia and UK to sign 50-year defense agreement

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Greggs could BRING BACK iconic bake it scrapped six years ago leaving fans gutted
Greggs could BRING BACK iconic bake it scrapped six years ago leaving fans gutted

Scottish Sun

time7 hours ago

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Greggs could BRING BACK iconic bake it scrapped six years ago leaving fans gutted

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BAKERY chain Greggs could bring back its fan favourite steak and cheese roll after a dairy firm pulled a cheeky Stilton stunt. Big cheeses from Clawson Farms arrived at the company's HQ in a lorry flanked by motorcycle outriders and security guards to deliver an 8kg wheel of their pongy produce. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Greggs could bring back its fan favourite steak and cheese roll after a dairy firm pulled a cheeky Stilton stunt Credit: Jason Bye It came in response to fan demands for Greggs to reinstate the bake, which it scrapped in 2019. Clawson, owned by 30 farmers near Melton Mowbray, Leics, told Greggs: 'We've got the cheese, are you bringing the roll?' When Greggs dropped its steak and cheese offering, fans went into a full-on pastry panic — with one even writing a song about it. Master cheesemaker Richard Mayfield said: 'Greggs is a big brand, so we needed to make a big statement to get their attention.' Greggs boss Roisin Currie invited the cheeky cheesemakers into the Newcastle offices for a Greggs sausage roll. She did not give anything away about the return of the fan favourite, but her reaction is seen as the first sniff of a possible return. Big cheese Keith said: 'I live near one of the busiest Greggs shops in the country – and I'm in there most mornings. When the Steak & Cheese Roll disappeared, I was gutted. So we thought, why not offer them the best cheese in Britain and help bring it back?' 'Greggs is literally in my blood — three generations of my family have worked there, so campaigning to back the cheese roll, with our stilton in it, was a no-brainer! I spend my days going up and down the country spreading the love of Stilton, but this delivery? Well, it was rolling in style. "Meeting Roisin and the team was fantastic — she welcomed us in with open arms and took the whole thing in great humour. We're just here hoping Greggs might want us back for good!' Greggs was approached to comment on a possible comeback.

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