Good news that Nissan are moving production of 62kWh EV batteries for a new, wider range Leaf to Sunderland. Old Leaf using 40kWh batteries made in Sunderland already 10 years old. What happens with Ariya etc, currently to be manufactured only in Japan, is crucial. 1/

Which is where my relief that I was too pessimistic ends. A closer reading of this FT article shows that "future models" being produced at Sunderland are just being "explored" "discussed" - according to leaks from insiders to the FT. FT has history of being used as outlet for 2/

leaks from a particular pro UK faction in very faction-ridded Nissan. Interpreting COO Gupta's remark that the Brexit deal had created a "positive environment" in terms of an advantage over rivals that import models to the UK is not the same as the "secured the future" gloss 3/

...which the FT puts on it. The article in the Times is much less sensationalist (as they didn't have the COO interview or leaks) + explains the battery is for a new Leaf - not clear from FT article. 4/ https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/nissan-turns-over-a-new-leaf-with-battery-boost-for-sunderland-hub-pnx56m35q

Sunderland currently running at 1/2 capacity (when it is running!), reliant on exports to EU. Has been encouraging localisation of supply to new industrial park in Sunderland. Huge relief to Nissan's Japanese suppliers like Faltec who invested £12m to open new plant there 5/5