The new Nissan Juke will help to save 1000 jobs at the firm's Sunderland plant and another 2000 in the supply industry, according to the Japanese manufacturer.
The new small crossover will play its part in the trend of moving supermini production to low-cost countries such as India when it replaces the Micra at the firm's plant in Sunderland.
The Juke will sell at a higher price than the Micra. Producing budget cars in high-cost Western factories is no longer a viable business plan, say industry analysts. So were it not for the Juke's arrival at Sunderland - which also produces the larger Qashqai - jobs could have been put at risk.
Nissan says it is convinced that a significant number of European car buyers in the supermini and Golf markets are looking for a new type of car that breaks out of the traditional hatchback mould. "We are looking to inject some much-needed dynamism into the small car segment," said one Nissan source.
When it goes on sale in October, the 187bhp 1.6 turbo Juke will be available with four-wheel drive, and a CVT. Two-wheel-drive cars get a six-speed manual.
There will also be a more powerful version of the 1.6-litre petrol engine found in the Note, with 113bhp, and a 1.5-litre diesel.
Nissan is offering the Juke with upmarket options, such as keyless entry, a rear-view camera and automatic headlights.
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Re: Juke 'saves Sunderland jobs'
Silence.
You not going to answer Horse?
Re: Juke 'saves Sunderland jobs'
I wonder what ol' hoss is going to call you?
Re: Juke 'saves Sunderland jobs'
Didn't you read a reply I made to you recently about just how dire things are in the UK Construction Industry? Things ARE bad and I have no problems saying so. What I do have a problem with is having my nose rubbed in bad news delivered in what comes accross as a particularly gloating tone. Thing is Horsey while this cyclical recession lasts my office is going to look like a ghost town. Those of us left in employment have had no pay rise, no bonus or had a company car replaced since the end of 2007. A lot of the lads ran German company cars. If things pick up a car I am seriously considering buying the VW Bluesport (and thus I hope VW move from strength to strength and hurry up and make the bloody thing). I would have expected you to express some hope, therefore, that the UK is fortunate enough to experience an economic upturn.
When I saw you had posted a link I assumed it would be the UK balance of payments deficit (now there's a ray of sunshine). I noted that one problem (among many) attibuted to poor UK export figures was a lack of recovery of European economies and thus I wish all European countries well.
Will you wish us well Horsey? or are you quite happy to remain the personification of belligerence?