Sunderland, UK – July 9, 2025 – The Nissan Sunderland Plant has officially commenced production of the most technologically advanced Qashqai to date, now powered by the next generation of Nissan’s innovative e-POWER system. A landmark moment for the UK’s automotive sector, this milestone arrives as the plant also celebrates the production of its 4.5 millionth Qashqai — a remarkable achievement since the model’s debut in 2006.
Renowned for blending crossover versatility with forward-thinking engineering, the Qashqai remains a trailblazer. The new model builds on this legacy with a thoroughly reengineered e-POWER drivetrain that delivers class-leading fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a near-silent, electric-like drive without the need for plug-in charging.
Electrification, Evolved
Nissan’s unique e-POWER system has undergone substantial enhancements, elevating the crossover’s driving experience closer than ever to that of a pure electric vehicle. Unlike traditional hybrids, e-POWER drives the wheels exclusively via an electric motor, while a compact 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine functions solely as a generator, producing electricity on demand.
This advanced configuration now delivers:
- Best-in-segment fuel efficiency of up to 62mpg (WLTP)
- An impressive range of up to 745 miles
- CO₂ emissions reduced by 12%, from 116g/km to just 102g/km
- Up to 5.6dB lower cabin noise, ensuring EV-like cabin serenity
- An 11kW boost in Sport Mode, offering sharper, more responsive acceleration
The result is a powertrain that combines the intuitive responsiveness of electric propulsion with the convenience of petrol refuelling, eliminating range anxiety while maintaining driver engagement.
A Milestone of Manufacturing Excellence
Built on Production Line One at the Sunderland Plant, the new Qashqai stands as a symbol of British engineering prowess. Adam Pennick, Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, highlighted the team’s dedication:
“Our world-class manufacturing and engineering team has been building Qashqai with pride since 2006. That’s why we have the perfect blend of experience, skill and technical expertise to manufacture Qashqai with this fantastic new e-POWER drivetrain.
It was an exciting moment to watch the first new e-POWER battery being fitted on the production line. We’re confident that our customers worldwide will love this new, no-compromise electrified powertrain.”
Over the past 19 years, the Sunderland Plant has produced an average of one Qashqai every two and a half minutes — a testament to the model’s enduring popularity and the plant’s relentless focus on quality and innovation.
Driving into an Electric Future
This production milestone arrives at a pivotal time for Nissan’s Sunderland operations. The team is also preparing facilities for the upcoming next-generation 100% electric Nissan LEAF, set to launch as part of EV36Zero — Nissan’s flagship vision for carbon-neutral manufacturing. In 2026, a fully electric version of the Nissan Juke will follow, further expanding the brand’s zero-emission portfolio.
EV36Zero will transform the Sunderland Plant into a cutting-edge EV hub, integrating electric vehicle assembly with renewable energy generation and battery production. This initiative underscores Nissan’s commitment to sustainable mobility and localised, future-ready manufacturing.
“Building fantastic cars that our customers love is what we do best,” Pennick added. “To see these cutting-edge vehicles driving silently off our lines shows we are pushing forward with our EV36Zero vision for EV manufacturing.”
As the Qashqai enters its next chapter with improved performance, lower emissions, and enhanced refinement, it continues to set the standard for what modern crossovers should be. More than just a new powertrain, this is a clear signal that Nissan — and the UK’s automotive industry — is ready for the electrified road ahead.
