Infiniti has announced that it will begin building its new premium hatchback at Nissan's Sunderland plant in 2015.
The Japanese firm is investing £250million in the venture, which is expected to create an additional 1,000 jobs, including 280 at the Sunderland factory.
Around 60,000 models are expected to roll off the Sunderland production line annually, making Infiniti the first new car brand to manufacture cars on this scale in the UK in 23 years.
Infiniti's new premium hatch will be based on the same platform as the new third-generation Mercedes A-Class and is expected to come with the same range of engines. It will compete in the premium hatch market with the likes of the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3 and will feature styling inspired by the 2011 Etherea Concept (shown above).
The announcement coincides with the news that the Sunderland plant will produce more than 500,000 cars by the end of 2012 -- the first time a manufacturer has reached this milestone.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "This investment is excellent news for the North East and another vote of confidence for UK manufacturing.
"The continued success of Nissan in the UK demonstrates the strength of the car industry here, and its importance, as we rebalance and grow the economy"
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