From 2013, the Nissan plant in Sunderland will manufacture the brand’s new fully-electric vehicle, the LEAF.

Some 2,250 jobs at Nissan will be safeguarded, and more across the UK supply chain, by the total investment of £420 million by the manufacturer.

It was confirmed last year that the Sunderland factory, which is the largest car production plant in the UK, would be responsible for the manufacture of the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, included in the car, from 2012.

The UK is the third country in the world to be chosen for production of the electric model.

This is the latest in a line of investments in the north-east low-carbon industry.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the government would be investing £8.4 million in a new training centre specifically for the low-carbon vehicle industry.

Low-carbon skills will be taught to students aged 14 and over as well as those already working in the low-carbon industry already, at Gateshead College.

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