The following are comments from British Prime Minister Theresa May and Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn following their meeting at No 10 Downing Street today.
Prime Minister Theresa May said:
"Our automotive industry is a great British success story and Nissan has been at the heart of it. Over the past 30 years they have had an excellent relationship with the UK Government, a track record of investment and innovation, and their Sunderland plant is one of the most productive anywhere in the world – a testament both to their company and the skill of our workforce.
"We are now at the start of the complex negotiating process as Britain exits the EU and I have been clear that there will be challenges ahead. But I am confident we will achieve the best deal for Britain and the Government will engage closely with employers and investors as part of our work to create a global Britain.
"This government is committed to creating and supporting the right conditions for the automotive industry to go from strength to strength in the UK, now and into the future.
"That's why I was pleased to have met with Mr. Ghosn today to discuss our shared belief that Britain remains an outward-looking, world-leading nation in which to do business. We will continue to work with Nissan as we develop the environment for competitiveness of the automotive industry here in the UK to ensure its success."
Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn said:
"Since Mrs. May's appointment, we have maintained a clear dialogue with the UK Government during this challenging time. It was my pleasure to be here today for a positive meeting with the Prime Minister and key members of her Government and I welcome their commitment to the development of an industrial strategy for Britain.
"The Nissan factory opened in Sunderland 30 years ago and the British government have been strong supporters of our business ever since. Not just in the North of England, but also at our Design Centre in London, our Research and Development Centre in Cranfield and our Sales and Marketing HQ in Rickmansworth.
"We have made significant investments at our factory in Sunderland over the years and today it ranks as one of the world's most successful manufacturing plants. Our 7,000 employees in Sunderland build 2,000 cars a day – 80 per cent of which are exported to more than 130 countries around the world. We want to ensure that this high-performing, high-employment factory remains competitive globally and continues to deliver for our business and for Britain.
"Following our productive meeting, I am confident the government will continue to ensure the UK remains a competitive place to do business. I look forward to continued positive collaboration between Nissan and the UK Government."
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