Nissan ‘says Sunderland plant could close’ if UK excluded from Made in Europe rules

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Lisa O’Carroll and Jennifer Rankin in BrusselsMarch 5, 2026 at 05:11 PM

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Nissan is reportedly considering closing its Sunderland plant, the UK's largest car factory, if the UK is excluded from the EU's proposed "Made in Europe" manufacturing rules. These rules, under the Industrial Accelerator Act, aim to protect the EU from competition by prioritizing public subsidies for electric vehicles made in European plants. The UK automotive industry is concerned that the proposals could damage the £70 billion annual cross-channel trade and disadvantage UK manufacturers in the EU market. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders fears the act may breach the EU-UK trade cooperation agreement. While Nissan has not explicitly threatened closure, they have expressed concerns about potential disadvantages for UK-based companies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Financial Times 35% China 40% Stéphane Séjourné 50% Mike Hawes 50% Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders 60% Industrial Accelerator Act ×370% Sunderland ×380% United Kingdom ×685% European Union ×890% Nissan ×590%

Keywords

nissan sunderland plant 90% made in europe rules 80% electric vehicles 70% industrial accelerator act 60% eu incentives 60% uk car industry 60% eu-uk trade 50% trade cooperation agreement 50% public subsidies 40%