Nissan Announce New Focus Rival

New Model Based on Invitation Concept

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan has announced plans for an all-new model to rival the Ford Focus. Nissan also announced the car will be built at its Sunderland plant in the UK creating 1125 new jobs for the fragile economy.

The new, but unnamed model is rumoured to be a replacement for the Nissan Note and will be based on the Invitation concept car (pictured) shown at this years Geneva Motor Show. The new car will be will be built alongside the Qashqai, Qashqai+2, Leaf and Juke in Sunderland potentially significantly increasing their presence in the UK.

Along with an £8.2 Million government grant, Nissan is investing £127 Million into its Sunderland plant in preparation for the new model. Nissan predict the plant should be able to produce 550,000 cars per year. The addition of the new model will see both production lines at the plant working at maximum capacity for the first time in its 26 year history. 

UK Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It is fantastic news that Nissan will be building their new hatchback model in the UK. It's proof of the strength and vitality of the British manufacturing industry that leading companies like Nissan are expanding their production in the UK.”

The car is scheduled for a release in 2014 and more news such as pricing, specifications and equipment will be available nearer the time. With the announcement of the new model, this marks Nissan’s first venture out in the mainstream C-segment since the company stopped production of the Almera in 2006.