Nissan Qashqai+2

Nissan extends Qashqai production

21 August 2008 - Nissan's Sunderland Plant has started production of its newest model, the Qashqai+2. The model brings the total number of new model launches at Sunderland within the last five years to five. And earlier this year, Nissan's CEO and President, Carlos Ghosn, confirmed a new compact crossover car will be produced at Sunderland in 2010.

Following the success of the original model, Qashqai+2 was designed and engineered in Europe to suit customers' tastes across the European market. Qashqai+2, unveiled at last month's British International Motor Show, builds on the practicality and versatility of the original award-winning Qashqai with more space and a flexible seven-seat configuration, adding another dimension to the Nissan crossover offering.

European sales of the original Qashqai have now topped 235,000 since its launch in March 2007, and when the seven-seat version goes on sale next month it will confirm Nissan's position as the crossover pioneer.

In June, 850 new posts were created to support the introduction of a third production shift at Sunderland to help meet excellent customer demand for the 5-seat Qashqai, as well as expected demand for the new car. Together, Qashqai and Qashqai+2 represent £223 million of investment including design, research & development, vendor tooling and plant preparation.

Deliveries of Qashqai+2 will begin on 18 September 2008, with prices ranging from £17,199 for the two-wheel drive 2.0 litre petrol Visia to £23,799 for the top spec four-wheel drive Tekna 2.0 litre diesel.