Nissan boss says Brexit is ‘positive’ – and claims new trade deal gives carmaker a ‘competitive advantage’

Nissan boss says Brexit is ‘positive’ – and claims new trade deal gives carmaker a ‘competitive advantage’

Nissan has hailed the Brexit deal, saying the agreement will give it a "competitive advantage" as it committed to produce new electric vehicle batteries at its Sunderland plant.Chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta said the deal gives Nissan the chance to "redefine the industry" and described new customs procedures resulting from Brexit as "peanuts".

He made his remarks as the company revealed that supply chain problems would result in a production line closing at the factory on Friday, but Nissan insisted it was down to COVID-19 and not Brexit red tape.

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Production at Nissan's Sunderland plant has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Pic: Nissan



Mr Gupta's comments are likely to be seized on by ministers under pressure from a range of sectors to address the cost, complexity and delays arising from the new procedures.Nissan was