Infiniti is preparing for the production start of its first compact car, the Q30, which should begin rolling off the assembly line in Sunderland later this year.
Nissan’s luxury arm announced that it has started recruitment for 300 new jobs at its UK plant needed for the Q30, the brand’s first vehicle to be built in Europe.
Infiniti has invested so far £250 million ($386 million) in plant extensions totaling over 25,000 square meters, including a new Body Shop and an expanded Trim and Chassis vehicle assembly line. Shortly after the production start of the Infiniti Q30 at Sunderland, the automaker will add a second model, the QX30 premium compact crossover.
The two compact models will not only be the first premium vehicles manufactured in Sunderland, but also the first to be exported from Sunderland to the North American and Chinese markets.
The 300 new recruits will join the company ahead of the start of production of Infiniti Q30 later this year. The number of new jobs created in Sunderland exceeds the 180 direct jobs originally announced in 2012.
“It is a fantastic time to be joining the company, as we prepare to launch Infiniti’s first premium compact entry for global markets. In return we’ll be looking for people who share the same obsession for detail and commitment to quality as our highly-skilled workforce in Sunderland,” said Colin Lawther, Senior Vice President for Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management in Europe.
Note: Infiniti Q30 Concept pictured
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