2011 Nissan Subcompact SUV/Crossover Teaser Sketch

Nissan has released a teaser sketch of its forthcoming subcompact SUV/Crossover/CUV (call it whatever you want) that will be built at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, starting in 2011. We can't be entirely sure, but from the looks of it, Nissan's new crossover will most probably be a three-door model

The all-new model that will follow in the footsteps of the Qashqai Crossover will be an addition to the current Nissan range and for the Sunderland plant, and it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current version of the Micra ends in 2011. Production of the next-generation Micra supermini will be shifted to a new plant in Chennai, India that is being built by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. -Continued

The decision was announced following a visit today by the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to Nissan’s European Design Centre in central London where he met Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO, Nissan Motor Co.

The Prime Minister said, "Nissan is a global manufacturer with strong roots in Britain and I'm pleased to welcome Nissan's new investment in the UK. Today's announcement that a brand new car is to be designed and built in the UK is another important boost to our manufacturing industry, and builds upon Nissan's recent commitments to increase investment and jobs at its record breaking Sunderland plant.”

"Sunderland's success shows what an innovative, talented and highly committed workforce can achieve, and reaffirms the UK's position as a strong player in the global car industry," he added.

Carlos Ghosn on his behalf said, “By delivering on tough commitments, our employees at Sunderland have demonstrated our plant can be a globally competitive centre for the production of high-value products. We are encouraged by the proactive support shown by the British government to decide new products for the Sunderland plant.”