Nissan Plans to Cut 10% of Its European Workforce

[Company Update] Nissan Motor plans to cut approximately 10% of its workforce in Europe as part of its global strategy to return to profitability.

Key Development: 900 white-collar positions to be eliminated across the UK, France, Spain, and other countries

Nissan is currently in discussions with European employees and unions regarding the layoffs, which involve 900 office and warehouse roles—representing 10% of its total European workforce of around 9,300 employees. Spain alone may see cuts of up to 500 positions, though final numbers remain pending.

Strategic Rationale: Sunderland plant streamlines production lines and explores third-party partnerships

Nissan will consolidate two production lines at its Sunderland plant in the UK into one and is in talks with potential partners, including China’s Chery Automobile, to utilize excess capacity for contract manufacturing. The plant is currently operating at only about 50% capacity utilization.

Industry Impact: Safeguarding long-term competitiveness and avoiding larger-scale plant closures

Nissan emphasized that this move is critical to maintaining its "profitable competitiveness" and preserving "long-term employment" in the European market, forming a key component of its global restructuring plan—which includes cutting 20,000 jobs worldwide.