Nissan has given Britain one of its biggest economic boosts post-Brexit by agreeing to invest £1 billion in a new factory producing electric vehicles and batteries, creating an extra 6,200 jobs.
The plant will involve a conversion of the current Nissan factory in Sunderland, in the north-east of England, where the Qashqai and Juke models are built.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Nissan's move was "a major vote of confidence in the UK and our highly skilled workers in the North East" and his spokesman said it was a "pivotal moment in the electric vehicle revolution."
He said: "This is not one shot, this is not one car, this is the plan and this is for 10 years' engagement.”
The UK government has already announced that, in order to meet carbon emission targets. from 2030 sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned.
When asked whether Nissan had received state subsidies from the government, Mr Cartier would not comment on details but said enigmatically: “The government is a key player.”
Subsidies from government, known as state aid, is now allowed in the European Union but Britain’s departure from the EU means it is free from such a restriction.
Nissan will spend £423 million producing a new all-electric crossover vehicle at the plant, where it currently builds its Leaf electric car.
Nissan has also done a deal with a Chinese company, Envision AESC, to build a plant in Sunderland to produce batteries for the new and as yet unnamed vehicle.
Zhang Lei, founder and Chief Executive of Envision, told Reuters: "Industrial revolutions start with energy revolutions and so with the green industrial revolution. We also want to build the supply ecosystem in the country - but you do need critical mass."