FREE now SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Make the most of your money by signing up to our newsletter fornow We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Any trade agreement which includes tariffs on car exports would see the the Japanese carmaker switch its focus to selling more cars in the UK Britain, the insiders told the Financial Times. Under contingency plans drawn up late last year, Nissan would keep its factory in Sunderland, which was opened in 1986, and aim to boost its four percent UK market share to about 20 percent.

We want our UK team of more than 7,000 people to have the best possible chance of future success Nissan

The proposals include the closure of a struggling van factory in Barcelona and the end of manufacturing in France. The plan is thought to be one of several drawn up in preparation for post-Brexit tariffs, and was drafted before Makoto Uchida became Nissan’s chief executive on December 1. The company has refused to comment on the reports and said it was still looking for clarity over the Brexit trade deal.

Nissan is preparing to focus on production in the UK

It said it wanted more information from the Government on the shape of trading arrangements as a result of the UK leaving the EU. Nissan employs 7,000 people in Sunderland and is the second-largest producer of cars in the UK behind Jaguar Land Rover. In a statement, the company said: “We continue to invest in our UK operations to serve European markets, with the new Nissan Juke recently launching and preparations now under way for the new Qashqai. READ MORE:UK threatens to walk away from EU talks ’We don’t NEED trade deal'

Nissan employs 7,000 at its Sunderland factory

The Japanese car giant has been a major employer in the north east since 1986

“However, we are among those companies with major investments in the UK who are still waiting for clarity on what the future trading relationship between the UK and the EU will look like. “We want our UK team of more than 7,000 people to have the best possible chance of future success, which is why we continue to urge UK and EU negotiators to work collaboratively towards an orderly balanced Brexit that will continue to encourage mutually beneficial trade.”

Trending

Dr Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Decisions made during the next phase of negotiations will influence the business environment for decades to come. “Businesses are likely to face significant changes in the way they trade, both in Europe and across the world. “The Government must clearly communicate what those changes will be, and provide timely guidance and support to help firms adapt and make the most of new opportunities as Britain sets its own trading polices.” DON'T MISS

Brexit LIVE: Economic boost for Boris as Brussels dealt massive blow[LIVE]

Let’s celebrate Britain’s true achievements, says LEO McKINSTRY[COMMENT]

Brexit passport law: Do I need to change my passport now?[FOCUS]

Nissan is expected to keep its Sunderland factory in operation