U.K. to Supply Infiniti QX30 Crossover Worldwide

Nissan Motor Co. is preparing its factory in Sunderland, England, to supply global markets with its new Infiniti QX30 small SUV/crossover vehicle next year.

Sunderland also will make the Infiniti Q30 small hatchback, which Nissan unveiled in concept form at the Frankfurt auto show last year. Infiniti has not yet publicly shown a prototype of the QX30.

Sunderland will be the sole source for the Q30 and QX30 in all markets, including China and the U.S. Infiniti Chairman Andy Palmer says the plant is being prepared to make a combined 60,000 units per year.

Both models will use Daimler AG's new modular front architecture platform, which carries the redesigned Mercedes-Benz A-Class minicar and GLA compact crossover. Palmer says the Infiniti vehicles also will use Daimler's 2.0-liter gasoline and diesel engines.