The Spanish factory that Nissan wants to get rid of, may be converted into a battery factory for European electric cars. The South Korean LG is considering taking over the factory.
At the end of May, Nissan confirmed that it is divesting its car factory in Barcelona. The closure is part of the new business plan for the next three years. The ‘for sale’ sign in the front yard of the gigantic complex has a price tag of € 1.6 billion. South Korean battery giant LG is now presenting itself as a potential buyer of the complex. It would like to make batteries for European electric cars there. That reports Automobiel Management.
This would not be LG’s first European factory, as it is already building batteries in Poland. About 2,500 employees will end up on the street when the factory closes its doors at the end of 2021. To soften that blow, the Spanish government has pledged € 600 million in state aid. However, should LG become the big boss, large groups of people will still have to give up their place in the factory. The company would have enough of 1,500 to 2,000 employees.
Spanish sources report that LG will make a decision before the end of the month. Nissan builds vans and pick-ups in Barcelona. Navara production is reported to be relocated to South Africa and the next (e-) NV200 will be produced in collaboration with Renault in Maubeuge, France.