Category: 3. Business

(Courtesy Office of the Lieutenant Governor)

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) and its food and beverage concessionaire partner HMSHost celebrated the grand opening Waialua Bar & Cafe in Terminal 1 of the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

Inspired by the moku (district) of Waialua on O‘ahu’s North Shore and located at the most northern area of the airport, Waialua Bar & Cafe offers travelers a menu bursting with local flavors, from freshly made cafe sandwiches and pastries, to a full bar featuring expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails, alongside local craft beer.

For breakfast, travelers can enjoy one of several breakfast sandwiches, like the Cranberry, Egg and Gouda on a butter croissant, while for lunch, the Harissa Grilled Cheese with sun-dried tomato is a perfect choice. Waialua Bar & Cafe’s bake shop serves guava Danishes, coconut pineapple tea bread, and a leek parmesan bistro pastry, among other freshly baked treats. Cocktails highlight the many flavors of the islands, like pineapple, coconut and macadamia nut, blending with local spirits.

“One of the main requests we receive from travelers is to offer more local food options at the airport that reflect our island tastes and culture,” said Hawai‘i Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen. “Waialua Bar & Cafe’s innovative menu will offer residents familiar local food and drink choices and provide visitors with authentic flavors of Hawai‘i. We appreciate HMSHost’s collaboration in our ongoing efforts to elevate the airport experience for our travelers, while showcasing what makes Hawai‘i so special.”

HDOT and HMSHost are also collaborating with popular local chefs and restauranteurs to bring additional new dining experiences to HNL, as well as to the Kahului and Līhu‘e airports. Details for the new restaurants will be provided as plans are finalized.

“Daniel K. Inouye International Airport is a place where visitors from around the world expect to experience Hawai‘i the moment they arrive. Waialua Bar & Cafe is the first of several new dining options to come that will transform the passenger experience. We’re very proud of our continued partnership with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation as we bring more local flavor to the airport,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Anthony Alessi.

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Vancouver, B.C. – Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.A and TECK.B, NYSE: TECK) (“Teck”) and Anglo American plc (“Anglo American”) have received regulatory approval from the Government of Canada under the Investment Canada Act (“ICA”) for the merger of equals between Anglo American and Teck which was announced on September 9, 2025. Anglo American and Teck believe that the formation of Anglo Teck in a merger of equals will provide exceptional and enduring benefits for Canada, founded upon establishing a global critical minerals champion headquartered in Canada.

Anglo American and Teck set out a number of proposed commitments in their September transaction announcements which have been further defined into a set of binding commitments under the ICA. The commitments include that Anglo Teck will spend at least C$4.5 billion in Canada within 5 years, including in connection with the Highland Valley Copper mine life extension, enhancing critical minerals processing capacity at Trail, and advancing the development of the Galore Creek and Schaft Creek copper projects in northwestern British Columbia. Such expenditures will enable Anglo Teck to spend a total of at least C$10 billion in Canada over 15 years. A summary of the agreed commitments is set out in Appendix 1.

Jonathan Price, President and CEO of Teck, said: “The Government of Canada’s approval is an important step forward in the formation of Anglo Teck—a new global critical minerals champion headquartered in Canada. This merger will combine two world-class companies to form a business of significant scale and capability that will deliver billions in investment and drive new economic activity and job creation here in Canada and beyond.

“Canada and British Columbia are recognised worldwide as strong mining jurisdictions with critical minerals strategies focused on creating a positive environment to attract new investment and growth in responsible mining. Establishing Anglo Teck here in Vancouver is wholly aligned with government’s economic focus and will help to further elevate Canada’s role and impact on the global critical minerals stage, creating benefits for communities, Indigenous Peoples, employees and all stakeholders.”

Duncan Wanblad, CEO of Anglo American, said: “We are delighted to receive regulatory approval from the Government of Canada for our merger of equals with Teck. Today’s confirmation by Minister of Industry, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, marks yet another step towards forming a major global critical minerals powerhouse, following the overwhelming endorsement of both our and Teck’s shareholders last week. Anglo Teck represents a significant investment in Canada, its people and its natural resources, underpinned by a comprehensive package of commitments designed to drive enduring economic and wider benefits associated with a thriving mining ecosystem in British Columbia and Canada as a whole.

“We are all committed to preserving and building on the proud heritage of both companies, in Canada, as home to Anglo Teck’s global headquarters, in South Africa where our commitment to investment and national priorities endures, and across our entire global operational and commercial footprint. We look forward to continuing our commitment to engage meaningfully with all stakeholders including Indigenous Peoples and communities as Anglo Teck. Together, Anglo Teck will be at the forefront of our industry in terms of value accretive growth in responsibly produced critical minerals.”

The merger of Anglo American and Teck was approved by each company’s shareholders at meetings held on December 9, 2025. Completion of the merger remains subject to conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, including the relevant regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions globally. The merger has already received competition approvals in Canada and Australia, and other reviews are progressing.

At completion, Anglo Teck will have its headquarters in Vancouver, and will have its primary listing on the LSE, retaining FTSE UK index inclusion, as well as listings on the JSE, TSX and NYSE.^[1]

Further details regarding the Merger are set out in Teck’s management information circular dated November 3, 2025 (the “Circular”), which is available under Teck’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

^{[1] Listings are subject to the approval or clearance from each applicable exchange. NYSE listing to be implemented as a listing of American Depositary Receipts.}

Appendix 1: Investment Canada Act commitments

Anglo American and Teck have agreed to binding commitments with the Government of Canada under the ICA, as summarized below.

Commitments a. to f. will remain in place in perpetuity:

1. The name of the combined global business will be Anglo Teck.
2. Anglo Teck’s global headquarters will be in Canada.
3. A significant majority of Anglo Teck’s senior management will be based in Canada, including the CEO, Deputy CEO, and CFO as executive directors who will have their principal office and reside primarily in Canada.
4. A substantial proportion of Anglo Teck plc’s board of directors will be Canadian, comprising Anglo Teck executive directors residing primarily in Canada referred to above, and Canadians.
5. Anglo Teck will further the leading environmental and social practices of both Teck and Anglo American in Canada and promote within its organizational culture a recognition of the importance of respecting indigenous and community rights. Specifically, Anglo Teck will honour all existing agreements in Canada with communities, Indigenous governments and labour unions, in accordance with their terms.
6. Anglo Teck will have a listing on the TSX, subject to approval of the TSX, and will seek TSX index inclusion.

Investing in Canada

The following commitments (g. to q.) are time-limited in duration:

7. Anglo Teck will spend at least C$4.5 billion in Canada within 5 years, including in connection with the initiatives described below. Such expenditures will enable Anglo Teck to spend a total of at least C$10 billion in Canada over 15 years.
8. Anglo Teck will proceed with the Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension (“HVC MLE”) Project, requiring expected capital investment of approximately C$2.1 to C$2.4 billion over the term of the HVC MLE.
9. Anglo Teck will make capital investments of up to C$850 million to sustain and enhance critical minerals processing capacity at Teck’s Trail Operations, including the potential expansion of production of germanium and other strategic metals, in part subject to proceeding with the Red Dog Mine life extension project. These investments will contribute to enhancing critical minerals supply.
10. Anglo Teck will advance the development of the Galore Creek and Schaft Creek copper projects in northwestern British Columbia, including capital expenditures of up to C$750 million.
11. Anglo Teck will cause expenditures to be made of at least C$300 million in Canadian critical mineral exploration and technology, including expanding support to Canadian junior mining companies through partnerships across Anglo Teck’s global operating footprint, particularly in South Africa and Southern Africa.
12. Anglo Teck will cause expenditures of at least C$100 million to be made in Canada, including to establish and fund a Global Institute for Critical Minerals Research and Innovation– hosted and involving leading institutions in Canada, South Africa and the UK – and invest in mining-related skills training by leveraging partnerships with Indigenous skills training programmes and Canadian post-secondary institutions.
13. Anglo Teck will maintain and enhance existing commitments to Indigenous governments, communities, conservation, and other similar initiatives, including by contributing at least C$200 million to such initiatives.
14. Anglo Teck will maintain 100% of the aggregate employment levels at Teck’s Canadian operations and increase the level of youth employment and training opportunities.
15. Anglo Teck will provide Canadian and Indigenous suppliers with fair and equal opportunity to compete for contracts to supply goods and services to Anglo Teck’s Canadian and global operations.
16. Anglo Teck will explore opportunities to add copper production capacity at Trail Operations and complete a study assessing the viability of constructing a new copper smelter in British Columbia.
17. Anglo Teck will continue and maintain Teck’s remediation and reclamation activities at Teck controlled sites.

Appendix 2: Commitments to South Africa

The merger to form Anglo Teck is designed to build a stronger, larger global critical minerals company that is positioned to invest and grow across the merged company’s global operational and project footprint, including in South Africa. Anglo American has a long and proud history of contributing to the economic growth of South Africa and supporting the country’s national priorities. Anglo American continues to reaffirm its enduring commitment to South Africa, including in relation to meaningful representation from South Africa on the board and executive team, and the investments it is making in its operations and the social fabric of local communities. Following the merger, Anglo Teck will continue to uphold and advance these commitments. Its subsidiaries with operations in South Africa will continue to comply with all relevant empowerment and mining licences requirements.

Furthermore, Anglo Teck will continue to support and partner with the Canadian junior mining sector, an important part of Canada’s mining ecosystem, including through a combination of equity participation, strategic partnerships and the provision of technical, commercial and operational guidance, to invest in mineral exploration projects in Canada and across Anglo Teck’s global operating footprint, with a specific commitment to supporting partnerships in South Africa and southern Africa. As part of the effort to support the junior mining sector, Anglo Teck also plans to make a financial contribution of ZAR600 million to South Africa’s Junior Mining Exploration Fund in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa and the South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, which seeks to assist qualifying junior miners to conduct prospecting work.

Anglo Teck has also undertaken to support the establishment of, and provide funding to, a Global Institute for Critical Minerals Research and Innovation, hosted and involving leading institutions in Canada, South Africa and the UK.

Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “can”, “could”, “establish”, “plan”, “continue”, “commit”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “project”, “provide”, “predict”, “likely”, “potential”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the expected timing of completion of the Merger, and other statements that are not historical facts.

These statements are based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, future outlook and anticipated events, such as the ability and timing of Anglo American and Teck to complete the Merger, the ability of Teck and Anglo American to obtain all required regulatory approvals, the ability of Teck and Anglo American to satisfy all other closing conditions to the Merger, the strategic vision of the merger between Teck and Anglo American following the closing of the Merger, integration of Anglo American and Teck following the closing of the Merger, the ability for Anglo Teck to provide exceptional and enduring benefits for Canada, the ability for Anglo Teck to meet all of its binding commitments under the ICA, the ability for Anglo Teck to spend C$4.5 billion in Canada within 5 years, the ability of Anglo Teck to enhance critical minerals processing at trail and to advance the development of the Galore Creek and Schaft Creek copper projects, the ability for Anglo Teck to spend at least C$10 billion in Canada over the next 5 years, expectations regarding Anglo Teck’s reputation and market perception, expectations regarding Anglo Teck’s objective alignment with the Canadian government, expectations regarding Anglo Teck’s head office located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, expectations regarding Anglo Teck’s commitment to significantly invest in Canada and its natural resources, expectations with respect to Teck’s current stakeholders, Indigenous nations and local communities, and Anglo Teck’s commitment to continue its social and environmental practices and engagement, expectations regarding Anglo Teck’s environmental practices, expectations regarding board and senior management positions and residence, the continued construction of the HVC MLE and the future Red Dog mine life extension project, ability of Anglo Teck to maintain all existing agreements in Canada with communities, Indigenous nations and labour unions, ability for Anglo Teck to have its primary listing on the LSE, the ability for Anglo Teck’s shares to be listed on the JSE, TSX and NYSE (subject to approval of the applicable securities exchange), ability for Anglo Teck to retain Anglo American’s FTSE UK index inclusion, ability for Anglo Teck’s potential future shares listed on the TSX to gain index inclusion, expectations with respect to other capital investments in Canada for future operations, exploration, technology, projects and operations, ability to establish and fund a Global Institute for Critical Minerals Research and Innovation in Canada, South Africa and the UK, establishing and maintaining junior mining partnerships across Anglo Teck, expectations regarding the ability of Anglo Teck to maintain 100% of the employment levels at Teck’s Canadian operations and to increase the level of youth employment and training opportunities, the ability for Anglo Teck to assess and construct a potential new copper smelter in British Columbia, our expectations that Anglo Teck will continue and maintain Teck’s remediation and reclamation activities at Teck controlled sites, continued commitment to South Africa, ability to continue to comply with all relevant empowerment and mining license requirements in South Africa, and Anglo Teck’s ability to financially contribute to South Africa’s Junior Mining Exploration Fund. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. Events or circumstances could cause actual results to vary materially.

Forward-looking information is based on the information available at the time those statements are made and are of good faith belief of the officers and directors of Teck and Anglo American as of the time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the Merger will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, and that it may not be completed at all, due to a failure to obtain or satisfy, in a timely manner or otherwise, required regulatory approvals and other conditions to the closing of the Merger or for other reasons, public perception of the Merger, market reaction to the Merger, the negative impact that the failure to complete the Merger for any reason could have on the business of Anglo American or Teck, the ability of Anglo American and Teck to successfully integrate and capture expected synergies, general economic and market conditions, including interest and foreign exchange rates, global financial markets, commodity pricing, available credit and cash, changes in government regulations, laws or in tax laws, industry competition, change in relationships with meaningful stakeholders, including Indigenous groups and local communities, employee commitment to Anglo Teck following the closing of the Merger, changes in environmental practices, seeking potential TSX listing and index inclusion, continuing support of the Canadian government, continued support of shareholders, meaningful stakeholders, Indigenous groups and local communities, Anglo Teck’s financial condition following the closing of the Merger, tariffs and international trade restrictions, litigation matters , land title disputes or other related matters, technological developments and other factors described or discussed in Anglo American’s or Teck’s disclosure materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time.

Teck assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required under securities laws. Further information concerning risks, assumptions and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements, the Merger and Teck’s business can be found in the Circular in respect of the Merger filed under Teck’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

About Teck
Teck is a leading Canadian resource company focused on responsibly providing metals essential to economic development and the energy transition. Teck has a portfolio of world-class copper and zinc operations across North and South America and an industry-leading copper growth pipeline. We are focused on creating value by advancing responsible growth and ensuring resilience built on a foundation of stakeholder trust. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Teck’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.

Investor Contact:
Emma Chapman
Vice President, Investor Relations
+44.207.509.6576
emma.chapman@teck.com

Media Contact:
Dale Steeves
Director, External Communications
236.987.7405
dale.steeves@teck.com

25-35-TR

How strong is economic growth?

Economic growth is forecast to reach 2.4% in early 2026, a rate that’s slightly above the pace the economy can comfortably sustain, sometimes called its “speed limit.”

Households are a major driver of this strength, helped by earlier interest rate cuts, recent tax changes and steady job and income gains. Investment in data centres and renewable energy projects is also adding momentum as are improvement in housing investment and support from public demand.

What could this mean for borrowers?

The expected February rate rise would be a fine-tuning move, not the start of a large run-up in interest rates. The RBA is aiming to nudge inflation back toward target rather than cool the economy sharply.

However, if household spending or business investment turns out even stronger than expected, the RBA may need to raise rates more than once. In contrast, coolness in the labour market or a faster fall in inflation could deter the RBA.

The bottom line

Australia enters 2026 in solid shape, but its strength is keeping inflation higher than the RBA would like. A modest rate rise in February looks likely as the central bank works to keep price pressures in check while supporting a steady, sustainable pace of growth.

“We expect inflation to gradually return toward the midpoint of the target band by late 2027. A small rate rise next year would help set the foundation for a steady, sustainable period of growth,” said Allen.

Read Belinda Allen and the Australian Economic team’s full analysis: The Australian economy in 2026 – prepare for higher interest rates

Link to photos (Courtesy Office of the Lieutenant Governor)

HONOLULU – In anticipation of the busy holiday travel season, state leaders provided updates on various technology enhancements at Hawai‘i’s airports to help improve the travel experience for residents. They also provided an update on the state’s digitized agriculture declaration form, Akamai Arrival, which is now live on all domestic flights to Hawai‘i.

With holiday travel expected to surge in the coming weeks, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who led the launch of Akamai Arrival, reminded residents returning home that they will now complete the agriculture declaration form digitally, meaning no more hard copies and no need for a pen. The form can be filled out online either in-flight or up to five days before traveling.

“Modernizing our systems is about making life easier for our residents while strengthening the protections that keep Hawai‘i special. With the agriculture form now fully digital on all domestic flights, we want to remind residents of this new change — especially for those seeing it for the first time this holiday season,” said Lt. Gov. Luke. “After decades of digging through your bag or borrowing a pen from the person next to you, we finally have a simpler, more efficient solution that supports our state’s biosecurity efforts and protects Hawai‘i’s natural environment.”

The digital agriculture form first launched as a pilot in February 2025 and has since been fully adopted by all domestic airline partners flying to Hawaiʻi. Early data show compliance increased from an average of 60% with the paper form to 85% with the digital form, supporting the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the state’s broader commitment to protecting Hawai‘i’s natural resources.

The state is also continuing to make progress in implementing improvements throughout Hawai‘i’s airports to increase efficiency, safety and comfort for travelers. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) has launched various online tools and technology to provide important information about the airports and help travelers get through check-in and security procedures before they board their flight.

“Traveling, especially during the busy holidays can be stressful, which is why HDOT is always looking for ways to help guide travelers through the required airport procedures, as well as provide different tools that can enhance their overall experience at the airport,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen.

HDOT now offers free airport wayfinding apps to help travelers better plan their time at the airport, including navigating the terminals, checking airport flight information and finding restaurants, shops and other amenities and services. HDOT is working to add a link on the apps to the Akamai Arrival form. The HNL Airport app for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and LIH Airport App for the Lῑhuʻe Airport can be downloaded from Google Play and Apple Store.

Apps for Maui and Hawai‘i Island airports will be launched over the next three months. The OGG Airport app for Kahului Airport is expected to be available to the public on January 20, 2026. The KOA Airport app for the Ellison Onizuka International Airport at Keāhole is planned for February 2, 2026. An app for Hilo International Airport is currently being developed and expected to be ready by March 30, 2026.

Large electronic display signs installed earlier this year in Terminal 1 of HNL allow travelers to view anticipated wait times at security checkpoints. Checkpoint status displays will be added in Terminal 2 upon completion of renovations to Checkpoint 3, which is expected in late 2026.

Travelers departing from the Honolulu and Kona airports can check the estimated available parking counts (refreshed every 10 minutes) via the HNL and KOA websites, respectively. The estimated parking count for HNL can also be accessed via the HNL Airport app.

HDOT offers the following tips for air travelers:

• Prior to going to the airport, check with your airline on the status of your flight, including any delays and gate assignments, as well as baggage claim area if you’re picking up arriving passengers.
• Remember to bring your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other acceptable form of identification to avoid delays at security checkpoints.
• Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to your scheduled flight departure for mainland or international flights, or 90 minutes early for interisland flights, to allow sufficient time to complete every step of the travel process including finding a place to park, checking luggage and getting through security.
• If possible, get dropped off or use public transportation to get to the airport. On O‘ahu, travelers can take advantage of the city’s Skyline rail service to get to and from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, thus avoiding traffic and parking fees.
• Hawai‘i airport parking lots fill up quickly over the holidays, particularly at the Līhu‘e and Hilo Airports, so it’s recommended that passengers plan accordingly.
• Travelers are reminded to lock their vehicle and not leave keys, valuables, or the parking ticket in the vehicle while parked in an airport lot.
• When going through security screening, families traveling with children can use the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) dedicated family lane located in Terminal 2, Checkpoint 4.
• TSA has created a series of videos to help travelers before they go through security checkpoints. See https://airports.hawaii.gov/hnl/flights/tsa-travel-tips/ for the collection of videos and a link to additional TSA resources.

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Women across Britain will be better supported to enter, stay and lead in the UK’s tech sector as Technology Secretary Liz Kendall launches the Women in Tech Taskforce.

The UK’s tech sector is thriving, but it isn’t working for everyone. Every year, the economy loses an estimated £2 – £3.5 billion because women leave the tech sector or change jobs due to barriers that should not exist.

Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall is taking decisive action to change that, convening the first meeting of the flagship Women in Tech Taskforce at the British Science Association yesterday (Monday 15 December). 

The taskforce is bringing together leading industry figures and experts from across the tech ecosystem. This first-of-its-kind initiative will advise government on how to better support diversity in tech and ensure the UK accesses the full talent pool, market opportunities, and innovation capacity needed for economic growth.

The need for change is clear. Men outnumber women 4 to 1 in computer science degrees. Women are less likely to enter tech, stay in the sector, or rise to leadership, not because they are less capable, but because systemic barriers hold them back. A 2023 Fawcett Society study found 20% of men in tech believe women are inherently less suited for these roles.

At the current pace, it will take 283 years for women to achieve equal representation in tech and female-founded startups receive 5.9x less funding than male-founded ones, despite delivering 35% higher returns on investment.

The Women in Tech Taskforce will identify and dismantle barriers to education, training, and career progression. It will develop practical solutions for government and industry to implement side by side, shape policy that encourages diversity and levels the playing field, and drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth by expanding opportunities for women across the UK.

Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall said:

Technology should work for everyone, that is why I have established the Women in Tech Taskforce, to break down the barriers that still hold too many people back, and to partner with industry on practical solutions that make a real difference.

This matters deeply to me. When women are inspired to take on a role in tech and have a seat at the table, the sector can make more representative decisions, build products that serve everyone, and unlock the innovation and growth our economy needs.

In one of the first moves to establish the taskforce Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of the STEMETTES, has been appointed as the Women in Tech Envoy and in this role will lead the taskforce alongside Secretary of State.

The taskforce will look to replicate the success of outstanding women-led UK tech companies, including Ivee, Starling Bank, Peanut, and Koru Kids, and will complement major DSIT initiatives designed to develop and support tech talent in the UK, such as the £187m TechFirst skills programme and the Regional Tech Booster programme.

Encouraging more women into tech careers starts in the classroom – and that’s why the government is standing up the landmark TechFirst skills programme to help more girls develop tech skills and consider a future career in tech. 

This comes as the government has announced the new curriculum will ensure every young person learns essential digital and AI skills – equipping them with the capabilities needed to open the doors to careers in tech. With the government’s wider support of the STEM Ambassadors Programme and the National Centre for Computing Education’s ‘I Belong’ programme, showing girls across the country the potential careers they could have in tech. The taskforce will build on these measures with plans to boost representation in the tech workforce.

• UK’s largest car plant transformed with launch of new generation EV, supporting 6,000 jobs and boosting economic growth.
• Industry Minister Chris McDonald will visit site and hail the new LEAF as major step forward for the auto sector’s EV transition and green economy.
• Start of production comes as government’s modern Industrial Strategy is delivering £4 billion into the automotive sector – the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era.

In a huge boost to the UK economy and auto industry, car manufacturing giant Nissan has begun production of the next generation LEAF in Sunderland – making it the first new high volume electric car to be produced in the UK since 2020. 

Nissan has invested more than £450 million into manufacturing the new LEAF at their Wearside plant – including over £300 million directly into the firm’s UK operations – supporting 6,000 jobs and thousands more in the supply chain. 

Today [16 December], Industry Minister Chris McDonald will attend the launch in Sunderland, where he will hail the start of production as a major boost to both the North East and the automotive sector, a step which underlines the UK’s position at the forefront of manufacturing green technologies.  

This latest development builds on the biggest government investment into the UK’s car industry of the post-war era, with £4 billion of funding from the modern Industrial Strategy going towards accelerating the electrification of vehicle plants and investment in batteries, electric motors and power electronics. 

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: 

Sunderland is the beating heart of the UK’s automotive industry, and Nissan’s investment is a major commitment to the North East and a huge vote of confidence in our economy. 

Through this government’s modern Industrial Strategy, we’re delivering £4 billion into our world leading auto sector – the biggest investment into the car industry since the post-war era – driving growth, innovation and jobs across the country.

Government has worked closely with Nissan and their partners to transform Sunderland into an EV manufacturing hub, strengthening the nation’s domestic EV manufacturing capabilities and boosting economic growth. 

Industry Minister Chris McDonald said: 

We’re proud of our historic car industry, so I’m delighted that Nissan is producing the new LEAF in Sunderland. This will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader for manufacturing and as the destination of choice for investment. 

This government has taken decisive action to back the automotive sector through our modern Industrial Strategy, securing new trade deals and creating export opportunities, supporting UK manufacturers to safeguard jobs and helping to secure the future of the sector for decades to come.

Through the Industrial Strategy, the government plans to cluster EV manufacturing across growth areas. Along with the introduction of the new LEAF, the government is announcing the launch of two new regional EV supply chain pilots in partnership with the North East and West Midlands Metro Mayors.  

Implemented under DRIVE35, these programmes will strategically boost growth, enhance UK supply chain resilience and increase domestic production in the transition to zero emission technologies. 

Just over the road from the plant, AESC has opened a new 12 GWh gigafactory which will supply batteries for Nissan, showcasing the power of investment in boosting the supply chain through new jobs and opportunities in the region.  

Adam Pennick, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant said:  

Nissan has invested into our state-of-the-art plant to build the EVs of the future and there is huge pride and excitement in our team to be building this brilliant car in Sunderland. 

The skills, expertise and team-work of our people have powered Sunderland’s success, and the transformation of our plant for new LEAF demonstrates our leadership in the journey to electrification.

Drivers can save £3,750 off the new Nissan LEAF thanks to the government’s Electric Car Grant which is putting thousands of pounds back in families’ pockets when they decide to make the switch. The scheme is backing the UK’s automotive industry, a key sector identified in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, which supports 133,000 jobs in the UK, and a further 320,000 jobs in the wider economy.

This moment follows the government launching both the Industrial and Trade Strategies and securing three trade deals with the US, India and EU – supporting the auto sector by reducing tariffs and creating new export opportunities – whilst cementing the UK’s position as a top investment destination.  

Notes to editors: 

• Through the government’s modern Industrial Strategy’s £2.5 billion DRIVE35 programme, an additional £1.5 billion investment was announced in the Budget, bringing total capital support to an unprecedented £4 billion until 2035.
• The ECG was launched earlier this year and is making it cheaper and easier to own an electric vehicle, with over 40,000 people benefiting from the grant so far.