Nissan this week made a U-turn on its decision to build its new X-Trail SUV in Sunderland, with a slump in diesel demand a major reason. However, Nissan Europe chairman, Gianluca de Ficchy, was uncompromising in his comments on the Brexit process, saying: ‘continued uncertainty around the UK’s future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future.’

A top executive last year said a 10% tariff on exports would cost the company up to £500m a year.

Nissan this week made a U-turn on its decision to build its new X-Trail SUV in Sunderland, with a slump in diesel demand a major reason. However, Nissan Europe chairman, Gianluca de Ficchy, was uncompromising in his comments on the Brexit process, saying: ‘continued uncertainty around the UK’s future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future.’

A top executive last year said a 10% tariff on exports would cost the company up to £500m a year.