Ambassador Suzuki’s Visit to the North East
2025/5/16
On 15 and 16 May, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki traveled to the North East, where he spoke with Mayor Kim McGuiness, visited factories of Japanese companies, and held discussions with the local Japanese community.
He observed its assembly processes for hybrid vehicles, “Qashqai” and “Juke”, and the battery packaging process. Additionally, he learned about the three new EV models and Nissan’s initiatives towards achieving net-zero emissions.
During the visit, he viewed the manufacturing process of battery hybrid vehicles capable of operating seamlessly across both electrified and non-electrified sections. He also received an explanation about "HMAX," a service for railway operators that combines live data collection using digital sensors installed on vehicles with AI-driven analysis.
After the visit, Ambassador Suzuki visited Heighington Station on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the oldest passenger railway line in the UK, which is celebrating its Bicentenary this year.
On 16 May, he also visited Durham Cathedral, a World Heritage site, accompanied by Mayor McGuinness and Father Priming.
Meeting with Ms Kim McGuiness, Mayor of the North East
On 16 May, Ambassador Suzuki met with Ms Kim McGuiness, Mayor of the North East, to have a wide range of discussions on the NE industrial strategy and the importance of economic exchange between Japan and the North East, where a number of Japanese companies are located.Visit to Nissan Factory
On 15 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited the Sunderland plant of Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK , the largest automobile production site in the UK.He observed its assembly processes for hybrid vehicles, “Qashqai” and “Juke”, and the battery packaging process. Additionally, he learned about the three new EV models and Nissan’s initiatives towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Visit to Hitachi Rail Factory
On 16 May, Ambassador Suzuki visited Hitachi Rail's Newton Aycliffe factory, which supplies a large number of vehicles to railway companies in the UK.During the visit, he viewed the manufacturing process of battery hybrid vehicles capable of operating seamlessly across both electrified and non-electrified sections. He also received an explanation about "HMAX," a service for railway operators that combines live data collection using digital sensors installed on vehicles with AI-driven analysis.
After the visit, Ambassador Suzuki visited Heighington Station on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the oldest passenger railway line in the UK, which is celebrating its Bicentenary this year.
Tour around the North East
On 15 May, Ambassador Suzuki toured the Northeast region guided by Mrs Sharon Hodgson MP, the UK's Trade Envoy to Japan, and visited notable landmarks including Hylton Castle, Washington Old Hall, and the Angel of the North.On 16 May, he also visited Durham Cathedral, a World Heritage site, accompanied by Mayor McGuinness and Father Priming.