The premium hatchback is the brand’s first vehicle to be manufactured in Europe. As part of its global growth plan, Infiniti vehicles are now built in five plants in four countries on three continents.

Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company, said: “Q30 comes at a moment of significant opportunity for Infiniti. Following a period of record global sales, we are entering a new segment with the Q30. This new active compact will play a vital role in our strategy to become a top tier global premium brand.”

The new production facilities, which cover 25,000m2 at the Sunderland plant and include a 100%-automated body shop, follow a £9.2m grant from the UK Government through the Regional Growth Fund.

The UK’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, said: “Our automotive sector is the most productive in Europe and that is no small part down to the way government and industry have worked together to develop advanced manufacturing. Today’s announcement demonstrates the strengths of the Northern Powerhouse, with Nissan Sunderland producing models never made outside Japan, China or the US.

“The £250m investment has not only secured 300 highly-skilled jobs but will also boost our exports, even more so once the premium Infiniti QX30 model goes into production next year.”