[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/prince-charles-visits-nissan\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/prince-charles-visits-nissan\/","headline":"Prince Charles visits Nissan","name":"Prince Charles visits Nissan","description":"Prince Charles made a trip to the Nissan factory in Sunderland to take a look at the production of the Nissan Leaf, a 100 per cent electric car, and learn about job creation programme the Nissan Skills Foundation. The royal has had a long standing relationship with the plant that goes back to 1986. Back then, he took part in a traditional Japanese Daruma ceremony, which marked the start of production at the Sunderland plant that had been newly constructed. […]","datePublished":"2015-01-21","dateModified":"2015-01-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/image004.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/image004.jpg","height":366,"width":577},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/prince-charles-visits-nissan\/","about":["Cars"],"wordCount":341,"keywords":["nissan","nissan leaf","nissan skills foundation","Prince Charles","Prince of Wales"],"articleBody":"Prince Charles made a trip to the Nissan factory in Sunderland to take a look at the production of the Nissan Leaf, a 100 per cent electric car, and learn about job creation programme the Nissan Skills Foundation.The royal has had a long standing relationship with the plant that goes back to 1986. Back then, he took part in a traditional Japanese Daruma ceremony, which marked the start of production at the Sunderland plant that had been newly constructed. He also rode in one of Nissan’s ground-breaking electric vehicles when he visited the brand’s Zama plant.Since those days, there has been more research in electric vehicle technology and Prince Charles got to see the results of those in the Nissan Leaf, which has become the best selling electric car in history. The Prince of Wales also met a number of employees and apprentices that are involved in the project.Commenting on the prince’s visit, chairman of Nissan Europe Paul Wilcox said: “We were honoured to receive a visit from The Prince of Wales.”“With a keen, lifelong interest in sustainability, His Royal Highness was interested to see LEAF production as well as hear about Sunderland\u2019s achievements as one of the UK\u2019s most successful car plants.”After the Prince of Wales had a tour of the production line he got to see Nissan’s Global Training Centre, which makes up part of Gateshead College’s Skills Academy for Sustainability, Manufacturing and Innovation. Here, Prince Charles was shown some of the school’s engagement activities by Nissan vice president of manufacturing Kevin Fitzpatrick. These activities form the Nissan Skills Foundation.The foundation was set up to encourage young people to consider careers in manufacturing and engineering, using things like Formula One and electric vehicles.Mr Fitzpatrick explained: “As one of the region\u2019s largest employers it\u2019s important that Nissan take a lead role. I was delighted for the opportunity to show The Prince of Wales just some of the activities that we offer the region\u2019s schools.”"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Prince Charles visits Nissan","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/prince-charles-visits-nissan\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]