A CAR maker is taking on workers as it prepares to make a new vehicle.

Nissan is recruiting its first people for production of the Infiniti Q30.

The firm is expanding its Wearside plant to make the sporty hatchback, which carries the marque of Nissan’s luxurious sister brand, in a move that is creating 300 jobs.

The company expects to make up to 60,000 Infiniti models a year, with work due to start this year.

Bosses say the project represents a £250m investment and will include a new production line and body shop at its Sunderland site.

Colin Lawther, senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain management in Europe, said: “Infiniti production heralds the beginning of a new era for our operations in the UK, and the demands require significant additions to the team.”

He added Infiniti will become the first new car brand to be made in the UK on such a scale in 23 years.

Work on the Q30 will be followed by a second Infiniti model, the QX30, with both becoming the first premium models to be made in Sunderland and first to be exported to the US and China.

The expansion will take Nissan’s regional workforce to nearly 6,800, and mean it supports about 28,000 jobs in the supply chain.

Visit careersatnissan.co.uk for more information