NEWS that Infiniti is to build a premium crossover is good news for the North-East.

Nissan’s luxury arm unveiled the QX30 at the Geneva Motor Show this week and we have received confirmation the car is to be built at its Sunderland plant.

With 21ins alloys, chunky tyres, skid plates and roof rails, the QX30 certainly has a sense of purpose.

Though details are scant, it is expected to be offered in both petrol and diesel form and will offer an all-wheel drive model as an option.

“With the QX30 Concept, we’re showcasing a distinctively contemporary alternative in the premium compact segment for those who want something more than the status quo,” said Roland Krueger, Infiniti President and CEO.

"We’ve used expected materials in an unexpected way, and given functional elements an artistic twist.

“It is the unconventional execution of a conventional element that makes the QX30 Concept a design leader.”

Expected to go into production next year, the QX30 will be a sister model for the Q30 which is due to hit the streets in November.

Nissan has the capacity to make up to 60,000 Infiniti models in the North-East each year, with half of them headed for Europe.

Colin Lawther, Nissan senior vice president for manufacturing, supply chain management and purchasing in Europe, said: “Confirmation that an Infiniti compact crossover will go into production in the UK next year is fantastic news for our staff in Sunderland.

“To be built alongside the Infiniti Q30, this is a further premium addition to the plant’s model line-up and represents another step forward for our operations and supply base in the North-East.”