General Motors has indicated that the future of Vauxhall factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire is secure, along with 2,100 jobs. The manufacturer is expected to confirm the creation of hundreds more jobs at the plant. The factory is expected to produce the new Astra, along with a factory in Poland, from 2015.

Vauxhall is nearing an agreement with unions that could secure the future of 2,100 jobs at its Ellesmere Port car plant. The talks concern working practices at the plant, including the introduction of a third shift to increase both efficiency and production. Owner General Motors has committed to running the Cheshire plant until 2014.

Nissan recorded global sales of 4.8 million units in 2011, a record for the company. Net profit increased to 75.3bn yen (£585m) in the 2012 first quarter, up from 30.8bn yen a year earlier, helped by expansion into fast-growing markets. Nissan outperformed rivals Toyota and Honda and expects an even better performance in 2012.

German car company Volkswagen has recorded a 10 per cent rise in group operating earnings to 3.21bn euros. Profit before tax rose 93% to 4.3bn euros on revenue that was up 26% to 47.3bn euros. The companys revenue was assisted by strong sales of its upmarket Audi brand.