The firms want to strengthen their offerings in the face of Chinese competition in the electric vehicle sector.

In March, the two Japanese car makers agreed to explore a strategic partnership for electric vehicles.

The chancellor says the government does not want annual EV targets to harm car manufacturers.

North East Combined Authority's Henry Kippin is "optimistic" about the giant's Wearside operation.

The Japanese car making giant has not yet said where in its global operations the job cuts will be made.

More than a dozen staff can now use basic signing following an 11-week course.

MADE NE aims to create a new generation of workers in the electric vehicle and battery sectors.

The aim to train a skilled workforce for sectors including electric vehicle and battery production.