The European Commission has asked the UK government to clarify the assurances it gave to Nissan that prompted the Japanese car maker to commit to building two new models at its Sunderland factory, having previously said it might build them elsewhere because the UK could be subject to tariffs when it leaves the European Union.

CEO Carlos Ghosn said that “the support and assurances from the UK government helped us to decide on continuing with the production of new cars in the UK”.

Commenting on the situation last month, an EC spokesman said: “The UK authorities have not notified us about any support to Nissan for assessment under our state-aid rules, so we have not yet taken any formal view of this matter.

“We are, however, following events, reading newspapers and press reports. It is now a question as to what assurances were given by the UK government to Nissan, and we are looking for answers.”

According to the EU spokesman, any member country giving state aid will be fined, and the company will be forced to pay back any money it has taken.