Nissan's Plant Produces 4.5 Millionth Vehicle

Press Release

After 20 years of production, Nissan's Sunderland plant today (19 February) built its 4.5 millionth vehicle. The landmark vehicle, a 1.6L Note SE in new flame red, is destined for a customer in the UK.

This milestone coincides with the plant being named as the UK's biggest car exporter for nine consecutive years, and the UK's biggest car producer for seven years running.

Figures compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) showed that the plant exported over 230,000 Micra, Primera, Almera and Note models last year to 45 markets worldwide.

Over 300,000 vehicles were built during 2006 - meaning one in every five cars built in the UK last year came from the Nissan Sunderland plant.

Trevor Mann, Managing Director of the Sunderland plant said: "I'm pleased the plant is topping UK car manufacturing again, it's testament to the hard work of all the staff and suppliers.

"With the current model line up of Note, Primera, Micra, C+C and the new Qashqai, we expect our annual production volume to increase to 370,000 units by the end of the year, which will be a plant record."

Launched last year, the Note is proving a successful model for Nissan, and recently scooped Auto Express magazine's 'Best Supermini MPV' category. The new Qashqai model is currently being delivered to European dealerships in preparation for start of sales on 1 March.