Nissan breaks UK record

Record-breaking levels of production have been set by staff at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, with a staggering 423,000 cars built in 2010.

The factory – which is home to the popular Qashqai crossover and will soon begin manufacturing the new electric Leaf – is the first in the UK to produce more than 400,000 vehicles in a year, according to new research published by automotive expert Professor Garel Rhys.

In his report Superlatives in UK Car Production, Prof Rhys describes the plant’s achievement as “remarkable” and attributes it to exceptional productivity due to efficient work practices and excellent industrial relations. He added: “Its performance during the recession has lessons for all car manufacturers.”

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are immensely proud of the progress and performance of the Nissan plant and its outstanding workforce over the last five years.

More than a million Qashqais have been built at the Sunderland plant since 2006, making it one of the most successful British-built cars ever. I's also the ninth best-selling car of the year so far, with almost 20,000 vehicles sold in the UK.

Since Nissan opened its plant in 1986 more than 12,000 jobs have been created in the automotive sector in Sunderland.