Nissan at Sunderland timeline
While other factories have struggled and closed, Nissan Motor Manufacturing has thrived.
With Nissan announcing that production of their new Qashqai will take place at Sunderland, Suswati Basu looks at how the factory has grown.
1984
Work begins on the site of Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, in November (see image below).
1986
The first Nissan Bluebird rolls off the production line for commercial sale.
1990
The Nissan Primera replaces the Bluebird.
1992
Production of the Micra begins alongside the Primera. Total production to date exceeds 500,000.
1993
The Nissan Micra is voted "European Car of the Year."
1994
Nissan Motor Manufacturing earns the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement for a third consecutive year.
1995
The millionth vehicle and engine is completed.
1998
Production of the new Primera estate begins.
1999
Production of the Almera begins, making Nissan Motor Manufacturing a three-model plant for the first time.
2001
Production of the new Primera begins.
2003
The World's Market Research Centre names Nissan Motor Manufacturing as the most productive car plant in
2004
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) names Nissan Motor Manufacturing as the biggest
2005
Four millionth car is built at the Sunderland Plant, and is donated to the NSPCC. Production of the Micra C+C begins.
2006
The SMMT identifies Nissan in Sunderland as the biggest UK car plant for the eighth year running, and the biggest UK exporter for the fifth year in a row.
Nissan announces the production version of the 4x4 Qashqai concept car will be built at NMUK. Production will begin in December 2006.
RSS