Nissan promises to lead the way in electric car build

Mar 19 2010 by William Green, The Journal

Nissan's Sunderland models over the years

1986 – 1990 Bluebird

The Bluebird was Sunderland’s first car when it was launched in 1986. At the time, the Sunderland Plant only consisted of a basic body line (the Liger line), Trim and Chassis and Paint Shop. After 187,178 cars rolled off the production line, it was replaced by the Primera.

1990 – 1996 Primera

Launched in 1990, the Primera became the first Nissan to be purpose-built for the European market. The result was a car that set new standards in the large family car segment. By the time it was replaced by a new version, 606,887 had been produced.

1992 – 2002 Micra

Following its launch in 1992, Micra became the first Japanese car to be named ‘European Car of the Year’. It enjoyed 10 years of sales success and over 1,200,000 units were made until its replacement in 2002.

1996 - 2002 Primera

Work on the new Primera started just two years after the launch of its predecessor with the team building on the ‘Euro friendly’ characteristics of the original. Nissan sold over half a million.

2000 – 2006 Almera

Launched in January 2000, the Almera created 800 jobs and transformed Sunderland into a three model plant. After six years in the market place and 639,000 units, the final Almera came off the line in November 2006.

2002 – Micra

The new Micra was launched in November 2002 by Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and Prime Minister Tony Blair. Still in production, nearly 700,000 ‘MM’ Micras have been produced to date.

2001 – 2007 Primera

The final model of the Primera, full production being reached in just 5.4 weeks. The Sunderland plant produced just over 290,000 units until the Primera was phased out in May 2007.

2006 – NOTE

Based on the concept car the Tone, NOTE was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. Production began in January 2006.

2006 – Qashqai

Designed and engineered in Britain, it completed one of the Sunderland plant’s busiest periods in its 20-year history, with three new model launches within 16 months. Production began in December 2006.

2010 – Juke

Nissan announces the Juke will be its next model to hit the forecourt. Due to go on sale this October, it is described as a "funky alternative to the conventional urban hatchback".