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Nissan's Sunderland plant named UK's biggest car exporter - 05/04/2005 Nissan's plant in Sunderland has been named as the UK's biggest car exporter for a fifth year running. Figures compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that in 2004 the plant exported a total of 252,759 vehicles, comprising Micras, Almeras and Primeras. This figure was 44,500 units more than the second-largest manufacturer. The Sunderland-built vehicles are exported to 45 markets around the world, including Australia, Mexico, Peru and Russia. The Sunderland plant has also been the UK's biggest car producer for the last five years and the most productive car plant in Europe for seven years. Colin Dodge, managing director of the Sunderland plant, which employs around 4,100 staff, said that the success of the plant could be put down to the "skills and determination" of the workforce. "It's good news for all concerned that the plant continues to do so well," he said. "This is our 21st year here, and the continued success is testament to the skills and determination of our workforce and the support from our suppliers." The plant was currently upgrading production areas, he added, in order to prepare for the introduction of three new models: the Micra C+C, a mini-MPV and a compact 4x4 crossover vehicle by 2006. The company expects the new additions to raise the production volume to around 400,000 units by 2007
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