For immediate release
21 August 1998
NISSAN REPEATS TOP PERFORMANCE IN EUROPE
Nissan�s Sunderland car plant has been ranked the most productive in Europe for the second year running, in a study of 29 car plants carried out by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
The Sunderland workforce now averages 98 cars per employee, 25 cars more than in the previous year. Nissan�s closest rival averages 77 cars per employee.
John Cushnaghan, deputy managing director of Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) commented, "We are delighted to be recognised as the most productive car manufacturer in Europe however our goal is to become one of the world�s best car plant�s".
He added: "Our workforce is highly motivated and extremely committed to improving productivity levels. Everyone is involved in finding new ways to make assembly operations easier, eliminate waste and increase quality. The vast majority of ideas for improving productivity come from the staff who are directly involved with assembling the cars".
The EIU audit ranks the Sunderland operation better than most car plants in Japan and places it ahead of all plants in North America. Recently the Harbour report 1998 ranked Nissan�s Smyrna, Tenneessee plant, the most productive in North America for the fifth successive year.
Nissan produced 271,784 Micra, Primera and Primera Estate passenger cars at Sunderland during 1997, which was a record year for the plant. In 2000 a third model will be added to the plant, the replacement for the current Almera.
Nissan�s operations in the UK include vehicle styling, engineering, manufacturing, distribution and sales, industrial machinery and corporate finance. Some 5,400 people are employed directly by Nissan in the UK.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Stewart McKee Manager, Corporate Affairs 01923 899930
E-mail stewart.mckee@nissan.co.uk
