Nissan Sunderland Plant Wins Queen's Award

SUNDERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM – April 21, 2009: Nissan’s Sunderland Plant has been awarded the Queen’s Award for continued achievement in International Trade.

The award, which recognises the plant’s increase in overseas sales from 2005 to 2007, saw an increase in revenue of 51% to more than £2.231 billion in the three year period.

This is the fourth time the plant has won the award in its 23 year history, including a three year consecutive run from 1992 to 1994, following the launch of Micra.

Senior Vice President for Manufacturing Nissan Europe, Trevor Mann said: “The award recognises the long term achievement of Micra and Note as well as the outstanding success that followed Qashqai’s introduction in 2007.

“It also demonstrates that by winning the right models for the plant and reacting quickly to market conditions we have the ability to grow.

“The high motivation and commitment of the workforce in Sunderland is the reason why we win these awards.

“Although 2008 has been an extremely tough year and we’ve had to take some difficult but necessary steps to protect the plant, Qashqai has still performed above the original project plan.

“Looking ahead to the future, we’re confident as the global leaders in the crossover market that the production model of the Qazana concept will repeat this success.”

Nissan currently exports to 45 worldwide markets from Sunderland; 2005 to 2007 saw the introduction of 11 new markets which included Dubai and Japan.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious awards for business performance.

They recognise and reward outstanding achievement by UK based companies.