The Nissan motor company was founded in 1933 and is the third largest vehicle manufacturer in Japan behind Toyota and Honda; it produces 2.6 million vehicles annually that are sold in more than 190 countries around the world, manufactured in 20 countries. Originally the company was called Datsun, but in 1934 the name of the company was changed to Nissan Motor Co Ltd although it was to be some time before all passenger cars used the Nissan name.
Major expansion began to take place in the late 1970’s and 1980’s with acquisitions and new manufacturing plants. It was at this time that Nissan decided that to be effective in Europe and overcome trade barriers, a European manufacturing plant was needed. After an extensive review, Sunderland was chosen for the local availability of a highly skilled workforce and its position near major ports. The plant was completed in 1986 as the subsidiary Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. By 2007, it was producing 400,000 vehicles per year, landing it the highly coveted title of the most productive plant in Europe. The Sunderland plant began life by producing the Bluebird and production has grown from a modest 5,139 in its first year to well over 338,000 in 2009. Now firmly established, the plant won a Queen’s Award for Export Achievement for three consecutive years. With the? Nissan Micra, one of the first with a catalytic convertor, the company created a long standing favourite with small car buyers.
The range of Nissan passenger cars is comprehensive and is designed to suit buyers across the range. The Almera hatchback, although now discontinued is dependable, inexpensive and respectable family hatchback, great deals are to be found in the used car market. The virtually indestructible Micra has been a huge success for Nissan, made in Sunderland the Micra is a charming supermini that in many guises is a great buy, especially given the firm’s reputation for quality and longevity. The Nissan Note is a small yet practical car that’s somewhere between a hatchback and a mini-people carrier. This means it looks neat and compact, yet has plenty of passenger space. Adults in the back of the Nissan Note will be impressed with the amount of legroom room and yet it still has a decent boot. If you are looking for a rugged off roader then the Nissan X trail could be for you, the Nissan X-Trail is a 4×4 looking for adventure and able to cope with anything thrown its way. With a tough exterior and spacious comfort inside the X-Trail is the intelligent choice when looking for a capable and durable crossover SUV. One of the biggest successes from the Nissan stable is the Qashqai, this is an inspirational Crossover that defies all convention. Now the Qashqai’s sleek lines, strength, agility and resilience are complemented by a host of offers to make it more attractive still.
Nissan’s mission is to enrich people’s lives, building trust with their employees, customers, dealers, partners, shareholders and the world at large. Headquartered in Japan, Nissan maintains regional offices in the United States and The Netherlands. Marketing and sales operations are conducted through 172 national sales offices and an extensive network of over 7,700 automobile dealers worldwide.