Strong sales under the UK scrappage scheme prompted Nissan to increase Micra output at its Sunderland plant in north east England by 40% last month in what is the car’s final year of production here. Micra assembly moves to India in 2010 and a new small crossover takes its place in the British factory.
UK car production in September fell at the lowest rate in a year – off 16.1% to 119,616 units. Year to date output was, however, down 41.2% to 694,769 cars, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Around 11,000 Micras rolled off the line in September making it a bumper month for the supermini, which has proved a hit both government scrappage scheme buyers and those buying through Nissan’s own extended scheme.
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Micra sales reached 10,445 across Europe in September, up 4% year on year, making it Nissan’s second best selling model.
Sales of the Sunderland-built Qashqai crossover were up 15% last month year on year and the order bank “continues to exceed expectations”, according to the automaker.
Nissan Europe manufacturing chief Trevor Mann said: “The scrappage incentives have brought sales that wouldn’t normally have been generated with Micra proving one of the most popular.
“Both the Government’s and Nissan’s own schemes have stimulated the market and allowed us to protect jobs at the plant and in the dealer network.
“The boost to production has been very welcome but we need to remain cautious as scrappage incentives are scheduled to come to an end shortly.
“We will continue to monitor the market and adjust our production plan accordingly.”
