Micra production up
October 28th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
NISSAN has increased production of the Micra at its Sunderland plant by a huge 40 percent.
The firm says this big rise is entirely down to the scrappage scheme.
It is aided by Nissan enhancing the scheme, with its ‘extended Trade-in offer’. This sees cars aged 8-10 years eligible for the £2000 new car scrap discount.
In September, this led to a total monthly Micra production figure of around 11,000 models at Sunderland. This makes it Nissan’s second best-selling car.
‘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,’ said Nissan Europe senior vice president Trevor Mann.
‘The scrappage incentives have brought sales that wouldn’t normally have been generated, with Micra proving one of the most popular.’
However, while the production boost has been welcome, he added, the industry is not out of the woods just yet. Why? Because scrappage is set to draw to a close.
‘We need to remain cautious, as scrappage incentives are scheduled to come to an end shortly.’
Still, Nissan will do its best to maintain momentum, by introducing yet more incentives of its own. This will, hopes Mann, keep Sunderland production high.
‘We will continue to monitor the market and adjust our production plan accordingly.’
Don’t forget the other cars built at Sunderland either, he added. Micra build numbers are up 4 percent – but Qashqai assembly is up 15 percent…
Tags: new car scrap, Nissan, scrappage