Nissan Micra to bid farewell to Sunderland
Author: Chris Barker
Published: 16 May 2008
Nissan plans to construct an all-new compact SUV – along the lines of the Fiat Sedici and Suzuki SX4 - at its award-winning Washington plant on Wearside, a move that in itself will signal the end of British production of the Nissan Micra.A 16-year mackem love affair with the Micra is all set to end in emotional outpourings as a consequence, with information filtering out that Micra assembly will shift further eastwards – with India the likely destination - resulting in the Micra bidding Sunderland さようなら.The Japanese car maker is keen to build on the success of its formidable Qashqai crossover SUV – also pieced together in the North East - and see a smaller, soft-roader as the road to go down in the foreseeable future. Sadly, to make room for any prospective new model, space has to be freed up, and something has to give. Exit Micra.Out-staying both the Nissan Primera and Almera in its time at Nissan Washington facility, its extended stay seems to have finally run out, especially in light of the surge in sales of the Qashqai toppling the Micra from its previously unassailable position as biggest-volume car coming out of the factory.Nissan hierarchy remains tight-lipped about this revelation, although company insiders admit a reorganisation is on the cards. With the plant currently functioning at full productivity levels, Nissan will insist its commitment to Sunderland isn't up for negotiation, and therefore any subsequent model change or introduction should do little to affect employee status quo.
Nissan manufactured around 350,000 cars in 2007 at Sunderland, and is set to create an additional 800 jobs this July when it ushers in an extra shift to cope with Qashqai demand.The next-generation Nissan Micra is already at the design stage, with the Japanese manufacturer said to be targeting a greater amount of male buyers through its more aggressive styling. In a further bid to alter the Micra's appeal and gain more of its market segment, Nissan is exploring the idea of changing the Micra's name.With Nissan management believing the name Micra has become somewhat stodgy and unexciting, they see the advent of an all-new model as a fortuitous time to adopt a new, more vigorous moniker that Nissan christened its then smallest model with back in 1992. However a front-runner appears to be 'March', the frankly absurd name the Micra is badged with its native country.
A Micra-procession has its plug pulled
Nissan Micra supermini has grown up under watchful eye of UK car buying public, and now, quarter of a century on from its inception, new £9,395 Micra 25 city car comes of age with degree of stylish additions this August.
Nissan brightens up its already colour-ific Micra and Note ranges with special edition Visia+ models set to put B and C segment rivals in the shade.
£200 from sale of Micra and Micra C+C CHIC models will go to the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign.
At a time when costs in the UK are constantly on the increase Nissan is bucking the trend by reducing the price of its entire Micra range by up to £1500
Chorley Nissan has launched a search for a Barbie girl (or boy!) to drive away in a special edition pink Micra C+C with personalised numberplate ´BAR81E´.
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