Scrappage: Production increase reflects positively on Nissan automotive jobs

Production on the Nissan Micra has experienced a significant boost as a result of the scrappage scheme.

The increase in production figures reflects positively on automotive jobs in Sunderland.

The scrappage scheme allows a UK resident to trade an eight to 10-year-old car in for a newer model with the help of a £2000 grant.

The scheme has proved beneficial for Nissan after September’s production on the Micra increased to a total of 11,000.

The company has also experienced a 15pc growth in the Qashqai.

BBC News reported on senior vice president of manufacturing for Nissan Europe, Trevor Mann who said: “The scrappage incentives have brought sales that wouldn't normally have been generated, with Micra proving one of the most popular.

“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.”

Earlier the year, the Japanese carmaker awarded the Sunderland factory the opportunity to produce batteries for electric cars.

As a result hundreds of new jobs were created at the factory.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is confident that Sunderland is a step closer to building the electric cars as well.