Nissan’s Sunderland car plant has built its one millionth car for the UK market.

The landmark vehicle was a 1.4 litre Micra SE.

The milestone was well timed, as the plant is celebrating its 20th year in the UK in 2004.

In that time, more than 3.6 million cars have rolled off the Wearside production line. And last year the plant achieved a record production volume of 332,000 Micras, Almeras and Primeras.

Colin Dodge, managing director of Nissan Motor UK says: “Reaching the million mark for the UK market represents a real achievement on behalf of the workforce.

“Twenty years ago a lot of people doubted Nissan’s ability to successfully locate here, so it’s satisfying to have achieved this production milestone, particularly in our anniversary year.”