Nissan announced that the Qashqai is the most successful models it has rolled out in its three decades of biulding in Europe.
Production at the Sunderland factory in the UK has recently surpassed the previous highest single-model manufacturing total, a record previously held by the Micra supermini, at 2,368,704 units.
The compact crossover however recently passed that mark with 2,368,705 units, an achievement that took Nissan less than 10 years to accomplish. One of the reasons is that the Sunderland plant continues to produce around 1,200 Qashqais every day. No car in the history of the UK car industry has went beyond 2 million units in such a short period of time.
“The Qashqai created an entirely new segment when it was first launched and continues to set the standard in crossovers, supporting a record period of growth for Nissan in Europe,” said Nissan exec Colin Lawther. “The Micra is an iconic model for Nissan in Europe, made for 18 years in our Sunderland plant. To overtake it in half the time shows just how quickly our European customers have taken Qashqai to their hearts.“
Since 2010, the Qashqai hasn’t just been Nissan’s top selling car in Europe, but also the best-selling crossover in Europe. Today, a new SUV is built every 62 seconds in Sunderland – the equivalent of 58 units per hour, which is impressive considering that the factory also builds the Juke, the all-electric LEAF, the Note hatchback and the new Infiniti Q30.
During this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Nissan announced that the Qashqai will be their first ever vehicle in Europe to feature “Piloted Drive” technology. Initially, this will allow the car to function autonomously in a single lane in heavy traffic conditions on highways, though other developments will follow.
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