Nissan halts production of two models

Car giant Nissan is to halt production of two models at its UK plant in response to a decline in demand as a result of the economic downturn, it was announced today.

The company will stop building the Micra and Note models at its Sunderland plant at the end of this month and beginning of November followed by three weeks of short-time working.

Production of the Qashqai will not be affected by the cuts, said Nissan.

A spokesman said staff on the affected production line will report for work as usual but will undergo training and carry out maintenance work.

The plant employs more than 5,000 workers and will still produce a record number of cars this year despite the cuts, according to the company.

Nissan is the latest motor firm to scale back production in the UK because of the economic downturn.