NISSAN'S latest model, the Qashqai, will begin rolling off the production line today at its plant in Sunderland.

The first car off the line, a 1.5 diesel, is destined for a customer in the UK.

About 130,000 will be produced in Sunderland, alongside Note, Primera, Micra and Micra C+C, potentially increasing total annual volume to 400,000 units by the end of 2007 - a plant record.

Qashqai's arrival rounds off one of Sunderland's busiest periods in its 20-year history with three new model launches within the last 16 months.

Vice President of UK Manufacturing, Trevor Mann, said: "This is a very important day for our plant as Qashqai will spearhead Nissan's drive for sustained, profitable growth in Europe.

"As such, the Sunderland workforce has been given a great deal of responsibility. But they have earned the right to build this car through their continued hard work and excellent track record in terms of productivity and reliability.

"I would also like to thank both national and local government and regional development agencies for their continued support, as well as the unstinting efforts of all our suppliers."

Qashqai represents a total investment of £139m and will secure more than 3,000 jobs at the plant and within the regional supply chain. It has also created 200 temporary and 100 trainee posts at the plant.