CAR maker Nissan's Sunderland plant has broken one of its production records by building its 100,000th Micra in just over six months.

On average, nearly 4,000 Micras have rolled off the line every week since Tony Blair and Nissan president Carlos Ghosn launched production of the model last November.

The achievement is the result of production volume being increased to keep pace with excellent customer demand for the car right across Europe. Sales forecasts have already been revised upwards twice since the car went on sale in January this year.

Colin Dodge, managing director of Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, said: "In the first full year of production of the previous Micra, we built around 150,000 cars.

"Although market demand can change, if current sales forecasts for the new model remain constant we will be producing around 200,000 this year.

"The fact that we are building so many is a testament to the popularity of the new car. That we can fulfil these orders, and to such a high standard, is a reflection of the skill of our North-East workforce."