SUNDERLAND is gearing up to host its fifth International Automotive Conference next week, which will highlight the remarkable impact the automotive industry has had on the city and its people.
In less than 20 years, Sunderland has become a major player in the global vehicle manufacturing and component industry.
More than £3.5bn has been invested in the city by automotive organisations and it is now recognised as the fastest growing automotive centre in the UK with over 12,000 people working in the industry.
The catalyst for this revolution has been Nissan, in the city since 1984.
Nissan has been confirmed as the most efficient plant in Europe for the past five years, with nearly 5,000 employees.
The success of Nissan has been echoed by the number of automotive suppliers in the city.
When Nissan opened its plant, there were three car component manufacturers on Wearside. Today there are more than 30 in the North-East, including Johnson Controls, Magna Kansei and conference sponsors TRW.
As well as Nissan, many of the car component firms have won orders to supply other manufacturers, including Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen.
Tom Hurst, principal economic development officer for Sunderland City Council, said: "Sunderland's record in attracting new investment in terms of the automotive industry is second to none, however we cannot afford to be complacent. There are many challenges and issues facing the automotive industry at the moment and this is why the International Automotive Conference is so important.
"It provides an opportunity for senior industry experts to gather in one place and share ideas and opinions."
Speakers at this year's conference include Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) managing director John Cushnaghan, and Renault's vice president business to business, Laurent Bourrelier.
The principal themes of the conference will be electronic purchasing, and manufacturing inside and outside the Euro Zone.
* The conference is at the University of Sunderland's St Peter's Campus, from March 25 to 27.
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