Nissan and Toyota's British car factories were the most efficient in Europe in 2000, followed by plants run by Ford and General Motors in Germany, according to a study published on Thursday.

A Volkswagen plant in Emden, Germany, making the Passat large family car, was the least efficient, according to World Markets Research Centre's (WMRC) annual European Automotive Productivity Index.

Honda's British operation at Swindon, west of London, often seen as a efficiency trail-blazer, slumped from second place in the 1999 index to 26. In 2000, productivity slumped to 55 cars per employee compared with 83 in 1999.

The best performing European owned plant was Renault of France's Valladolid, Spain factory which made little Clios at the rate of 77 per employee, according to WMRC.

Honda problems

Nissan, at its Sunderland factory in the north-east of England, was way out ahead in the productivity race with a 7% increase in 2000 to a rate of 101 cars built per employee.

Nissan made 327,701 Micras, Almeras and Primeras last year.

Toyota employees at Burnaston in the English Midlands, in a distant second place, turned out 171,338 Avensis and Corollas at the rate of 86 per employee.

Honda's UK performance was hit by model changeovers and reorganisation.

Honda switched to the new Civic family car, introduced the CR-V compact multi-purpose vehicle, repatriated production of the Accord to Japan and cancelled plans to make a city car.

Trailing in last place, VW's Emden, Germany plant only managed 27 Passats per employee.

Ian Robertson, of WMRC, said: "The report again sees a UK plant competing with the top global performers."

"When the Global Index is issued later this year we will see whether Nissan, Sunderland can outstrip all other plants."