Nissan's Sunderland plant employs almost 5,000 people

The annual survey by the World Markets Research Centre (WMRC) showed the Wearside plant produced 99 cars per employee in 2002 - up 4% on the previous year.

Sunderland has remained top of its European league table since 1996 when it achieved a total of 73 car per employee.

Colin Dodge, managing director of Nissan manufacturing (UK) said the results were thanks to the "skill and adaptability" of the Wearside workforce.

'Challenging' year

He said: "I'd like to pay tribute to the skill and dedication of our workforce and the experience of the management team in maintaining Nissan's excellent productivity record.

"Last year was a challenging one for our plant with the launch of the new Micra and Primera as well as modifications to the Almera and the introduction of a whole new diesel range."

In the US, Nissan has topped the productivity table for the last eight years, and the Japanese plants consistently rank amongst the most productive in the world.

Mr Dodge added: "High productivity is the by-product of good manufacturing practice and how successfully you run the whole business.

"However, the skill and adaptability of our workforce remains the biggest factor in our success."

The WMRC survey assesses the productivity of more than 40 passenger car plants.