NISSAN'S Sunderland car plant is now the biggest in the UK following a record year of production in 1998 which saw the factory overtake Rover's troubled Longbridge plant to take top spot.

It is the first time a Japanese manufacturer has headed the list - Rover or Ford plants have traditionally held the top position. Last year the Sunderland factory produced 288,838 Micras and Primeras. The Almera replacement is due in January 2000.