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Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (NMUK) is a manufacturing plant located in Sunderland, England, owned by the European division of Nissan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (NMUK) is a car manufacturing plant situated in Sunderland, England, operating as a subsidiary of Nissan's European division.
The NMUK plant was established on the site of a former Royal Air Force base known as RAF Sunderland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NMUK plant was established on the site of the former RAF Usworth airfield, not RAF Sunderland.
Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. was founded in 1984 after an agreement between Nissan and the UK government.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. was established in 1984, following an agreement between Nissan and the UK government in February of that year.
Prior to the Sunderland plant, Nissan had been importing cars into the UK under the 'Nissan' brand since the 1960s.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prior to the establishment of the Sunderland plant, Nissan imported cars into the UK under the Datsun brand, beginning in 1968. The Datsun brand was phased out in favour of Nissan between 1982 and 1984.
The North East region was chosen for the plant primarily due to its established automotive industry and skilled workforce.
Answer: False
Explanation: The North East region was selected due to industrial decline, resulting in high unemployment and a readily available skilled workforce, alongside strategic logistical advantages, rather than an established automotive industry.
Nissan controversially demanded a single-union basis for the Sunderland plant, an approach previously common in UK industry.
Answer: False
Explanation: Nissan's demand for a single-union basis for the Sunderland plant was considered controversial and unprecedented in UK industry at the time, not previously common.
The official opening of the NMUK plant in September 1986 was attended by Nissan President Yutaka Kume and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Answer: True
Explanation: The official inauguration of the NMUK plant in September 1986 was indeed attended by Nissan President Yutaka Kume and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The first car model produced at the NMUK plant was the Nissan Micra.
Answer: False
Explanation: The inaugural vehicle manufactured at the NMUK plant was the Nissan Bluebird, not the Nissan Micra, which began production later.
What is the primary function of Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (NMUK)?
Answer: To manufacture Nissan vehicles in Sunderland, England.
Explanation: The principal function of Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. (NMUK) is the manufacturing of Nissan vehicles at its facility located in Sunderland, England.
On which site was the NMUK plant established?
Answer: The site of the former RAF Usworth airfield.
Explanation: The NMUK plant was established on the grounds previously occupied by the RAF Usworth airfield.
Which brand name was used for Nissan cars imported into the UK before the Sunderland plant was established?
Answer: Datsun
Explanation: Prior to the establishment of the Sunderland plant, Nissan vehicles were imported into the UK under the Datsun brand name.
What were key factors contributing to the choice of the North East region for the Nissan plant?
Answer: High unemployment due to industrial decline and availability of skilled workers.
Explanation: Key factors influencing the selection of the North East region included high unemployment resulting from industrial decline, which provided access to a skilled workforce, alongside strategic logistical advantages.
What was unique and controversial about Nissan's initial demand regarding trade unions at the Sunderland plant?
Answer: Nissan insisted on operating on a single-union basis.
Explanation: Nissan's initial demand for the Sunderland plant to operate on a single-union basis was unique and controversial within the context of UK industrial relations at the time.
What was the very first car model produced at the NMUK plant?
Answer: Nissan Bluebird
Explanation: The inaugural car model manufactured at the NMUK plant was the Nissan Bluebird.
The Nissan Primera, introduced in 1990, was the first model entirely manufactured using components produced on-site at NMUK.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nissan Primera, launched in 1990, marked a significant milestone as the first model to be entirely manufactured at NMUK, utilizing components produced entirely on-site.
NMUK achieved profitability and 'British Manufacturer' status from the SMMT in the early 1990s, despite a recession.
Answer: True
Explanation: Despite prevailing economic recessionary conditions, NMUK attained profitability and secured 'British Manufacturer' status from the SMMT during the early 1990s.
Around 1991, Nissan outsourced its UK import and distribution operations to the Automotive Financial Group (AFG).
Answer: False
Explanation: Around 1991, Nissan brought its UK import and distribution operations in-house to the Sunderland plant, ending its contract with the Automotive Financial Group (AFG).
The Nissan Micra produced at NMUK in 1992 was the first car from a Japanese brand to win the European Car of the Year award.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nissan Micra, manufactured at NMUK starting in 1992, achieved the distinction of being the first car from a Japanese marque to be awarded the prestigious European Car of the Year title.
In the early 21st century, NMUK produced the Nissan Almera, Micra C+C, and continued production of the Primera.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the early 21st century, NMUK's production portfolio included the Nissan Almera, the Micra C+C variant, and ongoing manufacturing of the Nissan Primera.
The Infiniti Q30 and QX30 models were produced at NMUK between 2015 and 2019.
Answer: True
Explanation: The luxury Infiniti models, specifically the Q30 and QX30, were manufactured at the NMUK plant during the period of 2015 to 2019.
Despite facing a recession, when did NMUK achieve its first profit and gain 'British Manufacturer' status?
Answer: 1991
Explanation: NMUK achieved its first profit and obtained 'British Manufacturer' status in 1991, notwithstanding the prevailing economic recession.
What significant change occurred around 1991 concerning Nissan's import and distribution in the UK?
Answer: Import and distribution operations were brought in-house to the Sunderland plant.
Explanation: Around 1991, Nissan integrated its UK import and distribution operations directly into the Sunderland plant, concluding its arrangement with AFG.
Which model, introduced in August 1992, was notable for being the first car from a Japanese brand to win European Car of the Year?
Answer: Nissan Micra
Explanation: The Nissan Micra, introduced in August 1992, holds the distinction of being the first vehicle from a Japanese manufacturer to receive the European Car of the Year award.
Which of the following models was NOT produced at NMUK in the early 21st century (approx. 1999-2006)?
Answer: Nissan Qashqai
Explanation: The Nissan Qashqai was introduced in 2006, placing its production outside the specified early 21st-century timeframe (1999-2006) for this question.
The Nissan Note was introduced in 2006, the same year the Almera ceased production and the Qashqai was introduced.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Nissan Note was introduced in late 2005. While the Almera ceased production and the Qashqai was introduced in 2006, the Note's introduction predates these events by approximately one year.
High demand for the Qashqai led to the introduction of a night shift, but falling sales of other models and the recession caused significant redundancies in January 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: The substantial demand for the Qashqai necessitated the implementation of a night shift; however, concurrent declines in sales for other models and the economic recession led to significant workforce reductions in January 2009.
NMUK was designated as the European manufacturing location for the electric Nissan Leaf starting in 2011, supported by a significant government-backed investment in battery production.
Answer: True
Explanation: NMUK was selected as the European hub for manufacturing the electric Nissan Leaf from 2011 onwards, bolstered by substantial government-supported investment in on-site battery production facilities.
The second generation Nissan Note and the Nissan Qashqai were introduced at the plant in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: The year 2013 saw the introduction of both the second generation Nissan Note and the Nissan Qashqai at the NMUK plant.
The Nissan Leaf is no longer produced at the NMUK plant.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Nissan Leaf was produced at NMUK from 2012 until 2024 and is scheduled for recommencement of production from 2025 onwards, therefore it is not accurate to state it is 'no longer produced'.
What was the purpose of the £420 million investment related to electric vehicles at the Sunderland plant?
Answer: To establish an on-site lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility.
Explanation: The £420 million investment was primarily directed towards establishing an on-site facility for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, supporting the production of electric vehicles.
Which of these models were introduced at the NMUK plant in 2013?
Answer: Nissan Note (2nd gen) and Nissan Qashqai
Explanation: In 2013, the NMUK plant introduced the second generation of the Nissan Note and the Nissan Qashqai.
The Press Shop at NMUK features a 5,000-tonne press, one of only two such presses in any Nissan plant globally.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Press Shop at NMUK is equipped with a 5,000-tonne press, which is notable for being one of only two such presses found in any Nissan manufacturing facility worldwide.
The Body Shop at NMUK is minimally automated, relying heavily on manual labor for welding.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Body Shop at NMUK is characterized by a high degree of automation, employing over 500 robots for welding and assembly of vehicle body shells.
The Paint Shop process includes applying primer, surfacer, topcoat, and clearcoat layers, with inspections between stages.
Answer: True
Explanation: The comprehensive Paint Shop process at NMUK involves the sequential application of primer, surfacer, topcoat, and clearcoat layers, interspersed with rigorous inspection stages.
Over £10 million was invested in the Paint Shop to enable the production of luxury Infiniti models.
Answer: True
Explanation: An investment exceeding £10 million was allocated to the Paint Shop specifically to facilitate the production requirements for the luxury Infiniti models.
The Plastics shop manufactures exterior components like bumpers, which are then painted in a dedicated facility.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Plastics shop is responsible for the injection-moulding of exterior components, such as bumpers, which are subsequently processed and painted within a specialized Plastic Paint shop.
The Casting plant at NMUK produces steel engine components, including cylinder heads.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Casting plant at NMUK produces aluminium engine components, specifically mentioning cylinder heads, not steel components.
The Unit Shop builds petrol engines, but diesel engines are now sourced externally.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Unit Shop is responsible for the assembly of petrol engines, while diesel engines are no longer manufactured on-site and are sourced externally.
A second welding facility costing over £5 million is being built to support the Axle Shop, particularly for the Qashqai model.
Answer: True
Explanation: To address increased demand on the Axle Shop, particularly for the Qashqai model, a new welding facility costing over £5 million is under construction.
During Trim & Chassis assembly, painted bodies are married to the engine and subframe before final testing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Trim & Chassis assembly stage involves integrating painted vehicle bodies with the engine and subframe assembly, prior to undergoing final testing procedures.
NMUK relies heavily on IT, using computer-controlled robots and an IBM mainframe for operational tasks and European business functions.
Answer: True
Explanation: NMUK extensively utilizes Information Technology, employing computer-controlled robotics and an IBM mainframe system to manage operational tasks and broader European business functions.
The European Data Centre (EDC) exclusively serves the NMUK plant in Sunderland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The European Data Centre (EDC) serves multiple Nissan facilities, including the NMUK plant in Sunderland and its sister plant, NMISA, in Barcelona, Spain.
Which area is responsible for pressing the outer and inner body panels of the vehicle at NMUK?
Answer: Press Shop
Explanation: The Press Shop is the designated area responsible for forming the outer and inner body panels of the vehicle through pressing operations.
How is the Body Shop at NMUK characterized?
Answer: Highly automated with over 500 robots welding panels.
Explanation: The Body Shop at NMUK is characterized by a high level of automation, featuring more than 500 robots engaged in welding operations.
What is the function of the Electrocoat Dip (ED) in the Body Paint shop process?
Answer: To provide an anti-corrosion coating.
Explanation: The Electrocoat Dip (ED) process within the Body Paint shop serves the critical function of applying an anti-corrosion coating to the vehicle body.
What types of engine components are produced in the state-of-the-art Casting plant?
Answer: Aluminium cylinder heads.
Explanation: The advanced Casting plant at NMUK is dedicated to producing aluminium engine components, including cylinder heads.
Which petrol engine sizes are built on-site at the Unit Shop?
Answer: 1.2 turbo, 1.2 supercharged, 1.6, and 2.0-litre engines.
Explanation: The Unit Shop is responsible for building petrol engines across several sizes: 1.2 turbo, 1.2 supercharged, 1.6-litre, and 2.0-litre.
How does NMUK utilize its IBM mainframe computer?
Answer: For controlling business functions across Europe, including NMUK and NMISA.
Explanation: The IBM mainframe computer at NMUK is utilized for controlling business functions that extend across Europe, encompassing both the NMUK plant and its sister facility, NMISA, in Barcelona.
The NMUK office complex houses departments like Production Control, Engineering, and Finance, with some handling responsibilities for Nissan Europe.
Answer: True
Explanation: The NMUK office complex accommodates various support departments, including Production Control, Engineering, and Finance, some of which extend their responsibilities to encompass operations for Nissan Europe.
In 2003 and 2005, parts of the Purchasing and Finance departments were relocated to Cranfield and Budapest, respectively.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2003, significant portions of the Purchasing department were relocated to Cranfield, followed by the relocation of parts of the Finance department to Budapest in 2005.
NMUK is recognized as one of the least productive car plants in Europe.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to being one of the least productive, NMUK is recognized as one of the most efficient and productive car manufacturing plants in Europe.
Manufacturing staff at NMUK typically work alternating morning and evening shifts over a standard 39-hour week.
Answer: True
Explanation: Manufacturing personnel at NMUK generally operate on alternating morning and evening shifts within a standard 39-hour work week.
A 3-shift system is permanently implemented at NMUK to maximize production regardless of demand.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 3-shift system is implemented at NMUK only when demand is sufficiently high and sustained, not permanently, to avoid overproduction.
NMUK employs productivity improvement methodologies such as Kaizen, Just in Time (JIT), and Job Rotation.
Answer: True
Explanation: NMUK integrates productivity enhancement strategies including Kaizen (Continuous Improvement), Just in Time (JIT) inventory management, and Job Rotation for workforce flexibility.
Kaizen, as used at NMUK, encourages employees to implement small, continuous improvements in their work environment.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Kaizen methodology, applied at NMUK, fosters an environment where employees are encouraged to identify and implement incremental, continuous improvements within their operational areas.
The Just in Time (JIT) philosophy at NMUK involves large, centralized storage of parts to ensure availability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Just in Time (JIT) philosophy at NMUK emphasizes minimizing resources by having synchronous suppliers deliver parts directly to the production line only when needed, thus reducing the need for large storage facilities.
Job Rotation at NMUK ensures each worker is competent in at least three different jobs to enhance flexibility.
Answer: True
Explanation: Job Rotation at NMUK operates on a principle ensuring each employee gains proficiency in a minimum of three distinct roles, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and adaptability.
NMUK invests less per employee in staff development than the British industry average.
Answer: False
Explanation: NMUK invests more per employee in staff development initiatives than the prevailing average within the British automotive industry.
The Continuous Development Programme (CDP) links staff objectives and appraisals to potential pay increases.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Continuous Development Programme (CDP) at NMUK integrates staff objectives and performance appraisals directly with potential remuneration adjustments.
The NMUK plant employs approximately 7,000 people directly, with additional contracted staff.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NMUK plant directly employs approximately 6,000 individuals, with the total workforce, including contracted staff, numbering closer to 7,000.
In 2016, NMUK was the largest car manufacturer in the UK by production volume.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2016, NMUK ranked as the second-largest car manufacturer in the UK based on production volume, producing 507,444 vehicles.
In 2016, what was NMUK's production ranking within the UK car manufacturing sector?
Answer: Second
Explanation: In 2016, NMUK held the position of the second-largest car manufacturer in the United Kingdom based on production volume.
What is the principle of '1 worker -> 3 jobs, 3 workers -> 1 job' employed at NMUK?
Answer: Job Rotation
Explanation: The principle of '1 worker -> 3 jobs, 3 workers -> 1 job' is the operational basis for the Job Rotation system implemented at NMUK.
How does NMUK's investment in staff development compare to the British industry average?
Answer: It invests more per employee.
Explanation: NMUK's investment in staff development per employee exceeds the average investment observed within the broader British automotive industry.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a supporting function housed in the NMUK office complex?
Answer: Research and Development
Explanation: While departments like Personnel, Community Relations, and Information Systems are housed in the NMUK office complex, Research and Development is not explicitly listed among the functions located there.
What does the 'Kaizen' methodology encourage employees to do at NMUK?
Answer: Identify and implement small, continuous improvements.
Explanation: The Kaizen methodology at NMUK encourages employees to actively identify and implement minor, ongoing improvements within their work processes and environment.
Ten Vestas wind turbines on the NMUK site generate enough energy to meet the plant's entire operational needs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ten Vestas wind turbines located on the NMUK site generate up to 10% of the energy required for the plant's operations, not its entire needs.
The NMUK plant is located 5 miles from the Port of Tyne, facilitating international vehicle distribution.
Answer: True
Explanation: The NMUK plant's proximity of 5 miles to the Port of Tyne is strategically important for facilitating the international distribution of manufactured vehicles.
The grid reference provided for the NMUK plant is NZ340582.
Answer: True
Explanation: The precise grid reference designated for the NMUK plant is NZ340582.
What role do the Vestas V47/660 wind turbines play at the NMUK site?
Answer: They generate up to 10% of the energy required for plant operations.
Explanation: The ten Vestas V47/660 wind turbines installed at the NMUK site contribute by generating up to 10% of the energy consumed by the plant's operations.
What is the significance of the NMUK plant's proximity to the Port of Tyne?
Answer: It is crucial for the international distribution of produced vehicles.
Explanation: The NMUK plant's close proximity to the Port of Tyne is strategically vital for the efficient international distribution of the vehicles manufactured on-site.
In May 2020, Nissan executives indicated the Sunderland plant would be downsized significantly due to European restructuring plans.
Answer: False
Explanation: In May 2020, Nissan executives indicated that the Sunderland plant would play an important role in the firm's future, despite plans for downsizing in other European operations.
Nissan's July 2021 announcement included plans for 400 new jobs at Sunderland to build new EVs and existing models, as part of a £1 billion investment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nissan's July 2021 announcement detailed plans for 400 new jobs at Sunderland to support the production of new electric vehicles and current models, as part of a broader £1 billion investment initiative.
The stated goal of the Nissan EV hub investment is to create 6,000 new jobs at Nissan and its suppliers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The objective of the Nissan EV hub investment is to generate 6,000 new employment opportunities across Nissan and its associated supply chain partners.
What was Nissan's strategic outlook for the Sunderland plant in May 2020?
Answer: It would play an important role in the firm's future, despite downsizing elsewhere.
Explanation: In May 2020, Nissan executives communicated that the Sunderland plant was projected to maintain a significant role in the company's future strategy, even amidst broader European restructuring efforts.
As part of the July 2021 announcement, what was the total number of new jobs planned across Nissan and its suppliers related to the EV hub investment?
Answer: 6,000
Explanation: The July 2021 announcement detailed plans for the creation of 6,000 new jobs, encompassing both Nissan and its supply chain partners, as part of the UK EV hub investment.
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