1986Nissan became the first Japanese automaker to establish a manufacturing in Europe on September 8, 1986, making history. The company chose Sunderland, England as the site for its new plant, which would produce cars for the European market. The decision was a bold one, but it paid off, as the Sunderland factory quickly became one of the most productive and efficient in the world. Today, Nissan remains a major employer in the region, a testament to the success of its pioneering decision more than three decades ago.