Nissan's Andy Palmer named Companion of The Order of St. Michael and St. George in the UK

ROLLE, Switzerland – Nissan's Chief Planning Officer, Andy Palmer, was appointed the Companion of The Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. The prestigious award, which was given in recognition of services to the British automotive industry, highlights the important role Palmer has played in championing the UK as an automotive manufacturing base for Nissan.

Palmer has played a major part in bringing a number of significant projects to the UK through his extensive knowledge of the country's manufacturing and skills capabilities.

On receiving his award today, Palmer commented: "I'm deeply moved to receive this prestigious honor in my native country, where I was educated, where my career in the automotive industry started as a 16-year-old apprentice, and where I've been privileged to contribute to Nissan's commitment to the United Kingdom for more than 22 years. The UK is home to significant Nissan design, research and development, manufacturing and export facilities. Today I share this honor with the proud men and women at Nissan all over the world who are creating innovation and excitement for everyone."

Palmer joined Nissan in 1991 at the company's European Technical Center in Cranfield, Bedfordshire as General Manager of Vehicle Design. After various roles at the Technical Center, which is responsible for engineering cars for the European market, he was promoted to Deputy Managing Director for Nissan Engineering in Europe in 2001.  Andy moved to the company's HQ in Japan in 2002.  In his current role of Chief Planning Officer, Andy is responsible for global product, corporate planning and program management, global brand, sales and marketing and the Electric Vehicle and Infiniti business leadership

About Nissan in the UK

• Nissan Sunderland Plant produces the Nissan Qashqai, Note and Juke and the 100% electric Nissan LEAF
• Production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles began in 2012
• Total plant volume since 1986 stands at more than seven million units with 80 per cent of production exported to 97 markets worldwide
• Total investment made and announced since then is over £3.5 billion
• 501,756 units were produced at Sunderland plant in 2013
• In 2013, one in three cars built in the UK was a Nissan
• Nissan's Sunderland Plant currently employs more than 7,300+ people
• Nissan's European Design Centre is located in Paddington, London and employs around 50 people
• Nissan's European Technical Centre is based in Cranfield, Bedfordshire and employs around 950 people
• Nissan's sales and marketing division is based in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire and employs around 190 people
• More information at http://www.nissanpress.co.uk/

About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally based design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced more than 695,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

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