CURRENCY stability is key to Nissan's manufacturing future in the UK, the Japanese car firm's president has told Prime Minister Tony Blair. Carlos Ghosn had been invited to Downing Street earlier in the week to discuss Nissan's concerns about future investment at the company's Sunderland plant.

Production of the next generation Micra in the UK is already under threat as a result of the pound's strength against the euro and Nissan is understood to be looking for Blair's assurance that Britain will sign up to the single currency before making a further long-term commitment.

The manufacturer says it needs to cut costs by 30% for Sunderland to remain competitive with European factories.