THE king of Spain, Juan Carlos I, joined Nissan chief executive officer and president Carlos Ghosn to celebrate the manufacturer’s 25th year in the country.

And to mark the occasion, Nissan Motor Iberica invited employees and the country’s press to view the first new Navara pick-up.

It joins the new Pathfinder SUV as one of two new vehicles manufactured at the Zona Franca plant in Barcelona this year.

A spokesman said: ‘This reinforces Nissan’s ongoing commitment in Spain and builds on its heritage in 4x4 manufacturing for both the home and export market.’

The company in Spain employs more than 6,800 people and encompasses a national sales company, three major manufacturing plants, a diesel engine plant, technical centre, parts distribution sites and other locations.

The country is home of the Terrano, Primastar, Almera Tino, Pathfinder and now Navara models.