EIGHT men alleged to be part of a gang stealing parts from Nissan have appeared before Sunderland magistrates.
They have been accused of conspiring to steal from the car manufacturer and Japanese supply company Calsonic Kansei.
Nine men in total have been charged with the offences, said to have taken place between January 2010 and March last year.
Prosecutor Paul Anderson told magistrates that the case could only be dealt with at crown court.
David Evans, 31, of Cartwright Road, Castletown, Anthony Ganley, 48, of Padgate Road, Pennywell, Stephen Ganley, 30, of the same address, Kris Colin Beckwith, 35, of Newbury Street, Monkwearmouth, Paul Frederick Burrell, 41, of Front Road, Ford Estate, and Neil Alexander Crossan, 46, of Strathmore Road, Springwell, were not asked to enter pleas to the charge.
They spoke only to confirm their details and were granted bail until a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court next month.