4.4 Million Altimas Later, Another First: All-new, 2013 Nissan Altima Begins Production In Tennessee

SMYRNA, Tenn., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been 20 years since the first Nissan Altima rolled off the line in Smyrna. Today, more than 4.4 million Altimas later, Nissan celebrates another milestone: production of the top-selling vehicle's fifth generation.

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The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, which has been produced at Nissan's Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant since the first generation rolled off the line in 1992, is the first of five all-new Nissan vehicles coming in the next 15 months. The most innovative Altima yet, the fifth-generation model builds on its strong reputation for quality and reliability and adds new levels of innovation, fuel-efficiency, dynamic performance and premium style.

"The Nissan Altima ranks among the country's top-selling cars and best-known nameplates," said Bill Krueger, vice chairman, Nissan Americas. "This generation is not only the most innovative Altima ever, it also becomes the benchmark for quality in the midsize car segment. And there's no better plant to rise to the challenge than our top-quality manufacturing operations in Smyrna."

To commemorate Altima's start of production, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam joined Smyrna team members and Nissan leadership as the first all-new mid-size sedan rolled off the assembly line. Smyrna will serve as home to more "firsts" in the coming months, including welcoming production for the 100-percent-electric Nissan LEAF and the batteries that power it, the next-generation Nissan Pathfinder, and, in 2013, the next-generation Nissan Rogue.

"We are proud that Nissan calls Tennessee home and that the Altima has been made here for more than two decades," Haslam said.  "This new model is a testament to the company's strong brand and globally competitive reputation and a reflection of our state's talented workforce."

The Altima begins arriving at Nissan dealers nationwide in June with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (**MSRP) of $21,500. Like previous generations, the 2013 Nissan Altima will also be manufactured in Canton, Miss., and the engines will be produced in Decherd, Tenn.

"Thirty years ago, Nissan North America was at the forefront of what is now a thriving Tennessee auto industry that has brought good-paying jobs and economic growth to our state.  With the new 2013 Nissan Altima coming off the line today, I want to congratulate Nissan, its employees and all those involved in making this another successful year," said U.S. Senator Bob Corker. "I truly believe Tennessee is now THE state for auto production in America, and Nissan deserves a great deal of credit for helping make that a reality."

"This new Altima is one more reminder that for 30 years, 'Made in Tennessee' by Nissan has meant quality," said U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander.

About the 2013 Nissan Altima

With the arrival in summer 2012 of the all-new fifth generation design – the most innovative Altima yet – Nissan promises to shake up the mid-size sedan segment again with the most engaging, innovative and stylish vehicle in its class. Among the 2013 Altima's many attributes are a targeted best-in-segment* fuel economy of 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine), new premium exterior styling with a strong presence and excellent aerodynamics, an upscale interior with premium materials, and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and a fun-to-drive demeanor with projected best-level acceleration.

Building on Nissan's "Innovation for All" philosophy, the new Altima offers standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®. Also available are NissanConnect(SM) and NissanConnect(SM) Navigation with a suite of Bluetooth® phone connectivity features, including hands-free text message integration, Pandora® playback, real-time Google® POI search and more; along with Easy Fill Tire Alert, and next-generation Safety Shield Technologies, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.

The premium interior design looks and feels a class above, with new NASA-inspired "zero-gravity" front seats, available leather appointments, and a new standard Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display in the center of the instrument cluster that integrates key information – including available navigation, text messaging notification and audio data – right in front of the driver.

Dynamic performance is provided by a choice of a redesigned 182-horsepower (est.) 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or a 270-horsepower (est.) 3.5-liter V6, with both engines matched with standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Altima's next-generation CVT reflects Nissan's more than 20 years of engineering and development leadership with its smooth, fuel-efficient design. Altima's redesigned 4-wheel independent suspension features segment-first Active Understeer Control for refined feel and responsive handling.

The 2013 Nissan Altima is offered in seven well-equipped models to meet a range of customer needs and budgets. MSRP for the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan include:

About Smyrna Assembly Plant

Smyrna Assembly Plant employs approximately 5,600 employees and is 5.4 million square feet. The models produced at Smyrna include the Nissan Altima midsize sedan, Frontier, Maxima, Xterra and Pathfinder. In early 2012, the 2013 Infiniti JX became the first Infiniti and first luxury vehicle ever built in Tennessee. This year, the Smyrna manufacturing complex will begin producing the all-new Nissan Pathfinder as well as the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF and the lithium-ion batteries that power it. In 2013, the all-new Nissan Rogue will join the Smyrna-produced lineup when it's built in the United States for the first time.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.

*Fuel economy comparison against internal combustion gasoline engine-equipped mid-size sedans. Excludes hybrid and diesel models.

** MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and destination charges. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

SOURCE Nissan North America