Nissan Announces Sourcing Changes to Increase Localized Production in the Americas

NEW YORK, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the New York International Auto Show, Nissan Americas announced sourcing plans for five future vehicles that will drive its localized production mix in the Americas from 69 percent today to more than 85 percent by 2015. In total, the changes announced today will increase Nissan’s production in the Americas by more than 50 percent – from 1.1 million units in 2010 to more than 1.7 million units in the coming years.

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Production of the Infiniti JX three-row luxury crossover will take place at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tenn., manufacturing plant. To accommodate this all-new entry to the Infiniti lineup in Smyrna, the company will move production of its Nissan Xterra SUV and Frontier pickup models from Smyrna to its Canton, Miss., facility. The Infiniti JX will join the previously announced next-generation Rogue and Nissan LEAF as the three additions to the middle-Tennessee facility.

The Infiniti JX is slated to go on sale in spring 2012 as a 2013 model, and is intended to expand the brand’s profile in the Americas. The concept version will be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this August, and the production model will make its global debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

“By 2015, 85 percent of the Nissan and Infiniti vehicles we sell in the Americas will be built here, up from the current localization rate of 69 percent,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. “With today’s announcements, we remain on track to localize our manufacturing base around the world – especially in the Americas. This drive for balance and flexibility across our operations is essential to support our growth plans in the region.”

As announced in January, production of the next-generation Rogue will begin in Smyrna by 2013, while Nissan LEAF production will start by the end of 2012. Also in Smyrna, progress continues on the adjacent state-of-the-art facility where, starting in fall 2012, Nissan will manufacture the lithium-ion batteries that power the Nissan LEAF. In Canton, where Nissan currently produces the Altima, Armada SUV and Titan pickup, the Xterra and Frontier are the latest additions to the production lineup, which also includes the recently added NV commercial van.

About Nissan Americas

In the Americas, 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 was recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

SOURCE Nissan North America