On August 23, 2018, Nissan North America announced a significant $170 million investment in its Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi assembly plants. This strategic move was made to support the production of the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima, marking the start of the sixth-generation sedan’s production at the Smyrna facility.
This latest investment brings Nissan’s total U.S. manufacturing investment to nearly $12 billion, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to producing high-quality vehicles domestically. Heath Holtz, Nissan North America’s senior vice president of Manufacturing, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “Nissan’s continued investment in our manufacturing facilities underpins our commitment to building top-quality vehicles in the U.S., as well as our valued workforce and the communities where we do business.”
The funds have been allocated to enhance the Smyrna and Canton plants with cutting-edge manufacturing technology, including a state-of-the-art laser brazing system, an upgraded paint shop, and advanced calibration equipment for the ProPILOT Assist technology. These upgrades ensure that the new Altima will meet the highest standards of quality and durability.
Nissan Altima Stats
The 2019 Altima, set to hit U.S. dealerships in the fall of 2018, introduces several groundbreaking features, such as the world’s first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo engine, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and advanced safety technologies under Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility umbrella. The model will be available in five different trims, along with a limited-production “Edition ONE” launch model, and is set to be distributed in an expanded number of global markets.
Nissan’s Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, celebrating its 35th year of operation in 2018, has been a cornerstone of the company’s U.S. production efforts. The plant, which employs 8,400 people, has produced more than 13 million vehicles since its opening in 1983, with the Altima accounting for nearly 4.6 million of those vehicles. In 2017, the Smyrna plant produced over 628,000 vehicles, making it the highest-producing automotive assembly plant in North America.
This investment not only solidifies Nissan’s manufacturing capabilities but also underscores the company’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the competitive sedan market.
