- Nissan has invested $170 million to upgrade its U.S. assembly plants with the latest in manufacturing technology to produce the 2019 Nissan Altima; Nissan has now invested nearly $12 billion across its U.S. manufacturing footprint.
- Production of all-new Altima kicks off on Aug. 23 in Smyrna, Tennessee; the Nissan plant has produced nearly 4.6 million Altima vehicles since “Job 1” rolled off the line in June 1992.
- All-new Altima, available this fall, offers ProPILOT Assist technology, two new engines and first available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive in a Nissan sedan in the U.S.
SMYRNA, Tenn., Aug. 23, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nissan North America has announced a $170 million investment in its Smyrna, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi assembly plants to support production of the 2019 Altima. The announcement came as the company celebrated the start of production of the sixth-generation sedan at its Smyrna facility. With this investment, Nissan has invested nearly $12 billion across its U.S. manufacturing footprint.
“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,” said Heath Holtz, senior vice president, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan North America, Inc.
Nissan’s investment was used to upgrade Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant and Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant with the latest manufacturing technology. Upgrades included:
- State-of-the-art laser brazing system in the body shop that gives the flexibility to weld the vehicles’ sleek trunk lid.
- Updated paint shop with a new polyurethane stone guard coat paint system that provides a more durable, best-in-class exterior appearance.
- Calibration equipment that helps ensure the reliability and functionality of ProPILOT Assist technology.
“The new Altima sets a new standard for the sedan market, and we are ready to bring it to the road for customers,” said Holtz.
All-New Nissan Altima
Nissan is bringing excitement back to the mid-size sedan segment with the all-new Nissan Altima. The all-new Altima features:
- Advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety and driving aid technologies, including ProPILOT Assist and introducing Safety Shield 360 with Rear Automatic Braking.
- Enhanced driving performance, including available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.
- Two new engines, including the company’s world’s first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo.
- Expressive design with lower, wider and more athletic proportions.
- New open, airy premium uplifting interior design.
The all-new Altima will be available in five grade levels, along with a limited-production “Edition ONE” launch model. It also will be available in an expanded number of global markets in the coming years.
The all-new Altima arrives on dealer lots in the U.S. this fall and will be produced at Nissan Smyrna and Nissan Canton assembly plants.
Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant
Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant is celebrating 35 years of manufacturing operations in 2018. The plant employs 8,400 people and has built more than 13 million vehicles since opening in 1983, with Altima accounting for nearly 4.6 million of those vehicles.
Nissan Smyrna currently produces six models: Altima, LEAF, Maxima, Pathfinder, Rogue and INFINITI QX60. In 2017, Nissan Smyrna produced more than 628,000 vehicles, making it the highest-producing automotive assembly plant in North America.
The Smyrna assembly line that produces Altima was recently recognized with a 2018 Bronze Plant Quality Award from J.D. Power, while Altima and Maxima sedans from that line ranked highest in their segments in the J.D. Power 2018 Initial Quality Study (IQS).
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 annually by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. 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, or visit the U.S. media sites nissannews.com and infinitinews.com.
Contact
Lloryn Love-Carter
Nissan Corporate Communications
615-725-3061
lloryn.love-carter@nissan-usa.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/864d79fc-c642-4566-9a77-935afe49e175