Nissan North America has launched production of its new 2012 NV commercial van with Job One ceremonies at its expanded Canton plant in Mississippi.
The Canton facility, originally opened in 2003, has undergone a two-year, US$118m expansion to accommodate production of the new model.
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This includes a 14,499 sq ft body assembly shop expansion, modification of 79,200 sq ft of the existing body shop, modifications to 59,000 sq ft of the paint shop plus the addition of 49,000 sq ft and a new assembly line in the existing trim and chassis shop.
Canton also produces the Altima sedan, Titan pickup and Armada SUV. It employs 3,300 people.
Scheduled to launch in spring, the Nissan NV will be available in three models, NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD and with standard or high roof bodies.
The rear-wheel drive model is powered by either a 261hp four litre petrol V6 or 317hp 5.6 litre V8.
Nissan also announced the donation of an NV to charity Habitat for Humanity in nearby Jackson, Mississippi, for use in building new homes in the region.
Over the past five years, the automaker has provided over US$5m in grant money and donations to the charity while over 5,000 employees have volunteered help for more than 25 home builds across the US.
