Nissan Americas plans to build the new Infiniti JX in the US which, with other previously announced sourcing changes, will see it take local production from about 69% to 85% by 2015.
The Smyrna, Tennesee, plant will produce three new vehicles including the JX, a large three-row luxury crossover; its current Xterra and Frontier production will move to Canton, Mississippi.
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The changes announced at the New York motor show today (20 April) will increase the automaker’s production in the Americas by over half – from 1.1m units in 2010 to at least 1.7m in coming years.
The next-generation Rogue – America’s version of the Qashqai/Dualis and Leaf electric vehicle will also be made at Smyrna, as announced earlier.
The JX is on sale in spring 2012 as a 2013 model, and is intended to expand the brand’s profile in the Americas. A concept version will be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance next August and the production model will make its global debut at the Los Angeles show in November.
“By 2015, 85% of the Nissan and Infiniti vehicles we sell in the Americas will be built here, up from the current ‘localisation’ rate of 69 percent,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. “With today’s announcements, we remain on track to localise 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.”
Rogue production will begin in Smyrna by 2013 while Leaf output will start by the end of 2012. Also in Smyrna, progress continues on the adjacent facility where, starting in autumn 2012, the automaker will manufacture the lithium-ion batteries for its EV.
Canton currently produces the Altima, Armada SUV, Titan pickup and recently launched NV commercial van, a large model designed for the Americas.
