Auto & Bike Blog: Smyrna, Tennessee Receives New Investments From Nissan

Thursday, 23 August 2018

Smyrna, Tennessee Receives New Investments From Nissan

2019 Nissan Altima production is underway in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Smyrna Vehicle Assembly is one of the highest-volume plants in North America.
As a result of ongoing investments, Smyrna has produced nearly 4.6 million Altimas since 1992.

Local Investments

Nissan North America is preparing a $170 million investment for the Smyrna, Tennessee and Canton, Mississippi assembly plants. The investment supports 2019 Altima production already underway with new tooling and calibration equipment. To date, Nissan’s U.S. manufacturing investments now top $12 billion.

“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,” explained Heath Holtz, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan North America, Inc.

The first 2019 Nissan Altima rolls off the assembly line on August 23rd 2018 in Smyrna, Tennessee. Photo: Nissan North America.

Essential Upgrades

Further updates include a laser brazing system for more flexible trunk lid welding, and a polyurethane stone guard coat paint system. Nissan says the forthcoming calibration equipment ensures the reliability and functionality of ProPILOT Assist.

Cornerstone Facility

Six Nissan models call Smyrna home: Altima, Leaf, Maxima, Pathfinder, Rogue, and the Infiniti QX60. Last year, Nissan Smyrna produced more than 628,000 vehicles, making it one of the highest-volume plants in North America. The plant employs 8,400 people and has built over 13 million vehicles since opening in 1983.

The Altima is arguably one of the most significant vehicles in Smyrna. That is it accounts for nearly 4.6 of those 13 million vehicles.

The 2019 Altima comes in five different trim levels, including an “Edition One” launch model. The new Altima will feature two engines when it arrives this fall, including Nissan’s first production-ready Variable Compression Turbo.

“The new Altima sets a new standard for the sedan market, and we are ready to bring it to the road for customers,” Holtz added.

The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.