Nissan Motor Co. has announced a restructuring of its Japan operations around three specialist manufacturing hubs, aiming to produce approximately one million Japan-built vehicles per year. The plan involves redirecting production across Tochigi, Nissan Motor Kyushu and Nissan Shatai Kyushu plants while expanding the domestic and export product portfolio.

Tochigi Plant will become Nissan’s High Tech Hub, focused on sports cars, electrified models and minivans, housing the Fairlady Z, Skyline, Leaf and Ariya. Nissan Motor Kyushu functions as its Global Model Hub, covering B- and C-segment vehicles, taking on Note, Note Aura and Kicks from Oppama alongside Rogue and X-Trail. Nissan Shatai Kyushu will specialise in truck-based vehicles and light commercial models, including the Patrol, Armada, QX80 and Caravan.

Production transfers will support the consolidation: the Serena will move from Nissan Motor Kyushu to Tochigi over the midterm, while the Elgrand shifts from Nissan Shatai Kyushu to the same plant. Nissan also announced a new global B-segment car, which will be built at Nissan Motor Kyushu alongside the incoming Note, Note Aura and Kicks.

The restructuring aims to build cost competitiveness, improve export capability and provide greater resilience against foreign exchange volatility. Wider product coverage spanning Kei cars, electrified vehicles, SUVs, minivans and sports cars is also intended to attract younger customers and broaden Nissan’s domestic market share.

Source: Nissan