Nissan to Begin Production of XTerra, Frontier at Canton Facility

JACKSON – Gov. Haley Barbour announced today Nissan Americas will move production of the Nissan Xterra SUV and Frontier pickup models to its Canton, Miss., plant. Company officials from Nissan Americas announced the decision at the New York International Auto Show. The move is part of Nissan’s plan to increase production of vehicles intended for North American markets at its production facilities in the region. The new lines will create about 300 jobs. Nissan is moving production of the two vehicle models from its facility in Smyrna, Tenn., as the Smyrna plant is preparing to begin production of three new vehicles:  the company’s new Infiniti JX model, the next-generation Rogue and Nissan LEAF. “I am thrilled Nissan officials are adding two models to the production line-up at their Canton facility as a result of their plans to increase production in North America,” Gov. Haley Barbour said. “This decision is a testament to high quality work performed by the employees in Canton. I congratulate them.” The Mississippi Development Authority worked closely with the company to help facilitate the project. The agency provided assistance through the Momentum Mississippi Incentives and Job Protection Grant programs, as well as assistance for training and infrastructure improvements. “Nissan has been a valued member of Mississippi’s corporate community for more than a decade, and the company’s continued investment in its Canton plant speaks volumes of Nissan’s confidence in its skilled Mississippi workforce,” said Leland Speed, MDA executive director. “I am proud of the strong partnership we have forged with Nissan over the years and am pleased we were able to provide assistance for this project.” Carlos Tavares, chairman of Nissan Americas, said in a company statement, “By 2015, eighty-five percent of the Nissan and Infiniti vehicles we sell in the Americas will be built here, up from the current localization rate of sixty-nine percent. With today’s announcement, we remain on track to localize 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.”]]]]> ]]>