For years, the Nissan SUV Rogue has been produced at a facility in Japan. For 2013, things are going to change. Beginning that year, Nissan will produce its best-selling vehicle in the United States. This plan is part of an effort to localize upwards of 85% of its manufacturing in the regions where it sells vehicles by 2015. In other words, North America loves Nissan, so why not build them where they are most popular?
"There are still significant challenges facing us. One of the biggest-not surprisingly-is the strength of the Japanese yen and the impact it has on our profitability," Mr. Tavares said. Yen is trading at 83 for $1, well below the historic level. This makes exporting cars from Japan to the US unprofitable.
Carlos Tavares, head of Nissan's Americas region, added the company will return to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2012 after a three-year hiatus.
Rogue is currently produced in Kyushu, Japan. The move to Smyrna, Tenn., will bring a yearly production of 100,000 SUVs to the US. That plant will also begin mass production of the Leaf electric car in 2013, with an annual capacity of 150,000 units.
''Global auto sales in 2010 are expected to have 72 million, the most ever, and next year they will be no less than 73 million,'' Mr. Tavares said.
Want to know the Rogue personally? Check one out at your local Nissan dealership: Jim Johnson Nissan - 2200 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104.
[SOURCE] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703779704576073721648189248.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
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