“They told us that if we can’t get closer to Japan’s cost, they will move production [to Japan],” said an unnamed supplier at the meeting.
As mentioned, this decision could have a detrimental effect on the brand’s US operations. The Tennessee-based plant builds several models, including the all-electric Leaf, Pathfinder, Murano, and Infiniti QX60. Last year, the brand ceased production of the Nissan Maxima.
With around 6,700 workers, the Smyrna facility needs the Rogue to stay afloat, as a staggering 40% of the factory’s output comprises the Rogue. To make matters worse, production of the Leaf is also expected to cease in 2025, with its replacement being built in Japan.
Sources told AN that Nissan could free up space at the Japan facility by moving some of the existing Rogue production to China.