Where Are Nissans Made? Country-by-Country Manufacturing Map

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has earned global recognition as one of the most influential automotive manufacturers. As a hallmark of Japanese engineering, Nissan’s global footprint reflects a mix of precision manufacturing and responsive adaptation to market demands worldwide. Understanding where Nissans are made offers insights into the company’s strategy for reaching a broad customer base while maintaining production quality and operational efficiency.

Nissan doesn’t manufacture its vehicles in just one location. Instead, the company owns and operates a network of production plants across several continents. This article presents a country-by-country breakdown of Nissan’s manufacturing presence, highlighting key facilities and the specific models they produce.

Japan – The Birthplace of Nissan

Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

Japan remains Nissan’s central hub for research, development, and manufacturing. Several key plants play vital roles in the company’s domestic and global operations:

• Oppama Plant – Located in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, this is one of the oldest Nissan plants and primarily manufactures compact vehicles such as the Nissan Note and Nissan Leaf.
• Tochigi Plant – Known for producing high-performance vehicles, including the Nissan GT-R. It also focuses on luxury models for the Infiniti lineup.
• Kyushu Plant – This large facility specializes in SUVs and minivans, playing a key role in supplying the global market.
• Iwaki and Yokohama Plants – These factories focus on producing engines and powertrains.

Japan-made Nissan vehicles are often designated for both the domestic market and export, especially to markets valuing Japanese craftsmanship and quality assurance.

United States – Major North American Production Base

Nissan has established the U.S. as a crucial manufacturing base, particularly for models sold within the North American region. The company’s American production is concentrated in two major plants:

• Smyrna, Tennessee Plant – Opened in 1983, this facility is one of the largest automotive manufacturing plants in North America. Models produced here include the Nissan Altima, Pathfinder, Rogue, and Leaf.
• Canton, Mississippi Plant – In operation since 2003, this plant produces the Frontier, Titan, and NV family of commercial vans.

Nissan’s investment in the United States emphasizes the company’s commitment to local markets and compliance with regional manufacturing agreements like the USMCA.

Mexico – A Long-Term Strategic Location

Mexico is another important manufacturing center for Nissan. Located close to the U.S. border and equipped with a well-trained workforce, Mexico offers logistical advantages for both North American and Latin American markets.

• Aguascalientes A1 and A2 Plants – These production facilities produce compact cars, notably the Nissan Versa and Sentra.
• Cuernavaca Plant – This older facility is used for the manufacturing of pickup trucks like the NP300 and legacy models for regional markets.

Mexico plays a strategic role in building affordable, high-volume models with strong export orientation.

United Kingdom – Serving the European Market

Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in England is a cornerstone of the company’s European strategy. Opened in 1986, it has become one of the most productive car plants in Europe.

• Sunderland Plant – Produces key models such as the Qashqai, Juke, and Leaf. The plant has recently transitioned to more electric vehicle (EV) production to align with EU climate targets.

The Sunderland facility has benefited from strategic expansions and investments in battery technology, indicating Nissan’s commitment to green innovation in the European market.

China – Partnering for Growth

In China, Nissan operates under the Dongfeng Motor Corporation joint venture known as Dongfeng Nissan. This partnership allows Nissan to maintain significant market share in one of the most competitive car markets globally.

• Locations: Major plants are located in Guangzhou, Xiangyang, Zhengzhou, and Dalian.
• Models: Local production includes the Sylphy, X-Trail, Teana, Qashqai, and various Venucia models created for domestic consumers.

China not only serves as a manufacturing center but also as a key research and development site for next-generation electric and hybrid technologies specific to the Asian market.

India – A Rising Export Hub

Nissan operates in India through the Renault-Nissan Alliance, producing vehicles at a shared facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

• Chennai Plant – Manufactures models such as the Nissan Magnite, Sunny, and some Datsun-branded vehicles. This plant focuses extensively on both local sales and export, particularly to Africa and Southeast Asia.

India’s cost-effective manufacturing environment helps Nissan compete aggressively in emerging markets.

Thailand – Southeast Asia’s Automotive Powerhouse

Thailand serves as a major base for producing both passenger and commercial vehicles for Southeast Asia and beyond.

• Samut Prakan Plant – Offers comprehensive assembly lines for models such as the Almera, Navara pickup, and Terra SUV. Also influential in Nissan’s EV supply chain development in the region.

The Thai facility highlights Nissan’s role in regional economic development and supply chain integration in Southeast Asia.

Spain – A Changing Role

Nissan once maintained multiple operations in Spain. However, the company has significantly scaled back due to restructuring efforts driven by shifting global demand and the rise of electrification.

• Barcelona Plant – Previously produced light trucks and commercial vans like the Navara and NV200. This facility ceased operations in 2021 as part of a global cost-cutting program.

Though no longer operational, Spain’s role in Nissan’s historical European expansion is notable.

Brazil – South American Production

In Brazil, Nissan has leveraged local manufacturing capabilities to navigate import tariffs and increasing car ownership rates.

• Resende Plant – Located in Rio de Janeiro state, this factory builds vehicles such as the Nissan Kicks and Versa, serving both Brazilian and neighboring South American markets.

Being a locally competitive market, Brazil compels Nissan to tailor its production and marketing strategies for economic and regional preferences.

Other Notable Locations

In addition to the primary markets mentioned above, Nissan also operates manufacturing or assembly plants in other regions:

• South Africa – Rosslyn Plant makes the NP200 pickup and selected passenger vehicles.
• Russia – Operations in Saint Petersburg were halted in 2022 due to geopolitical and economic challenges.
• Indonesia – Historical production of MPVs, but operations have been scaled down post-2020.

These locations often serve specific regional needs, or did so in the past, before strategic shifts or market exits.

Conclusion: A Strategically Distributed Global Network

Nissan’s global manufacturing footprint is a reflection of its strategy to serve a diverse and expanding customer base. By localizing production in key markets such as the U.S., Mexico, China, and the U.K., Nissan ensures it remains competitive in cost, delivery times, and regulatory compliance.

From Japan to India, and Brazil to Thailand, Nissan maximizes global synergy through partnerships, innovation, and sustainable growth initiatives. As the company increasingly shifts focus toward electric and connected vehicles, many of these facilities are evolving into high-tech hubs designed to meet the demands of the next generation of automotive consumers.

For consumers and enthusiasts alike, knowing where Nissans are made can provide a deeper appreciation for the variety and complexity behind every vehicle that carries the Nissan name.