[car fanatics]

Nissan
Photo credit: Nissan
June 28, 2012
By: CF staff

Nissan Americas today announced it will add production of the all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra compact car to its Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant beginning in the fourth quarter of 2012. The addition of Sentra production, along with the planned November shift of the Frontier pickup truck and Xterra SUV to Canton from Nissan's operations in Smyrna, Tenn., will create 1,000 jobs, growing Canton's workforce to more than 4,500 strong.

Today, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant announced Canton's growth plans alongside Nissan's senior leadership, hundreds of plant employees and members of the community.

"The addition of Sentra production is a testament to our dedicated Canton workforce and the high level of production quality that they deliver each and every day," said Bill Krueger, vice chairman, Nissan Americas. "The Canton team has proved it can compete and win on a global scale, and it is due to this that we are adding three vehicles to our production roster in Mississippi."

Production of the all-new Sentra, one of Nissan's best-selling models, also will take place at Nissan's plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where the model is produced today. Together, the two plants will be able to supply a greater volume of the all-new 2013 Sentra than ever before, better satisfying consumer appetite for fuel-efficient and stylish small cars.

"Nissan has been a valued member of our state and local business communities and a leading employer in Mississippi for nearly a decade," Gov. Bryant said. "Nissan's trust in Mississippi's workforce is evident, and I am proud that this company is creating 1,000 additional jobs for hard-working Mississippians. This expansion is proof that 'Mississippi Works' and is a superb place for business."

Nissan's Canton operations have played a central role in the growth of Mississippi's burgeoning automotive industry - the fastest-growing industry in the state. The growth of Nissan over the years has helped attract millions in new investments and jobs throughout the state, both directly and through a growing supplier base.

Nissan's Canton Assembly Plant, a 3.5-million square-foot facility on 1,400 acres outside of Jackson, Miss., represents an investment of more than $2 billion. In addition to future Sentra production, Canton currently builds the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, Nissan's best-selling vehicle, as well as the Armada full-size SUV, Titan full-size pickup and NV commercial vans. With the addition of Frontier and Xterra production, Canton will serve as a global center of excellence for body-on-frame vehicles.

Since Nissan began manufacturing operations here in 2003, the company through its charitable operations has contributed more than $4 million to local communities, schools and Mississippi's higher education system. Since coming to Canton, Nissan has supported approximately 200 organizations that help serve the greater Jackson, Miss., area and remains committed to supporting the communities where its employees live and work.