Latest news with #Nissan
The Independent
38 minutes ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Nissan to close flagship factory with 3,900 workers to cut costs
Nissan is closing its flagship factory in Oppama, Japan, to cut costs and moving all its production there to another plant in southwestern Japan. Vehicle production at the Oppama plant in Kanagawa Prefecture south of Tokyo, will end at the end of the 2027 fiscal year, in March 2028, the Japanese automaker said Tuesday in a statement. After that, all models that had been made or scheduled for production at Oppama will be made at Nissan Motor Kyushu, in Fukuoka Prefecture. The Oppama plant has been a prized symbol for Nissan Motor Corp., which rolled out its Leaf electric car there in 2010, ahead of key rivals. When the Oppama factory opened in 1961, it was one of Japan's first large-scale auto factories and a symbol of Nissan's - and Japan's - global ambitions. Long referred to as Nissan's "mother factory", it employs 3,900 workers and has produced more than 17.8 million vehicles to date. The plant's closure was expected, as the maker of the Infiniti luxury models and March subcompact has said repeatedly that it is restructuring its operations to boost its profitability, including by consolidating production sites. Nissan, based in the port city of Yokohama, says the tariff policies of President Donald Trump have hurt its bottom line. Earlier this year, Nissan said it was slashing about 15% of its global work force, or about 20,000 employees, which would include a 9,000 head count reduction announced late last year, including in China. The company has been racking up losses, hurt by slipping vehicle sales in China and elsewhere, huge restructuring costs and ballooning inventories. Earlier this year, Nissan said it's reducing the number of its auto plants to 10 from 17 to 'create a leaner, more resilient business.' At that time, it didn't say which plants were being closed but confirmed the closures will include factories in Japan. It's also reducing production capacity to 2.5 million units from 3.5 million. Nissan racked up a loss of 670.9 billion yen ($4.5 billion) for the fiscal year through March, down from a 426.6 billion yen profit recorded in the previous fiscal year. Its chief executive, Ivan Espinosa, took up the post in April and was set to speak to reporters later Tuesday. He replaced Makoto Uchida, who stepped down to take responsibility for the faltering results. Additional reporting from Reuters.
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Nissan Faces Difficult Journey as Firm Carries Out Restructuring Measures
Nissan Motor Co. announced its determination to carry out restructuring measures without exceptions — it will effectively close its Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, a symbol of its domestic production, at the end of fiscal 2027 and its Shonan plant in the prefecture by the end of fiscal 2026. However, the road for the firm's revival remains difficult considering the impact of high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration and a serious sales slump in China, the world's largest auto market. 'It was a difficult decision for both myself and the company,' Nissan President Ivan Espinosa told a press conference on Tuesday. 'However, we believe it's necessary for Nissan to overcome its current challenging situation and return to a growth trajectory.' The Oppama plant in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is home to the company's global headquarters in Yokohama, had been positioned as a 'mother' plant for establishing the firm's production technology. Taiwan-based major electronics manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. was believed to have been hoping for a partnership with Nissan that would have included jointly making electric vehicles at the plant. Espinosa denied any talks about establishing a joint venture or outsourcing production, suggesting that he made the painful choice of closing the plant. Nissan's domestic production capacity is about 1.2 million cars, but the company only produced 640,000 in fiscal 2024. Domestic sales in the January-June period of 2025 are expected to slump to about 220,000 units, the lowest in 30 years. Operating profit in the April-June period of 2025 is expected to fall into the red by about ¥200 billion. U.S. tariffs on imported automobiles could push Nissan's operating profit, representing its core business profit, down by as much as ¥450 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2026. Espinosa said that exports are uncertain considering the U.S. tariff policy. 'The world is changing by the minute.' Nissan's sales volume in China in fiscal 2024 fell 12% from the previous year, hit by the rise of local manufacturers. Sales of the N7 electric sedan, whose development was led by local joint venture Dongfeng Nissan, have been strong. However, fierce price competition has left it uncertain whether the company will be able to secure stable profits. Through a series of restructuring measures, Nissan is hurrying to downsize its excessive production facilities, putting pressure on management. Espinosa explained that with production terminated at its Oppama and Shonan plants, the capacity utilization rate of the remaining 10 factories in Japan and overseas will increase to an average of nearly 100%. However, the financial market still has strong concerns about Nissan's restructuring. The company's share price fell to its lowest level in about 16 years this month, falling below ¥300 at one point. Nissan once aimed to integrate its operations with Honda Motor Co. by establishing a holding company but decided to terminate talks with Honda in February of this year. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and Nissan's main bank, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., have called for the resumption of talks, but Nissan remains committed to improving profitability by closing plants and prioritizing restructuring on its own for the time being.
NHK
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- NHK
Nissan, Mazda halt US production of vehicles for Canada
Japanese automakers Nissan and Mazda will continue suspending US production of vehicles destined for Canada. This may last until the outcome of tariff talks between the two nations is known. Canada imposed a 25-percent tariff on automobile imports from the US. This is in retaliation for the same-rate tariffs slapped on by the Trump administration. Since May, Nissan has halted production of three models for Canada at plants in the US states of Tennessee and Mississippi. This includes large SUVs. Mazda has also paused production of some models for Canada at its Alabama plant since May. In addition, it has switched production lines to making vehicles for the US domestic market. The automakers say they are taking these measures to hold down the tariff burden when exporting products from the US to Canada. Nissan officials said they hoped the US and Canada would reach a tariff agreement. Mazda officials have said they will consider flexible and appropriate measures while carefully assessing tariff negotiations.
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Nissan Navara Stealth returns as more than another ‘sticker' bakkie
Positioning below the Pro-4X Warrior and Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth becomes the 'entry-level' off-road focused Navara model in complete contrast to the previous iteration. The Nissan Navara, in its current internally named D23 guise, has been around for 11 years which, apart from the Mahindra Pik Up, makes it the oldest bakkie currently on-sale in South Africa. A late arrival in 2017 followed by a facelift four years later, which saw it adopt its current look in addition to production moving from Thailand to the Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria aside, the Navara has been a consistent top five segment seller despite often struggling to breach 500 units. This, combined with the ongoing speculation of Nissan possibly vacating Rosslyn as part of its radical cost cutting measures announced earlier this year, has seemingly made little impact on Navara sales completely faltering to less than 100 units similar to its alliance sibling, the new Mitsubishi Triton. Known to be replaced later this year by a completely new generation based on the Triton, the future of the D23, in South Africa at least, appears unlikely to head the same route. Seemingly set to follow the same approach as South America where the Frontier name is used, the Navara will benefit from a second facelift and remain in production as part of an apparent dual-model roll-out similar to what had been used with the NP300 Hardbody. A decision probably made as a means of keeping costs down while assuring the future of Rosslyn, the introduction of the Australian-developed Pro-4X Warrior earlier this year has seen a further bolstering of the range of the arrival of the revived special edition Stealth. A nameplate first used on the NP200 a decade ago and then on the pre-facelift Navara in 2019, the Stealth's return sees it slot-in below the standard Pro-4X and above the derivative it is based on, the LE, with the sole option being rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. Unlike its predecessor though, the Stealth doesn't merely represent an appearance or sticker package as actual revisions having taken place underneath its new attire. The launch in Magaliesburg last week also didn't conform to normality as the majority of route was off-road ranging from a conventional gravel road, to a propre rock-laden off-road trek around the ADA Off-Road Training and Outdoor Centre on the outskirts of Hartebeestpoort. Externally, the Stealth's additions over the LE includes a restyled black grille and bumper, the latter complete with an integrated nudge bar, standard side-steps, a Stealth-badged sports bar, and 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Dunlop Grandtrek all-terrain tyres. Continuing the darkened theme as per the Stealth name are black mirror caps and roof rails, black door handles and black Stealth badges at the base of the front doors and on the tailgate. A choice of three colours round the exterior off; white, Infinite Black and the same Techno Grey as on the the Pro-4X. Bar extended leather trim on the doors and armrests, the Stealth's interior has not changed from the LE – a departure from the original that receive orange seats inserts as well as stitch work on the doors, steering wheel, gear lever and the seats themselves. Similar in execution to Ford's first and second attempts with the previous generation Ranger FX4, the Stealth is more discreetly styled than before, and arguably, more rugged looking than its predecessor. The biggest indicator of the Stealth no longer being all about looks, as mentioned, resides underneath where Nissan has retuned the five-link coil rear suspension with uprated dampers. Made specifically for South Africa's poor road conditions, and described as pothole-proof by company executives, the redesign involves a quicker rebound recovery without negating on-road or off-road comfort. A design the Triton-based model won't employ as it will revert to a traditional leaf-spring setup, the revisions to the suspension, and indeed the lower-profile all-terrain tyres, made for a surprising combination, especially off-road. Composed and comfortable, the Stealth displayed none of the usual rear-end liveliness that comes with an empty loadbed. Moreover, the suspension didn't 'hit through' on the truly rocky sections of the route that involved a slow decent down a cliff side into the valley below. What's mor, the Stealth still felt pliant on-road and again, comparable to the Ranger's ride of not being jarring or brittle with a sudden surface change. In fact, the main gripes are familiar ones involving the interior. The area the Navara's age is most prominent, the lack of height adjustment allowing the driver's seat to drop all the way down results in a too high driving position. While the steering wheel can be adjusted for rake and reach, the way the seating position is setup still makes for a feel comparable to a forward control truck as one sits 'above' the wheel rather than behind it. Likely to be rectified with the incoming facelift, the dashboard looks dated and is riddled with a less-than impressive and fussy eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display, as well as a fuzzy and low-quality reverse camera. As for specification, the Stealth is unchanged from the LE as it comes standard with push-button start and keyless entry, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a multi-function steering wheel and type-A USB ports. Safety and driver assistance comes in the form of cruise control, rear parking sensors, six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Hill Descent Control on the four-wheel-drive. Residing up front, the stalwart YD25DDTI 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine prevails as one of the biggest highlights. Brought in to replace the newer twin-turbo 2.3-litre YS23DDT when production started at Rosslyn, the unit develops an unchanged 140kW/450Nm delivered to the mentioned drive wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. As with the rest of the Navara range, the four-wheel-drive Stealth is equipped as standard with a locking rear differential, as well as a low range transfer case. Despite the 'box still being lethargic and prone to taking its time when shifting down, the engine has more than sufficient pull, and although not the most refined or quiet, gives off a satisfying wastegate chirp when lifting off of the accelerator. Livelier and more response than the admittedly hardcore off-road-focused Pro-4X Warrior, the Stealth also didn't feel as nervous on-road – again due to its not having the same lift-kit – in addition to being subtly quieter around the firewall. Conclusion A sub-segment of the local bakkie market that has become hugely popular in recent years, the return of the Nissan Navara Stealth again shows the significance of buyers being prepared to fork out extra for being different and standing out in spite of there being no power or torque gains. Priced at a premium of R35 000 over the LE, the Stealth represents relatively good value, especially as the two-wheel-drive comes in under R700 000 and the 4×4 well below R800 000. That being said, it is still the oldest legacy brand bakkie available today, and while sales are likely to be pushed up a bit, its displacing of the Mahindra Pik Up as the country's fourth best-seller, will still leave it as a left-field option. Price As with the rest of the Navara range, the Stealth's price tag includes a six-year/150 000 km warranty and a six-year/90 000 km service plan.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Nissan Navara Stealth's bold return to South Africa: a new contender against Toyota, Ford and Isuzu
Built at their Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, the Stealth uses the LE grade Navara as the foundation and fits in below the premium Warrior and Pro range. Image: Supplied After a nearly six-year hiatus, Nissan has reintroduced the Navara Stealth double cab bakkie to the South African market. Built at their Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, the Stealth uses the LE grade Navara as the foundation and fits in below the premium Warrior and Pro range. And what's not to like when manufacturers add a couple of nice-to-haves to make it stand out from the rest? Black is back Black is, of course, the favourite colour to replace the silver and chrome bits, so the roof rails, grille, mirror caps, door handles, and side steps get the deep black finish treatment in addition to the Stealth signature on the doors and tailgate. It also receives a black nudge bar, sports bar and 17-inch alloys. The interior is refreshed and features black leather-trimmed seats, door panels and armrests, adding an extra bit of swagger. I have yet to see a 'special edition' that doesn't make an impression, and the Navara Stealth is no different. The configurable eight-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with six speakers, remains, as do front and rear USB-C ports to keep devices charged. The roof rails, grille, mirror caps, door handles, and side steps get a deep black finish treatment in addition to the Stealth signature on the doors and tailgate. Image: Supplied Power The Navara Stealth is powered by their 2.5-litre DDTi four-cylinder diesel engine providing 140kW and 450Nm coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels and all four in the 4x4 version when using 4H or 4L via the transfer case. Handling The Navara double cab has always been known as one of the best-handling and most comfortable bakkies on the market, thanks to its five-link rear suspension system with coil springs instead of traditional leaf springs. They have recalibrated dampers with faster rebound recovery that allows the rear suspension to return to its normal position quicker after compression. The video link clearly shows the difference between the two suspension set-ups, and the difference is remarkable. Driving Our launch route around the Magaliesberg was designed to test and prove the suspension with tar, rutted gravel roads and some 4x4 driving. The driving position is comfortable, as are the seats, which augur well for long trips. The diesel mill is responsive enough with little turbo lag, and it will hustle along well over the national speed limit when needed. With a lot of attention having been placed on noise, vibration and harshness levels when the new Navara was introduced in 2021, the interior reflected that even over some harsh gravel corrugations. It made short work of the 4x4 track with some slippery grass climbs and drove effortlessly over a rocky and rutted track through a muddy incline, all without having to switch to 4L. Safety Safety is taken care of by ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). It's also fitted with Intelligent Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Trailer Sway Control (TSC). The Nissan Stealth made short work of the 4x4 course. Image: Supplied Navara conundrum On our way back to the overnight location my driving partner and I speculated on the conundrum that Nissan faces with the Navara. Everyone in the motoring space agrees that it is a fantastic double cab with everything going for it and yet they struggle to break into the top three sales bracket. I mean, they literally drove from Pretoria to Cairo in the Daring Africa Expedition without so much as a puncture along the way. There's no obvious reason with some claiming the interior features are long in the tooth but some of their opposition are in the same boat, so I don't buy that. I also don't think that the global strain the company is facing or the cloud hanging over the Rosslyn factory plays a part. It's a well-priced, good looking bakkie and does everything you would expect whether overlanding or driving the school run. Nissan knows they should be selling more but also can't exactly point out why so here's hoping that the Stealth and by implication the fully built in South Africa Navara range bucks that trend. The Navara Stealth is powered by their 2.5-litre DDTi four cylinder diesel engine providing 140kW and 450Nm coupled to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Image: Supplied It comes with a six-year/ 150 000km warranty and a six-year/ 90 000km service plan. Pricing July 2025 Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab SE Plus 4x4: R678 000. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab LE 4x4: R744 200. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Stealth: R695 200. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Stealth 4x4: R779 200. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Pro-4X 4x4: R844 000. Nissan Navara 2.5DDTi double cab Pro-4X 4x4 Warrior: R924 000.
