Nissan Canton Hosts Fifth Annual Ministers Day

CANTON, Miss. - Today, as part of its fifth annual Ministers Day, the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant hosted faith leaders from throughout the Metro Jackson region to provide updates on the plant's operations during the past year and an outlook on community-based activities in the months ahead.

As part of today's event, Nissan donated $50,000 to Mission Mississippi, an organization that promotes the virtues of diversity, inclusion and reconciliation throughout the state - principles that exemplify The NISSAN WAY. Since 2005, Nissan has donated more than $75,000 to Mission Mississippi's general fund and today's donation is one of the first to the group's 2013 capital campaign. Mission Mississippi will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2013.

The day's activities included presentations by the plant's leadership, opportunities to test drive various vehicles manufactured at the Canton plant and a question and answer session. Dan Bednarzyk, Nissan vice president, manufacturing - Canton, said the opportunity to meet with local faith leaders to support local non-profit organizations represents the company's bedrock commitment to the communities where Nissan lives and works.

"Nissan understands the role of ministers in our communities not only as faith leaders, but also as community leaders," Bednarzyk said. "We invite them to visit with us at our manufacturing facility each year so they can see first-hand the great work done by our employees, the environment in which they work, the quality products we produce and our commitment to the community. It is also a valuable opportunity to hear directly from them about issues affecting the broader community and to receive constructive feedback."

Bednarzyk also paid tribute to Mission Mississippi's legacy in the region. "Mission Mississippi is committed to making our community stronger by encouraging us to see each other as people and to celebrate our racial and cultural diversity. Their work is 'The NISSAN WAY' exemplified, and we are honored to support them."

Founded in 1993, Mission Mississippi works to break down racial barriers and build bridges, connecting more than 650 churches in Metro Jackson. Nissan's donation will support the organization's annual activities including prayer breakfasts, youth rallies and retreats, leadership events and monthly pastors' dialogues.

Neddie Winters, executive director of Mission Mississippi, appreciates Nissan's longstanding commitment to promoting diversity and its role as a leading employer in the region extending economic opportunity to its more than 5,000 employees. "As we embark on our 20th year, Mission Mississippi reflects on all of the tremendous work that has been accomplished and looks forward to many more years of community engagement that is made possible through generous donations like the one received from Nissan, a valued partner and true advocate of racial reconciliation," Winters said.

The Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant has one of the most diverse leadership teams in the industry. Our management team is made up of 42 percent minority managers. African-Americans represent more than 33 percent of our plant directors, supervisors and managers and nearly 60 percent of our overall workforce. Nissan has contributed more than $5 million in philanthropic support to the Metro Jackson community since the plant opened in 2003.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

# # #

Contact Information:

Justin P. Saia
Nissan North America, Inc.
Corporate Communications
615-725-3061
Justin.Saia@nissan-usa.com