Nissan Expands Canton Plant as it Prepares to Build Commercial Vehicles

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today showed the initial construction work under way at its Canton plant as the company prepares to launch commercial vehicles (CV) for the North American market in 2010.

"The expansion at our Canton plant represents a major step on the way to Nissan’s entering the commercial-vehicle market in North America,” said Dan Bednarzyk, vice president, Manufacturing - Canton. “We realize this initiative means growth for Nissan in the U.S. and we are proud these important products for the future of our company will be built here in Mississippi.”

Beginning next year, Nissan’s Canton plant will build CVs developed specifically for the North American market. The company will invest $118 million to expand Canton’s facilities to manufacture CVs.

Nissan began erecting steel for the expansion this weekend and plans to have construction completed late this year. Changes to the plant include:

• A 14,400 square foot expansion to Body Assembly shop
• Modification to 43,200 square feet of existing Body Assembly shop
• A 49,000 square foot expansion to Paint shop
• Modifications to 59,000 square feet of existing Paint shop
• New assembly line added in existing Trim & Chassis shop

The Canton Plant will start producing a CV for the North American market in 2010, in time for the 2011 model year.

Also today, Joe Castelli, NNA vice president for commercial vehicles and fleet, introduced the Nissan NV2500 Concept to media and attendees at the National Truck Equipment Association’s World Truck Show in Chicago. The NV2500 Concept provides an original take on commercial vehicle design and offers a preview of Nissan’s first entry into the CV market in North America.

About Nissan Commercial Vehicles
Nissan North America, Inc. is entering the CV business through a significant investment in North America as part of a global commitment to the CV segment. Nissan’s first commercial vehicle for the United States is scheduled to be launched in 2010. To further strengthen its commercial offerings, Nissan has formed partnerships with Cummins Inc. for diesel engines and ZF Friedrichshafen AG for transmissions for use in its North American vehicles. Additional information on Nissan Commercial Vehicles can be found at www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.

About Nissan
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 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. 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.