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Construction on pace for 2010 launch of North American commercial vehicle

CANTON, Miss. (March 4, 2009) – 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.

 

MMA President and CEO Jay C. Moon, CEcD, FM, stated, " This announcement to continue with its plans to expand production at the Canton facility is certainly welcome news for Mississippi. At a time when so many manufacturers are having to slow production or shut down because of the adverse global economic situation, it’s encouraging to see that there are bright spots in the economy.

"As construction for the expansion gets under way, we’re sure to see increased economic activity in central Mississippi. The fact that Nissan chose to build this new commercial vehicle at the Canton facility is certainly a testament to the quality of the state’s workforce and favorable business climate." Moon said.

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 VehiclesNissan 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 NissanIn 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.