Faced with multiple challenges such as the global electrification transformation and its own weak sales, Nissan today (July 7)AnnounceAccording to its "Re:Nissan" corporate restructuring plan, the vehicle production line of the Oppama Plant in Kanagawa Prefecture will be closed at the end of fiscal 2027, and the production line will be transferred to the Kitakyushu Plant to control production costs and improve production efficiency.
The Oppama Plant, operating since 1961, boasts a history of approximately 60 years. It has produced iconic Nissan models such as the Datsun Bluebird, March, Cube, LEAF, and Note, making it one of Nissan's most iconic vehicle production bases in Japan. The plant currently employs approximately 2400 people, primarily producing small models such as the Note and Note Aura. However, Nissan's recent sales performance in the Japanese market has fallen short of expectations, resulting in a persistently low utilization rate at the plant.
Nissan stated that after comprehensive operational evaluations, the decision to consolidate production lines at the Kitakyushu plant will not only help consolidate resources and enhance logistics efficiency, but also potentially reduce overall operating costs. The relocation is expected to enable higher production line utilization rates, in line with the production capacity optimization strategy emphasized in "Re:Nissan."
While the Oppama plant will be closed, Nissan emphasized that its facilities, including the General Research Institute, GRANDRIVE test track, crash test facility, and terminal, will remain operational, and these R&D and testing resources will continue to support Nissan's vehicle development needs.
In addition, for existing employees in the factory, Nissan has promised to protect their employment rights and interests until at least the end of fiscal 2027, and will actively evaluate transfer and placement methods in the future to minimize manpower impact.
It is worth mentioning that earlier this year the marketThere were rumors that Foxconn was interested in taking over the Oppama plant, which had insufficient utilization., as one of its electric vehicle production bases. However, with Nissan's announcement that it will move its production line to Kitakyushu, the cooperation plan may fall through.
According to Nissan's publicly released "Re:Nissan" restructuring blueprint, the company will further reduce its global production capacity and base scale in the future. It plans to reduce its global annual production capacity (excluding China) from the current approximately 350 million vehicles to 250 million vehicles, and reduce the number of production bases from the original 17 to 10, thereby achieving the operational goal of 100% production line utilization rate and improving overall financial and production health.
Faced with shifting global auto markets and pressure from electric vehicles, Nissan's recent adjustments reflect its accelerated pace of reform. Despite historical emotional weight, the company must make strategic decisions about its manufacturing resources in order to maintain long-term, stable development. The phased closure of the Oppama Plant also symbolizes the official entry of Nissan into a new phase of capacity restructuring and strategic transformation.
