Nissan has opened the first phase of its $2bn manufacturing facility in Aguascalientes, Mexico, for the production of sedan Sentra.
The new plant is the third facility of Nissan in Mexico. Having an annual capacity of 170,000, the facility will increase the company's production in the country to more than 850,000 vehicles from the current 650,000.
The Aguascalientes plant has five main buildings with a total production area of 220,000m2. The company expects it to create 3,000 new direct jobs and 9,000 indirect jobs.
Nissan Motor Company president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said that the plant has been built for four platforms and four different cars.
"In fact, we are going to be dedicating practically all of the capacity to one car because we need it - it's the Sentra.
"But I think we can do more with this plant, and I think this plant is not going to stay at 175,000 (annual production). There is the potential to increase the capacity, so I feel very good about the potential we have here," Ghosn said.
The Sentras manufactured at the plant will be sold across the Americas.
Nissan started manufacturing activity outside of Japan in 1966, with its first overseas plant in Mexico. The company claims to produce one out of every four cars made in the country.
Nissan Americas senior vice president, sales and marketing, José Muoz said, "While some are only talking about growth, we are not only talking but we are also creating the plant and producing the vehicles so that we are going to grow in reality, selling more cars."
The opening ceremony was attended by Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto.
Image :Nissan's new plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, has five main buildings with a total production area of 220,000m2. Photo: courtesy of Nissan Motor Company
