Nissan to Build Altima Hybrid in 2006

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The Nissan Altima gasoline-electric hybrid car will be manufactured at Nissan's manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn., beginning in 2006, it was announced Friday.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — The Nissan Altima gasoline-electric hybrid car will be manufactured at Nissan's manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tenn., beginning in 2006, it was announced Friday.


Dan Gaudette, Nissan senior vice president of North American Manufacturing and Quality Assurance, made the announcement along with Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and Economic & Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber.


Nissan will invest $10.4 million for additional equipment and minor modifications at the Smyrna plant to accommodate the hybrid. No square footage will be added and some employees will undergo training to help build the vehicle.


"We're looking forward to manufacturing this new, innovative product," said Gaudette. "It's a testament to the skill of our workforce, as well as the flexibility of our manufacturing operation, that we can do this given the complexities of already building five different vehicles in Smyrna. It will be in very capable hands."


In helping Gaudette make the announcement, Governor Bredesen welcomed the news of continuing growth by a company that has called Tennessee home since 1980.


"We are pleased to join Nissan for another significant investment announcement for the State of Tennessee," the Governor said. "They have experienced the positive business environment we offer here and know firsthand the quality of our work force. Nissan is a valuable corporate partner, and we look forward to building on our relationship with them and creating more opportunities in the future."


Nissan has invested over $4.2 billion in its three U.S. manufacturing facilities.


Nissan Motors has more than 120,000 employees worldwide and saw revenue of more than $20 billion in 2004. The company is the second-largest carmaker in Japan, behind Toyota and just ahead of Honda. French carmaker Renault holds a 45% stake in Nissan. More information can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com.


Source: Businesswire, Nissan, Hoover's