Nissan Is Closing A Historic Plant That Produced More Than 6 Million Cars | Carscoops

      Nissan has announced the closure of its CIVAC plant in Cuernavaca, Mexico, with plans to transfer all production activities to its Aguascalientes facility.

      Founded in 1966, the CIVAC plant has undergone several expansions throughout its history. In 2019, it produced its six millionth vehicle and currently manufactures the Versa and Frontier models.

      As part of a strategic move, Nissan is reducing its global production capacity from 3.5 million to 2.5 million vehicles.

      After years of operation and the production of millions of vehicles, one of Nissan’s longest-serving international plants is set to close. The company has confirmed that production at the CIVAC facility will conclude by March 2026, marking a significant moment in its manufacturing legacy.

      This decision is part of a larger restructuring strategy that involves the closure of seven factories worldwide. The CIVAC Plant, being Nissan’s oldest manufacturing site outside Japan, has been continuously operational since 1966.

      A Long Legacy of Production

      Originally, the plant focused on assembling the Datsun Bluebird on a single line. By 1975, a second line was added to accommodate the manufacturing of pickup trucks, starting with the 720 model. In 1978, an engine plant was added, further integrating the facility into Nissan’s North American operations.

      Over the years, the plant achieved several production milestones. In 1988, Nissan became the top-selling brand in Mexico, coinciding with the production of its one millionth vehicle. The plant also began to engage in exports, starting with the Nissan Tsubame for the Japanese market in 1993. By 2000, it produced its three-millionth vehicle, and in 2019, the cumulative output exceeded six million units.

      Current Output and Transition Plans

      The CIVAC plant currently manufactures the Nissan Versa, Frontier, and NP300/Navara. Nissan intends to consolidate production at its Aguascalientes Plant over the next year, leading to the eventual closure of the CIVAC Plant.

      “For more than 60 years, Nissan Mexicana has fostered a strong and reliable relationship with its stakeholders in Mexico, gaining global recognition as one of our premier operations,” stated Nissan’s CEO Ivan Espinosa. “Today, we have made the tough yet necessary decision to enable greater efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability. We are sincerely grateful for the invaluable contributions of our team members at the CIVAC Plant during this transition.”

      This decision is in line with Nissan’s global restructuring plan as part of its Re:Nissan initiative. The company aims to decrease its overall production capacity from 3.5 million to 2.5 million vehicles per year, with the objective of consolidating operations and enhancing efficiency at the remaining active facilities.