Nissan Closes Iconic Plant That Produced 6 Million Cars

The CIVAC facility located in Cuernavaca, Mexico, began operations in 1966 and has undergone expansions over time.
In 2019, the plant produced its sixth million vehicle and now manufactures the Versa and Frontier.
Nissan is reducing its worldwide manufacturing capability from 3.5 million to 2.5 million cars.

Following many years of ongoing operations and the production of millions of vehicles, one of Nissan's most enduring global facilities is getting ready to close permanently. As reported previously, the company has now confirmed that manufacturing will cease at its CIVAC plant in Cuernavaca, Mexico by March 2026, signaling the conclusion of an important phase in its production legacy.

This statement is part of an overall plan for organizational changes, which involves shutting down seven of Nissan's worldwide manufacturing facilities. Of these, the CIVAC Plant stands out due to its importance. It is the company's longest-running plant located outside Japan, operating continuously since 1966.

A Sustained History of Manufacturing A Time-Honored Tradition of Creation An Enduring Record of Output A Profound Heritage of Fabrication A Lasting Lineage of Manufacture A Deep-Rooted Background of Production A Continual Track Record of Making A Established Past of Crafting A Persistent Pattern of Industry A Rich Background of Producing

A facility initially started manufacturing the Datsun Bluebird using one production line. By 1975, it added a second line and commenced assembling pickup trucks, beginning with the 720 model. In 1978, the location was enlarged with the introduction of an engine factory, enhancing its significance within Nissan's activities in North America.

Read: Nissan's Bold Transformation Aims to Reduce Platforms and Accelerate Production

Throughout the subsequent years, the plant achieved significant manufacturing achievements. In 1988, Nissan became the top-selling brand in the nation and the plant Reached its one millionth vehicle. Later, it also handled export responsibilities, producing the Nissan Tsubame for the Japanese market beginning in 1993. By 2000, the three millionth unit had been manufactured, and in 2019, overall output exceeded six million vehicles.

Present Results and Future Strategies

At present, the facility produces the Nissan Versa. Frontier and NP300/Navara. Nissan states that it plans to centralize manufacturing at its Aguascalientes Plant within the next year prior to shutting down activities at the CIVAC Plant.

“For over 60 years, Nissan Nissan's Mexican division has established a solid and reliable connection with its partners in Mexico, gaining international acclaim as one of the company's leading facilities," stated Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa. "Today, we've taken a tough yet essential step that will help us be more efficient, more competitive, and more environmentally friendly. During this change, we continue to greatly value the significant efforts from our team members at the CIVAC Plant.

This action corresponds to Nissan's larger worldwide restructuring campaign through its Re:Nissan program. The firm intends to cut its overall manufacturing output from 3.5 million down to 2.5 million cars each year. The aim is to streamline activities and boost productivity by operating nearly at maximum capacity within the plants that continue to function.