Nissan clarified the statements of its president and CEO, Makoto Uchida, in yesterday's investors briefing, specifically regarding their assembly operations in Thailand.
It can be recalled that Uchida mentioned Nissan's plan to consolidate vehicle assembly operations around the world to improve the company's cash position. This includes closing the Thailand plant and two others, as well as reducing shifts and consolidating operations at two U.S. plants.
However, in an official statement, Nissan Philippines explained that only one of the two plants—Nissan Plant #1—will be closed, while Plant #2 will continue operations. In fact, there will be line upgrades at Plant #2 starting in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. Plant #1 will be converted into a body and press shop and become a logistics hub.
Currently, Nissan Samut Prakan Plant #1 produces the Almera and Kicks e-Power, while Plant #2 produces the Terra and Navara. With this move, Nissan Philippines will retain access to all current models.
Here is Nissan's official statement:
"As part of Nissan's global turnaround measures and ongoing business transformation in ASEAN and Thailand, Nissan is consolidating production at Plant #1 to Plant #2 in Thailand, which will undergo line upgrades starting Q1 FY2025.
This step aims to optimize fixed costs and prepare for local production of new models in Thailand.
Plant Line #1 will be closed for vehicle assembly and used as body and press shops and a logistics hub.
Thailand will remain an important market for Nissan in Southeast Asia, and the company remains committed to growing the business and brand in the ASEAN and Thailand markets."
