Nissan Cuts Truck Production Boosts Altima Production in Mississippi Plant - Flexible Eh?

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Washington DC June 10, 2008; The AIADA newsletter reported that Nissan Motor Co. will reduce production of light trucks to a single shift at its Canton, Miss., plant and boost car output in a move that reflects an industry-wide slump in sales of gas-guzzlers.

The Japanese automaker said Monday that it will add a third shift of Altima sedan production at the plant this summer.

"With flexibility built into our systems, we're able to quickly adapt to the changing landscape," said Bill Krueger, senior vice president of manufacturing, purchasing and customer satisfaction at Nissan North America.

The Detroit News reports that Nissan's announcement follows moves by Detroit's automakers and by Toyota to reduce output of light trucks – in some cases permanently, through plant closures.

U.S. sales of Altima sedans and coupes, including a hybrid version, are up 15 percent this year, while sales of its light trucks have dropped 9.8 percent to 165,151 vehicles.

Sales of the full-size Nissan Titan pickup built in Canton are down 44.5 percent, mirroring a steep drop in demand for big pickups and SUVs due to record gas prices. Click here for more on Nissan's plans.