Nissan investing $1.7Bill into Tenessee plant, & on Wednesday announced 150,000 motors annually

That is SO cool. After all the years & years ... decades now, of outsourcing jobs ... assemblies ... sub assemblies - who'd ever think, that eventually it'd be a Japanese company that'd help the U.S. reverse the tide of cash flowing out of the country. Well, if it can't be a locally domiciled corporation ... at least SOME companies are getting it right.


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its a smart move. it may not be the Leaf, but EVs MUST be a large part of our long term transportation picture. there is a lot of pie to dish out and manufacturers would be fools if they are not quick to get their plate ready

putting the factory here greatly reduces any currency fluctuation issues (like what is currently happening) reduces cost. its not much cheaper to build cars in Japan. the only question is can the quality from local suppliers be found.

but the other thing is the halo effect. a car built in the USA even if its from a Japanese manufacturer will sell more cars.

 

There's a bit more about the plant under construction at Smyrna And The Solyndra Problem | The Truth About Cars.

 

In a similar vein, they are making the new 12 passenger van in Canton Mississippi.


http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...2_nissan_nv_3500_hd_passenger_van_first_look/

 

Yeah, the above sort of reminds of this article that I read years ago: Detroit Struggles to Learn Another Lesson From Japan - New York Times along with USATODAY.com - Carmaker follows 'Toyota Way'

 

quality parts have been an issue but with their own body plant, battery plant, and motor plant, they have addressed the key issues. remember an EV has 80% less parts to supply

 

Come on Toyota, you can build Prius in the US just as reliable.

 

80% - Wow! That one is going in my quote list!

 

that is for a 4 cylinder car. as cylinders go up, so does the percentage.

there was a totally awesome add Nissan put out on you tube that i just cant seen to find.

first they pan over a floor full of car parts. valves, springs, lifters, rods, etc. hundreds of parts,

then a line "when is less more?"

then they pan to the other side of the room. there sits a motor, a battery pack and the Nissan Leaf logo.

pretty cool

 

i wish them well