The automotive world witnessed a significant milestone as the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano Crossover marked its production debut at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant. This move not only designated the Canton facility as the global manufacturing hub for the Murano but also underscored Nissan’s strategic commitment to U.S. localization and export growth. For the Canton plant, already a cornerstone of Nissan’s North American operations, the Murano became the ninth vehicle model to roll off its assembly lines, further cementing its crucial role in the company’s global strategy.
Nissan’s decision to entrust the Canton plant with the global production of the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover is a testament to their broader vision of localizing core model manufacturing within the United States. By 2015, over 85 percent of Nissan vehicles sold domestically were projected to be manufactured in North America. The Murano’s integration into the Canton plant’s production line, alongside established models like the Xterra, Frontier, Titan, and Armada, exemplifies this strategic shift.
John Martin, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing for Nissan North America, emphasized the significance of this decision. “Bringing 2015 Nissan Murano crossover production to Canton is integral to our strategy of manufacturing over 85 percent of our U.S. product range within North America. It also enhances our capacity to increase vehicle exports from our U.S. facilities,” Martin stated. He further acknowledged the Canton employees’ enthusiasm for adding the innovative Murano to their production portfolio, recognizing their dedication to building high-quality vehicles in Mississippi.
The economic ripple effect of the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover production extends beyond the plant itself. A new supplier park, strategically located adjacent to the Canton assembly facility, is under development. This park is projected to generate approximately 400 new jobs within the supplier network and an additional 400 positions at Nissan, further boosting the regional economy. Since its inception, the Canton plant has become the largest private-sector employer in the region, providing well-compensated, skilled jobs to a diverse workforce drawn from 80 of Mississippi’s 82 counties.
The third-generation 2015 Nissan Murano crossover itself represents a bold step forward in Nissan’s design philosophy, embodying a product and brand renaissance driven by innovation. The vehicle boasts a striking, contemporary, and futuristic exterior design, coupled with an inviting and premium “social lounge” interior. This model proudly showcases Nissan’s evolving design language, featuring the signature V-Motion front grille, distinctive boomerang-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights, a visually striking “floating roof” effect, and optimized aerodynamics for enhanced efficiency. Adding a local touch, Canton plant employees even played a role in naming one of the Murano’s new exterior paint options, “Pacific Sunset,” highlighting the collaborative spirit within Nissan.
The 2015 Nissan Murano crossover was eagerly anticipated in Nissan showrooms in late 2014, promising a blend of cutting-edge design, sophisticated features, and reliable performance.
Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant: A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 2003, the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant stands as a cornerstone of Nissan’s manufacturing network. Employing over 5,600 individuals and contributing an annual payroll exceeding $200 million, the plant is a significant economic engine for Central Mississippi.
Currently, the Canton plant’s diverse production portfolio includes award-winning models such as the Altima, Sentra compact sedan, Armada full-size SUV, Xterra mid-size SUV, Titan and Frontier pickup trucks, as well as the NV full-size commercial cargo and passenger vans.
Beyond its economic contributions, Nissan and its Canton employees are deeply committed to the local community. Since 2003, they have contributed over $8 million in grants, academic scholarships, and charitable donations throughout Central Mississippi. Furthermore, Nissan employees actively volunteer their time to support community organizations, including educational initiatives and mentorship programs for students.
Nissan North America: Driving Innovation and Sustainability
Nissan’s extensive operations in North America encompass a wide spectrum of automotive activities, including design, engineering, financing, sales, marketing, distribution, and manufacturing. Driven by the Nissan Green Program, the company is dedicated to environmental stewardship and has been consistently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year from 2010 to 2014. For further details about Nissan’s operations in North America and its comprehensive vehicle lineup, please visit www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com. Media resources are also available at NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.: Global Leader in Automotive Excellence
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, is a global automotive powerhouse and Japan’s second-largest automotive company. As a key member of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan operates with a global workforce exceeding 236,000 employees. In fiscal year 2012, Nissan achieved sales of over 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenues of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion). Nissan’s diverse portfolio comprises over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in electric mobility, Nissan launched the Nissan LEAF in 2010, the world’s first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle, which remains the best-selling EV globally.
For more information about Nissan’s products, services, and commitment to sustainable mobility, please visit http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
