Nissan's new head of US operations says the automaker aims to "maximize" output at its largest US production plant as US President Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on cars.
Christian Meunier, who took over as chairman of Nissan North America in January, said the tariffs are accelerating a plan the company already needed to boost domestic production in the US and help turn around its struggling US business.
"We have large facilities, big capacity, but today we're not at maximum capacity. We have more room to increase our production," Meunier said in an online interview on Wednesday. "We're looking at selling more US - made products and adjusting the mix of cars from Mexico and Japan in the process."
Meunier said his "ultimate goal" is to "maximize" capacity at the company's 6 - million - square - foot plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. He said the plant, which runs three shifts, is capable of producing 640,000 vehicles a year. The plant, which has about 5,700 employees, produced more than 314,500 vehicles last year on two shifts.
"We're looking at maximizing capacity, that's my ultimate goal... to have a full plant and make big money again," he said.
Meunier declined to speculate on a timeline for the plant to reach full production. The plant currently builds four models, including the Nissan Rogue, the company's top - selling vehicle in the US. He said it takes time to change plans and shift production.
"We can increase production, as I've said on the existing models in the US, and we're committed to bringing a new product... or some products to the US market in the next two years. But it can't happen overnight."
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