Nissan Announces End of Vehicle Production at Oppama Plant
On July 15, 2025, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will end vehicle production at its Oppama Plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, by the end of fiscal year 2027. The production will be consolidated at Nissan Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd. (located in Kanda, Fukuoka) as part of the company’s Re:Nissan restructuring plan aimed at optimizing global manufacturing operations.
Production Moves, But R&D Functions Stay
All models currently produced at Oppama, including the Nissan Note and Note Aura, will be transferred to Nissan Kyushu. However, other facilities in the Oppama area—such as the R&D Center, GRANDRIVE proving ground, crash test center, and dedicated port—will continue operations without change.
CEO Espinosa: “A Difficult but Necessary Decision”
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa commented, “This was not an easy decision for me or for the company, but I believe it is a crucial step toward overcoming today’s challenges and building a sustainable future. The Oppama Plant is a proud part of Nissan’s history, and its legacy will endure.” He also expressed deep gratitude to employees, local communities, and partners, and reaffirmed Nissan’s ongoing commitment to contributing to the Oppama region.
Employees and Future Site Utilization
Approximately 2,400 employees currently working at the Oppama Plant will continue their roles there until FY2027. Decisions regarding future employment and assignments will be communicated once finalized, and discussions with labor unions will begin. The company is also considering multiple options for the future use of the plant site.
Final Step in Domestic Production Consolidation
This decision marks the completion of domestic plant consolidation under the Re:Nissan strategy. Nissan aims to reduce global production capacity (excluding China) from 3.5 million to 2.5 million units and achieve a 100% factory utilization rate. The shift to Kyushu is expected to reduce production costs in Japan and enhance factory competitiveness and profitability.
NV200 and AD Production to End
Nissan also announced that it will end production of the NV200 at Nissan Shatai’s Shonan Plant in FY2026. A successor model is planned for FY2027, with more details to be announced later. Production of the AD model will also end in October 2025, as previously stated.
A Legacy of the Oppama Plant
Established in October 1961, the Oppama Plant has produced more than 17.8 million vehicles over its lifetime, serving as a key contributor to Nissan’s global reach. Notable models produced include the Datsun Bluebird, March, Cube, and the pioneering Nissan Leaf. The plant will continue to manufacture high-quality vehicles until the end of FY2027.