Nissan to invest ¥33 billion on advanced manufacturing technology

YOKOHAMA – Nissan Motor Co. said Thursday it will invest ¥33 billion ($301 million) to introduce advanced manufacturing technology at a plant in Japan to tackle the challenges of producing next-generation vehicles such as electric, intelligent and connected cars. Nissan plans to introduce the manufacturing technology at its factories around the world, including those of alliance partners Renault SA and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., following the initial investment at its plant in Tochigi Prefecture in 2020. "A leap in Nissan's production technology will be key in enhancing our (overall) technology as vehicles become more complex and advanced," Nissan Executive Vice President Hideyuki Sakamoto told a news conference at the automaker's headquarters in Yokohama. The new system involves automated pallets that mount entire powertrains, whereas assembly line staff currently install multiple components, such as batteries and motors, in sequence. Such universal pallets will enable Nissan to assemble different types of vehicles, whether electric or gasoline-powered, in one process, the company said.