Nissan CEO Says It Still Makes Sense to Build Cars in US

Summary

Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa explains that despite trade tensions and a weak yen, it still makes sense to build cars in the US. Nissan increased its US-built product mix from 45% to 60% last year and continues to invest in US manufacturing. The company is also aggressively cutting costs on Mexico-built vehicles to maintain competitiveness amid 25% tariffs and to capture demand from price-sensitive buyers. The strategy positions Nissan to navigate the current tariff environment and take advantage of US affordability pressures.

• Nissan CEO says US manufacturing strategy unchanged despite weak yen and trade tensions.
• Nissan raised US-built vehicle share from 45% to 60% and intends to keep increasing.
• 25% tariffs on Mexican auto imports add $2k-$3k per vehicle, making them harder to sell.
• Nissan is implementing aggressive cost-reduction for Mexico-built lineups to stay competitive.
• Affordability pressure in the US could drive buyers to lower-cost vehicles, an opportunity for Nissan.
• CEO sees continued investment in US and North American production as a sensible strategy.