13.06.2006 – 15:44

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan Finalizes Plans for New Manufacturing Plant in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia (ots/PRNewswire)

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
today finalized its plans to build a new manufacturing plant in St.
Petersburg, Russia by signing an agreement with the Ministry of
Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation (MEDT).

The agreement (decree 166) was signed by Herman Gref, Minister of
Economic Development and Trade of the Russian Federation and Nissan
President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn. In addition, Ms. Valentina
Matvienko, Governor of St. Petersburg, joined Mr. Ghosn to sign a
Memorandum of Understanding with the St. Petersburg Government.

The decree 166 covers granting incentives for carmakers related to
the establishment of local production facilities (referred to as
'industrial assembly'). The incentive includes a number of customs
duties privileges for the importation of component parts. In
accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, Nissan will be given
the status of strategic investor.

The signing ceremony was conducted within the framework of the
International Economic Forum, which took place this week in St.
Petersburg, representing Russia's integration into the international
economic system.

Nissan first unveiled its plan to invest $200 million (5.5 billion
Rubles) in a new assembly plant in St. Petersburg, Russia on April
25th, 2006. Production will begin in 2009 and when fully operational,
the plant will employ 750 people with a currently planned capacity of
up to 50,000 units per year. The plant will produce at least three
different models specifically adapted for the Russian market.

"In signing this agreement, Nissan is committing to contribute
significantly to the development of the Russian car market," said
Ghosn. "Through the creation of new employment and investment in the
local community, Nissan is making a confident statement about its
operations in Russia. We look forward to a long and
mutually-beneficial relationship with the people of St. Petersburg,"
continued Ghosn.

Established in August 2003, Nissan Motor Rus (NMR) is a Nissan
national sales company. Based in Moscow, NMR began commercial
operations on January 1, 2004 and currently employs 100 people. NMR
distributes Nissan vehicles and parts across the Russian dealer
network, which currently comprises around 30 sales outlets. In 2003,
Nissan sold 9,470 units. Following the establishment of its
wholly-owned national sales company, sales grew significantly in 2004
(28,436 units) and continued in 2005 (46,485 units). Russia will
become the first European market to offer the Infiniti luxury brand
with a planned launch in the Autumn of 2006.

Contacts:
    Tatjana Natarova - Nissan Russia Communications - +79-165-580-022
    Scott Vazin - Nissan Europe Communications - +33(0)1-30-13-6765
    Kiho Ohga - Nissan Japan Communications - +81-3-5565-2141

Contact:

Tatjana Natarova - Nissan Russia Communications, +79-165-580-022;
Scott Vazin - Nissan Europe Communications, +33(0)1-30-13-6765; Kiho
Ohga - Nissan Japan Communications, +81-3-5565-2141