Nissan is Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary in Spain This Year
Paris (ots/PRNewswire)
- Nissan celebrates 25 years of operations in Spain
- The first Navara pick-up rolls off the production line
- 400m Euro investment into the latest two models
- Record year planned for production in Spain
To mark this special occasion, Nissan Motor Ibérica S.A. took the opportunity to invite employees and the press to witness the first new Navara pick-up model.
His Majesty the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I and CEO and President of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn joined the event to officially celebrate the event.
"An anniversary is an important time to pause and reflect upon milestones and achievements and we have come a long way from our beginnings in 1980." said Ghosn. "Nissan in Spain is contributing to our NISSAN Value-Up business plan commitments, supporting Nissan's long-term growth and profitability. Through the TOP 07 plan, Nissan Spanish Industrial Operations is producing attractive, competitive models to supply the European market," he added.
The Navara joins the new Pathfinder SUV as one of two new vehicles to be manufactured at the Zona Franca plant in Barcelona this year. This reinforces Nissan's ongoing commitment in Spain and builds on its heritage in 4x4 manufacturing for both the home and export market.
Nissan Motor Ibérica plays a key role in the brand's overall strategy, with its production centre for 4x4, pick-up, multi purpose, commercial and light industrial vehicles. Over the twenty-five year period, these operations have boosted production volumes in Spain from 17,000 in 1980 to a forecast of 190,000 units this year.
Nissan in Spain currently employs 6,812 people and encompasses a national sales company, three major manufacturing plants, a diesel engine plant, technical centre, parts distribution sites plus other locations. Spain is the home of the Terrano, Primastar, Almera Tino, Pathfinder and now Navara models. A total investment figure of 2 billion Euros has been committed over Nissan's presence in Spain.
In recent years, to accommodate the latest two new models, an investment of 400 million Euros was made which created a further 1200 jobs by extending to a third shift to ensure a flexible and consistent production process.
History
1920: Beginning of activity of the company which, over the
years, would become Nissan Motor Ibérica, S.A.
1923: The Company's installations are moved to Barcelona.
1954: The Company, with 100% Spanish capital, is named Motor
Ibérica, S.A. One year later, the Ebro tractor and lorry trademark
is created.
1980: Nissan Motor Co, Ltd. acquires capital shares of Nissan
Motor Ibérica, S.A. A period begins which leads Nissan to be the
owner of 100% of the capital of the Company.
1983: Production begins of the Nissan Patrol, the first Nissan
vehicle produced in Europe.
1987: The Company takes the name of Nissan Motor Ibérica, S.A.
(NMISA).
1991: Enlargement of the Zona Franca factory is completed,
doubling its surface area.
1992: Production of the Nissan Serra commences.
1993: Production of the Nissan Terrano II commences.
1995: The Company is reorganised into companies specialized by
activity.
1999: Nissan and Renault sign an overall strategic alliance
agreement, based on two independent companies united by common
interests, and which share a strategy of profitable growth.
Nissan Contacts:
Emilio Godes - Spain: +34-(0)9-3290-7031 or godes@nmesa.edc
Scott Vazin - Europe: +33-(0)1-3013-6754 or svazin@nissan-europe.comContact:
Nissan Contacts: Emilio Godes, Spain: +34-(0)9-3290-7031,
godes@nmesa.edc; Scott Vazin, +33-(0)1-3013-6754,
svazin@nissan-europe.com