The Groupe Renault Plant in Tangiers has just produced its 1,000,000th car in 5 years.

• The Tangier plant has produced its millionth vehicle, a Dacia Lodgy.
• The landmark figure is reached in just over five years following the plant’s inauguration in 2012.
• The design of this efficient and eco-friendly plant, which is unrivalled in the automotive industry, is based on two pillars: zero CO2 emissions and zero industrial effluent discharges.

Groupe Renault is proud to celebrate the production of the millionth vehicle at the Renault-Nissan plant in Tangier: a five-seat, Azurite Blue Dacia Lodgy powered by a diesel engine and sold to a customer in Turkey. 

In all, 474,840 Sanderos, 320,078 Dokkers and 193,181 Lodgys have been manufactured in Tangier since the plant’s inauguration in 2012. In addition to covering the Moroccan market, the models built at the factory are exported to more than 73 destinations.

The inauguration of the Tangier plant’s first production line in February 2012, in the presence of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI and Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Groupe Renault, and the launch of a second line in 2013, marked a turning point in Morocco’s automotive sector. Indeed, it was the birth of the biggest car manufacturing plant south of the Mediterranean.

Today, the plant operates in three eight-hour shifts per day, six days a week, with an annual production capacity of 340,000 vehicles. The Renault-Nissan Tangier plant, a main driver of the Moroccan economy, supports Dacia brand growth by exporting the majority of its production. Half of all Dacias are produced in Morocco at either the Tangier plant or at the SOMACA facility in Casablanca.

Groupe Renault implanted in Morocco since 1928 and is the number one manufacturer in the Moroccan market with its two brands, Dacia and Renault. Four vehicles out of 10 sold in Morocco are sold by the Groupe Renault. The Renault plant in Casablanca (SOMACA) has produced Renault models since 1966, and Dacia model since 2005.

As Groupe Renault’s first plant designed to generate zero CO2 emissions and zero industrial effluent discharges, Tangier continues to set an example in the automottive industry today.

A ‘CO2 emissions-free’ design based on two pillars:

• More than 90 percent of needs fulfilled by renewable energies, notably through an innovative biomass heating plant (100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved per year).
• Energy efficiency for optimised consumption performance (energy savings of 45 percent* in the paint shop).

The elimination of industrial effluent discharges through:

• 100 percent recycling of industrial wastewater. A true, closed-loop treatment plant that saves around 900 cubic metres of water per day.
• Controlled consumption of industrial water, through optimized processes. A saving of 70 percent compared to a conventional plant with equivalent capacity.

*Compared to the average across Groupe Renault plants

USA - The Acura MDX starts builing at a second US Plant to meet growing demand.

• East Liberty Plant in Ohio Joins Alabama Plant in Producing MDX
• Five of Acura's Six Products Now Built in Ohio

Production of the Acura MDX luxury SUV was bolstered today when the East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) in Ohio began producing the award-winning Acura vehicle, the second U.S. plant to build America's best-selling 3-row luxury SUV of all time. ELP joins Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Ala. in producing the MDX

With the addition of MDX production at ELP, five of Acura's six products are now built in Ohio.  The MDX joins its stable mate, the award-winning RDX sport-utility vehicle, at ELP, while associates at the Marysville Auto Plant build the TLX and ILX luxury sedans.  The Acura NSX is also produced exclusively at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville – the only supercar built in America.

ELP invested $85 million for the addition of new welding equipment, the extension of vehicle conveyors and other changes required to support production of the MDX, and will assume sole production of the MDX this fall. This will enable the Alabama plant to increase production of the Honda Pilot, helping both the Acura and Honda brands meet increased customer demand for their respective light truck models.

"From our startup three decades ago producing small sedans to the three different light trucks we build today, our associates continue to demonstrate the skills needed for high quality and flexible manufacturing," said Tim Myers, East Liberty Auto Plant Manager. "I'm proud of the commitment of our team to take on new challenges to meet the needs of our customers."

The refreshed and restyled 2017 Acura MDX introduced last year, raised its game with bold new exterior styling, larger wheel and tire options and an expanded complement of premium features and technologies, including the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered as standard equipment on all 2017 MDX models, a first in the luxury SUV segment.

ELP also produces the best-selling SUV in America, the Honda CR-V, and served as the global lead plant in several key areas for the recent launch of the all-new 2017 CR-V.The plant employs 2,350 associates and has the annual capacity to manufacture 240,000 passenger cars and light trucks. The 2.8 million square foot plant started production in December 1989.

Nissan announces production and sales for the year 2016, Sales are growing worldwide.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its production, sales and export figures for December 2016 and calendar year 2016.

"This was a record year for global sales and production," said Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci, global head of marketing and sales. "Growth was led by robust demand for models such as the Rogue and Maxima in the U.S., and the Qashqai and Lannia in China."

"In 2017, we will continue to benefit from an influx of new products in key regions. In Japan, sales of the new Note and Serena will help us maintain the momentum we've seen over the last few months. In Europe, initial responses to the new Micra compact car have been overwhelmingly positive, and in the U.S., we will reinforce our offerings in the crossover segment with the launch of the Rogue Sport this spring."

1. Production

December

Nissan's global production in December increased 5.8 percent year-on-year to 462,510 units, the eleventh consecutive month of increase.

Production in Japan increased 31.5 percent year-on-year to 97,057 units, the fifth consecutive month of increase.

Production outside Japan increased 0.6 percent year-on-year to 365,453 units, the twentieth consecutive month of increase and a record for the month of December.

In the U.S., production decreased 11.2 percent year-on-year to 67,883 units.

In Mexico, production increased 7.9 percent year-on-year to 56,651 units, a record for the month of December.

In the U.K., production increased 7.9 percent year-on-year to 30,131 units.

In Spain, production increased 3.1 percent year-on-year to 7,642 units.

In China, production increased 0.8 percent year-on-year to 140,753 units, a record for the month of December.

Production in other regions increased 5.1 percent year-on-year to 62,393 units.

Calendar Year 2016

Nissan's global production in 2016 increased 7.5 percent year-on-year to 5,556,241 units, the seventh consecutive year of increase and a calendar-year record.

Production in Japan increased 8.9 percent year-on-year to 950,102 units, the first increase in four years.

Production outside Japan increased 7.2 percent year-on-year to 4,606,139 units, the seventh consecutive year of increase and a calendar-year record.

In the U.S., production increased 4.7 percent year-on-year to 1,007,321 units, a calendar-year record.

In Mexico, production increased 3.1 percent year-on-year to 848,086 units, a calendar–year record.

In the U.K., production increased 6.5 percent year-on-year to 507,447 units.

In Spain, production increased 15.8 percent year-on-year to 121,260 units.

In China, production increased 9.5 percent year-on-year to 1,320,687 units, a calendar-year record.

Production in other regions increased 10.6 percent year-on-year to 801,338 units.

2. Sales

December

Global sales increased 6.2 percent year-on-year to 559,361 units, the fifth consecutive month of increase and a record for the month of December.

Japan:

Sales including mini-vehicles increased 25.6 percent year-on-year to 46,785 units.

• Vehicle registrations increased 36.2 percent year-on-year to 33,022 units.
• Mini-vehicle sales increased 6.0 percent year-on-year to 13,763 units.

Sales outside Japan increased 4.7 percent year-on-year to 512,576 units, the seventh consecutive month of increase and a record for a single month.

In the U.S., sales increased 9.7 percent year-on-year to 152,743 units, a record for the month of December.

In Mexico, sales increased 23.2 percent year-on-year to 47,771 units, a record for a single month.

In Europe, sales increased 1.9 percent year-on-year to 64,192 units.

In China, sales increased 2.1 percent year-on-year to 162,473 units, a record high for a single month.

Calendar Year 2016

Global sales increased 2.5 percent year-on-year to 5,559,902 units, the seventh consecutive year of increase and a calendar-year record.

Japan:

• Sales including mini-vehicles decreased 9.3 percent year-on-year to 534,392 units.
• Vehicle registrations increased 2.0 percent year-on-year to 385,603 units.
• Mini-vehicle sales decreased 29.4 percent year-on-year to 148,789 units.

Sales outside Japan increased 4.0 percent year-on-year to 5,025,510 units, the seventh consecutive year of increase and a calendar-year record.

In the U.S., sales increased 5.4 percent year-on-year to 1,564,423 units, a calendar-year record.

In Mexico, sales increased 15.6 percent year-on-year to 403,286 units, a calendar-year record.

In Europe, sales decreased 0.7 percent year-on-year to 755,599 units.

In China, sales increased 8.4 percent year-on-year to 1,354,552 units, a calendar-year record.

3. Exports from Japan

December

Exports in December increased 38.3 percent year-on-year to 64,692 units, the eighth consecutive month of increase.

Calendar Year 2016

Exports increased 8.1 percent year-on-year to 560,823 units, the second consecutive month of increase.

The new Micra has begun customer production at the Flins Production Facility, France.

• First cars roll off the line at Flins plant, France
• Micra production returns to Europe after break of seven years
• Fifth-generation Micra is an exceptional car characterised by expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive

Production of the all-new Nissan Micra has begun, with the first cars rolling off the line in the last few days. Final checks have ensured they are finished to the highest quality. Deliveries to Nissan retailers and customers will commence from mid-February in key European markets, and from March in the remainder.

The start of production marks the beginning of a new chapter in a success story which stretches back more than three decades. First launched in Europe in 1983, Micra is one of the world’s most recognisable model names with global sales of more than seven million cars. 

This all-new version – the fifth generation – sees it return to the heart of the European B-hatchback segment.

The new Nissan Micra is manufactured at Flins, France, at a plant operated by Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault. The new Micra is the first Nissan passenger car to be built in a Renault plant in Europe, and returns Micra production to Europe – close to its key customer base – after a break of seven years. It is being built on a modified version of Nissan’s V-platform.

Flins, to the west of Paris, is a factory with vast experience in producing hatchbacks for the European market. First opened in 1952, the 237-hectare site is the longest-established car-producing plant in the Renault Group. It is currently home to the Renault Clio and Renault Zoe models.

This ‘cross-production’ of vehicles is a major driver of manufacturing synergies for the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and brings several key benefits to the business and to the customer.

Most importantly, it maximises the advantages of the Alliance Production Way, a manufacturing and shop-floor management system common to Renault and Nissan. As well as allowing plants to make better use of their production capability, this system takes benchmarks and best practice from both brands to ensure the highest quality production standards are met and maintained.

Paul Willcox, Chairman, Nissan Europe, commented: “The start of production for the all-new Micra is a moment to be celebrated, embodying the spirit of co-operation which exists throughout the Renault-Nissan Alliance.”

He added: “We have taken the European compact car segment to a new level by focusing on what customers really want today and expect tomorrow. The all-new Nissan Micra is an exceptional car, characterised by its expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive.”

The new Nissan Micra is quite simply a revolution. It is a radical progression from the model it is replacing, and from the trio of highly successful superminis which date back to the Micra’s debut in Europe 34 years ago.

The new Micra is longer, wider and lower than ever before. It has been conceived, designed and engineered with European customers’ requirements at the top of the agenda.

Key to its appeal is the car’s athletic and expressive exterior design, which moves the Micra name plate in a daring new direction. The contemporary look and premium feel continues inside, with a high-quality cabin that boasts two-tone soft-touch materials as standard across the range.

The new Nissan Micra is also a technology leader, with a number of features which are not only new to the Micra but new to the segment. These include Intelligent Lane Intervention, a safety system which gently corrects the Micra back on to the right path should it be required.

Also unique is the BOSE Personal audio system, which features speakers built into the driver’s head rest for an exceptional 360° sound experience. The new Micra is available with a wide range of personalisation options, modifying the exterior and interior with premium components in a variety of stylish and contemporary colours.

It is also a fantastic car to drive, with a dynamic performance that is the perfect balance between agility, excitement and the secure feeling that comes with confident and predictable handling. Three engines are available – two petrols and a diesel.

AUDI's new plant in José Chiapa, Puebla, Mexico will have the capacity of building 150,000 Q5 SUV's per year.

• Audi Board of Management gives starting signal for production of new Audi Q5
• Audi CEO Rupert Stadler: “A milestone in the history of our company”
• Up to 150,000 premium automobiles for the world market each year

Audi is further expanding its worldwide production network and thus continuing along its path of global growth. This Friday, the Audi Board of Management opened the company’s first automobile plant on the North American continent. 

Starting now, the brand with the Four Rings will produce the new generation of the Audi Q5 for the world market in San José Chiapa in Mexico’s federal state of Puebla. 

The plant has an annual production capacity of approximately 150,000 premium SUVs. By the end of the year, a total of 4,200 jobs will be created locally at Audi México.

AUDI AG is the first premium automobile manufacturer with product facilities in Mexico. “The plant in Mexico is a milestone in the history of our company and an important step in our internationalization. 

It is one of the most modern factories on the American continent. With this facility, we have established an important site for the export of our automobiles to customers all over the world,” stated Prof. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. 

The country has twelve free-trade agreements with more than 50 countries and therefore offers ideal economic conditions. Mexico is a powerhouse for automobiles and automotive components.

Together with his Board of Management colleagues Prof. Dr. Hubert Waltl (Production and Logistics and also Chairman of the Board of Audi México), Prof. h.c. Thomas Sigi (Human Resources) and Dr. Bernd Martens (Procurement), as well as the Governor of the State of Puebla Rafael Moreno Valle, and Mayor of San José Chiapa Josué Martínez Santos, Stadler gave the signal for the official start of production of the new Audi Q5. 

“For us, this plant is more than a financial investment of over one billion euros. Above all, it is a commitment to the site and to the people who, together with us, have managed this great achievement,” continued Stadler.

“Our plant in Mexico is a prime example of the Audi Smart Factory. The facility is the first that we have put into operation completely virtually, that is, in a computer simulation,” stated Audi’s Board of Management Member for Production Waltl. 

We have optimized the entire process chain and put the plant into operation 30 percent faster than is usual.” That was a record in the automobile industry.

Audi has applied state-of-the-art technology in the factory planning. The plant first took shape in great detail in virtual space, where factory planners from various sites were able to work on the plant structure simultaneously. 

As a result, Audi was able to set up a complete car plant with a press shop, body shop, paint shop and assembly line on an area of 400 hectares (988acres) in the record time of just three and a half years. Ultramodern plant equipment and highly efficient logistics allow an annual production volume of 150,000 Audi Q5 vehicles. 

Thanks to various water treatment methods and the application of new technologies in the paint shop, the plant will be free of wastewater. New equipment will significantly reduce water, gas and electricity consumption and facilitate resource-efficient production.

A supplier park has been established immediately adjacent to the park. Seven suppliers and logistics providers have started operations there in time for the start of production of the Audi Q5. 

The JIS park (just in sequence) guarantees short distances from the suppliers’ buildings to the assembly line and allows punctual delivery of components for the premium SUV. At the start of production, Audi is sourcing more than 70 percent of the parts from the NAFTA region and plans to increase this proportion of localization over the long term. 

In total, more than 100 companies already supply parts for the Audi Q5 from sites in Mexico.

In line with its social responsibility, the company also supports the people in the region. Audi México has so far taken more than 3,300 local employees on board. Audi prepares its employees for their future tasks with tailored training courses at a new training center. 

Approximately 5,300 training courses have already been carried out. In addition, Audi has provided advance training at its sites in Germany to more than 750 Mexican employees, who were assisted by experienced mentors. 

Audi México offers diverse entry possibilities to young talented people, such as the system of dual training with approximately 80 apprenticeships each year, the internship program, the EMA scholarship program (Estudiantes Mexicanos en Alemania) and the new Programa de Especialistas, a qualifications program for career starters and job applicants with initial career experience.

The new Audi Q5 combines the sportiness of an Audi sedan with a versatile character and a highly variable interior. Whether in terms of connectivity, efficiency or driver assistance systems, the SUV with the Four Rings sets new standards in its segment. 

To date, the company has delivered 1.6 million of the Audi Q5 to its customers worldwide, making the model the most successful premium SUV in its segment. The Audi Q5 is also still produced at locations in China and India for those local markets.  

Nissan announces Production, Sales and export figures for June and the first half of the year.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced its production, sales and export figures for June 2016 and the first half of 2016 (January-June).

"Our strong start to 2016 is continuing, with global sales and production both reaching all-time highs for the January-June period," said executive vice president Daniele Schillaci, global head of marketing and sales. "We are seeing consistently higher demand for core models, such as the Rogue and Sentra in the U.S., the NP300 Frontier in Mexico, and the Qashqai in China.

"To carry this momentum into the second half, we will continue our product offensive with the launch of new products and new technologies over the coming months.

"In Japan, the debut of our ProPILOT autonomous driving technology and the launch of a model featuring our new e-Power series hybrid system will showcase our ability to bring groundbreaking technologies to market. Meanwhile, August will see the first deliveries of the Kicks, our all-new global compact crossover, at dealerships in Brazil.

"Our INFINITI brand lineup will be strengthened by the arrival of the QX30 premium active crossover, the newly upgraded Q50 sports sedan and the all-new Q60 premium sports coupe. Likewise, the Datsun brand continues its expansion with the launch of the Redi-GO in India in June, and the start of sales in the Middle East earlier this month."

1. Production

June 2016

Nissan's global production in June increased 5.7 percent year-on-year to 487,908 units, the fifth consecutive month of increase and a record for a single month.

Production in Japan increased 8.9 percent year-on-year to 85,433 units, the first increase in seven months.

Production outside Japan increased 5.0 percent year-on-year to 402,475 units, the fourteenth consecutive month of increase and a record for the month of June.

In the U.S., production decreased 6.3 percent year-on-year to 78,722 units.

In Mexico, production increased 6.2 percent year-on-year to 78,125 units, a record for the month of June.

In the U.K., production increased 8.0 percent year-on-year to 48,530 units, a record for the month of June.

In Spain, production increased 14.4 percent year-on-year to 12,078 units.

In China, production increased 7.5 percent year-on-year to 111,525 units.

Production in other regions increased 10.6 percent year-on-year to 73,495 units.

First half: January-June 2016

Nissan's global production increased 4.7 percent year-on-year to 2,700,038 units, the first increase in two years and a record high for the January-June period.

Production in Japan decreased 4.7 percent year-on-year to 433,314 units.

Production outside Japan increased 6.7 percent year-on-year to 2,266,724 units, the first increase in two years and a record for the January-June period.

In the U.S., production increased 7.9 percent year-on-year to 516,922 units, a record for the January-June period.

In Mexico, production increased 4.0 percent year-on-year to 430,440 units, a record for the January-June period.

In the U.K., production increased 7.5 percent year-on-year to 263,922 units.

In Spain, production increased 0.2 percent year-on-year to 63,116 units.

In China, production increased 7.3 percent year-on-year to 592,033 units.

Production in other regions increased 7.8 percent year-on-year to 400,291 units.

2. Sales

June 2016

Global sales increased 4.4 percent year-on-year to 471,291 units, the first increase in two months and a record high for the month of June.

Japan:

Sales including mini-vehicles decreased 26.8 percent year-on-year to 35,630 units.

• Vehicle registrations decreased 0.8 percent year-on-year to 31,902 units.
• Mini-vehicle sales decreased 77.4 percent year-on-year to 3,728 units.

Sales outside Japan increased 8.1 percent year-on-year to 435,661 units, the first increase in two months and a record high for the month of June.

In the U.S., sales increased 13.1 percent year-on-year to 140,553 units, a record high for the month of June.

In Mexico, sales increased 18.7 percent year-on-year to 33,674 units, a record high for the month of June.

In Europe, sales decreased 4.5 percent year-on-year to 69,747 units.

In China, sales increased 17.0 percent year-on-year to 109,072 units.

Sales in other regions decreased 4.2 percent year-on-year to 68,387 units.

First half: January-June 2016

Global sales increased 0.5 percent year-on-year to 2,740,265 units, the third consecutive year of increase and a record high for the January-June period.

Japan:

Sales including mini-vehicles decreased 14.4 percent year-on-year to 279,844 units.

• Vehicle registrations decreased 2.1 percent year-on-year to 202,336 units.
• Mini-vehicle sales decreased 35.5 percent year-on-year to 77,508 units.

Sales outside Japan increased 2.6 percent year-on-year to 2,460,421 units, the third consecutive year of increase and a record high for the January-June period.

In the U.S., sales increased 8.4 percent year-on-year to 798,114 units, a record for the January-June period.

In Mexico, sales increased 12.7 percent year-on-year to 181,953 units, a record for the January-June period.

In Europe, sales decreased 3.2 percent year-on-year to 396,896 units.

In China, sales increased 3.8 percent year-on-year to 609,933 units.

Sales in other regions decreased 8.3 percent year-on-year to 403,367 units.

3. Exports from Japan

June 2016

Exports in June increased 5.1 percent year-on-year to 52,584 units, the second consecutive month of increase.

First half: January-June 2016

Exports in January-June decreased 10.0 percent year-on-year to 239,263 units.