Nissan Ramps Up Tennessee Production in Response to Trump Tariffs

PRODUCTION at one of America’s biggest auto plants is about to hit overdrive.

Nissan Motor is accelerating plans to maximize production at its massive Smyrna, Tennessee facility in direct response to the 25% auto tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, indicated that while increasing domestic production was already part of the company’s strategy to revitalize its struggling U.S. operations, the new tariffs have added urgency to these plans.

“The tariffs are accelerating changes we already needed to make,” Meunier explained. The automotive giant is now focused on reaching full capacity at its largest American production plant.

The Smyrna facility, spanning an impressive 6 million square feet, has the capability to produce up to 640,000 vehicles annually when operating on three shifts. This production boost represents a key component of Nissan’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the American market while navigating the challenges posed by the new tariff environment.

As automotive manufacturers across the industry adjust to the economic implications of the 25% tariffs, Nissan’s move highlights how some companies are responding by doubling down on their U.S. manufacturing presence rather than absorbing the increased costs of imported vehicles.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​