The Magic of the Nissan Yokohama Plant
If you’ve ever wanted to know where the beating heart of the Nissan automotive company is situated, we can unequivocally state that it’s located at the Yokohama Plant – the company’s oldest and largest manufacturing facility in Japan. Located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, and covering an area of approximately 540,000 sqm, it was established in 1933 and has been producing vehicles ever since.
From Mass Production to Hybrid Engines: Revolutionising the Industry
Step back in time to 1933 when the Yokohama Plant first sprang to life, becoming Nissan’s oldest and largest manufacturing facility in Japan. It wasted no time in rewriting the rules of automotive production. In 1935, this pioneering plant became the first in Japan to mass-produce cars, setting the stage for a manufacturing revolution.
Fast forward to 1959, and the Yokohama Plant made history again by being the first Japanese plant to produce a car with an automatic transmission. And then, in 1991, it cemented its place as an industry trailblazer by becoming the first Japanese plant to manufacture a car with a hybrid engine.
Three Facilities, One Thriving Hub of Production
Stepping inside the Yokohama Plant, you’ll encounter a trio of facilities working in perfect harmony, namely the engine plant, assembly plant and parts plant.
At the Engine Plant, the beating heart of innovation, skilled engineers push the boundaries of automotive technology. Here, advanced engines are meticulously crafted, incorporating the latest advancements in fuel efficiency, performance, and environmental sustainability. From gasoline engines that roar with power to hybrid engines that embrace the future, this facility serves as a testament to Nissan’s unwavering pursuit of engineering excellence.
The Assembly Plant is a mesmerising symphony of precision and craftsmanship. Skilled technicians bring together intricate components, transforming them into remarkable vehicles that grace roads worldwide. From elegant sedans to robust commercial vehicles and adrenaline-pumping sports cars, each vehicle that rolls off the assembly line is a testament to Nissan’s dedication to creating driving experiences that captivate and inspire.
The Parts Plant is the unsung hero, producing the building blocks that enable Nissan vehicles to conquer the roads with confidence. Meticulous attention to detail goes into every component manufactured here, ensuring that quality and reliability are infused into every aspect of a Nissan vehicle. From brakes that ensure safety to seats that embrace comfort, each part is a testament to the precision and craftsmanship that define Nissan’s legacy.
PLUS – You can Visit if You Want To…
If you ever happen to find yourself in Japan, you can visit the plant for a tour if you wish. You’ll be able to see all three of the plants, as well as the Nissan Engine Museum, which exhibits the company’s history of engine development. Currently, the plant is open to the public for tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tours are free but have to be pre-booked.
Check back soon for more fascinating information about the international phenomenon that is the Nissan legacy. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with a Group1 Nissan dealership to book a test drive of one of the new or used cars on our showroom floors.
