Nissan Has Planned Shift to Domestic Vehicle Production
The automaker will prioritize U.S. manufacturing for the Rogue while discontinuing the Altima model.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Car Types
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Nissan announced plans to increase its domestic manufacturing footprint, aiming for 80% of U.S.-market vehicles to be built domestically by the end of the decade. This shift involves relocating Rogue production to the U.S. while discontinuing the American-made Altima.
Why it matters
The company is increasing U.S. manufacturing capacity in response to tariff pressures, which will impact vehicle availability and domestic production volumes. These adjustments signal a long-term strategic move to localize assembly for high-volume models.
Currently, 65% of Nissan vehicles sold in America are produced domestically, compared to an 80% goal set for the end of the decade. The brand sold over 200,000 Rogue units and 90,000 Altima units in the U.S. last year.
The players
Nissan
An international automaker that operates vehicle assembly plants in Smyrna and Canton, as well as an engine factory in Decherd.
The details
Nissan will move assembly of the new-generation Rogue from Japan to its existing American plants, which include facilities in Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi. Additionally, the company is developing a shared platform to underpin future body-on-frame vehicles, including the upcoming Xterra, which will be integrated into domestic production lines by 2030.
Timeline
U.S. production of the Rogue is expected to start in 2028.
New body-on-frame vehicles including the Xterra arrive by 2030.
The 80% domestic production target is set for the end of the decade.
The Home Front
Nissan’s production shift aligns with a broader industry trend of regionalizing manufacturing to mitigate the impact of international trade tariffs. This move marks a significant departure from the company's previous reliance on overseas assembly for core high-volume SUV models.
If you are currently driving or shopping for an Altima, keep in mind that the model will be phased out of the company's future lineup. Families looking for a Rogue should watch for news on domestic production schedules as the 2028 launch date approaches.
The takeaway
Nissan is reorganizing its production strategy to focus on domestically assembled SUVs and body-on-frame models. Owners of high-volume Nissan vehicles should track future model availability, as the brand pivots its domestic output toward the Rogue and upcoming Xterra models.
Further reading
For more information on market shifts, visit our Car Types section.
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