Statement Regarding Nissan Demonstration July 3, 2001

    CARSON, Calif., July 3 The following is begin issued by
Nissan:
    "As announced last November, Nissan intends to build a vehicle
manufacturing facility near Canton, Miss.  Groundbreaking for this plant took
place this spring and production of the first vehicle is scheduled to start in
the summer of 2003.  Land acquisition issues are under the sole control of the
State of Mississippi.
    Today, a local group purporting to represent African American
contractors/suppliers from South Central Los Angeles, picketed NNA
headquarters to protest the proposed Canton project.  While the exact nature
of this groups' issues are not known, we believe they are concerned with land
acquisition issues that are proceeding in the State.  It is important to note
that the State, not Nissan, is responsible for all aspects of providing the
land for the site and infrastructure -- including negotiations regarding
amounts to be paid to the landowners and eminent domain issues.  We further
understand that the protest was initiated by one individual whose firm has not
applied for work with the State of Mississippi nor is it licensed in the State
of Mississippi.
    Nissan is committed to developing a diverse supplier base and workforce
that mirrors the community in which we operate.  Our hiring practices in
Mississippi will be consistent with Nissan's corporate commitment to
diversity.  Nissan's Supplier Diversity Initiative is designed to support
Nissan's long-standing practice of offering fair and equal procurement
opportunities to a diverse supplier base.
    Specifically regarding the Canton, Mississippi project, the Mississippi
Development Authority, the Mississippi state economic development authority,
has reported that minority firms have indirectly received 24 percent of the
business generated so far in the preparation of the $930 million Nissan
manufacturing plant.
    To ensure there is a diverse supplier base for the plant, Nissan has
required that all general contractors and Tier 1 suppliers include certified
minority subcontractors in proportion to their (minority) workforce
availability where the project is located.  In addition, all general
contractors and Tier 1 suppliers must make additional efforts to include
minority subcontractors and adhere to specific practices to promote diversity
within its supplier base.  Nissan also has met with approximately
250 prospective Mississippi-based minority contractors and vendors and held a
Supplier Workshop to explain the process Nissan uses for selecting suppliers.
    Nissan has a long-standing supplier diversity initiative to encourage
minority supplier participation in Nissan projects.  The principles of this
initiative will be carried out in Mississippi as well."

    All media queries should be directed to Dierdre Dickerson at 310/771-6461.