Nissan to Streamline U.S. Operations: Consolidates Sales and Marketing with Manufacturing

1 December 1999
Nissan to Streamline U.S. Operations: Consolidates Sales and Marketing with Manufacturing
    GARDENA, Calif., Nov. 30 -- As part of its effort to increase
operational efficiencies to support Nissan's global Revival Plan and
profitability goals, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA), announced today that it
will restructure and consolidate some of its U.S. operations and reduce its
workforce by approximately 1000 by March 31, 2001.
    Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation USA (NMMC), located in Smyrna,
Tennessee, will be merged into the NNA organization, effective April 1, 2000.
In addition, NNA will consolidate and streamline back office functions in the
area of Human Resources, Legal and Finance with Nissan Motor Acceptance
Corporation (NMAC), Nissan's captive financing company.  The consolidation of
back office functions will become effective January 1, 2000.
    Nissan's regional offices will be streamlined from eight locations to six
locations with the merger of its Infiniti East operations into its Nissan
North East offices, and the relocation of its Nissan Southwest operations into
the National headquarters.  The number of regions in terms of retailer support
functions will remain at 10, seven Nissan division and three Infiniti division
respectively.
    "The Nissan Revival plan, announced on October 18, is an aggressive and
far-reaching plan that is designed for the future success, profitability and
growth of Nissan," said Nobuo Araki, President and CEO of Nissan North
America, Inc.  "Although Nissan's U.S. sales are up -- through the successful
launches of the 2000 Maxima, Xterra, Frontier Crew Cab and 2000 Infiniti I30
-- we must operate more efficiently in North America to remain globally
competitive."
    He added, "It is especially important, in light of the continuing new
products coming to North America, in the 2000 calendar year."
    Nissan's North American workforce reduction will affect all levels of the
company including executive level.  The company's workforce reduction effort
will be achieved through consolidation, attrition and layoffs as necessary.
    "Through our restructuring efforts, we will gain additional marketing and
production efficiencies," said Araki.  "The bottom line is that we will not
compromise our service to our retailers and customers through this reduction
effort."
    In North America, Nissan's operations include styling, engineering,
consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and
manufacturing.  More information on Nissan in North America and the complete
line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at
http://www.nissandriven.com or contact the corporate media line at 310-771-5631.