In 2001, a new excellent representative of the crossover segment appeared on our market. It was then that the Japanese concern Nissan launched the compact SUV Nissan X-Trail into mass production. In the future, the car was restyled twice - in 2007 and 2010. Now our customers are provided with a model with a large grille, LED head optics and wide bumpers. In the cabin, only modern gadgets, comfortable seats and coziness await you throughout the trip.
This crossover is usually bought by self-sufficient people who like to go on vacation with their family or a large company. And what is the main thing for such a person? Naturally, safety. This factor is directly affected by the build quality. Therefore, let's take a look at where the Nissan X-Trail is assembled for our market and for other countries of the world.
There are only three factories in the world where the Nissan X-Trail is made. One of them is located in the UK in the city of Sunderland. Here they produce models for the markets of the old world. Such specimens practically do not get into our car dealerships, which is unfortunate. After all, the British are distinguished by their scrupulousness and diligence.
Further, the Nissan X-Trail is assembled directly in Japan. There are several factories located in different provinces of the country. Until 2009, only crossovers of this assembly entered our market. There were almost no complaints about them. The masters made an excellent running gear, an excellent body and a comfortable interior. Although, the driver's ears suffered somewhat, because it is impossible to call a Japanese-assembled car quiet.
The third one who assembles the Nissan X-Trail is a plant in Russia.
As already mentioned, copies of the Nissan X-Trail of the Russian and Japanese assembly enter our market. We have already talked about Japanese production in detail, therefore, let's proceed to the Russian one.
Since 2009, a Nissan plant has been built in St. Petersburg. Since then, more than 35% of all Nissan X-Trail models entering our market have been assembled here. The crossover of our production has not lost its popularity after our masters began to make it.
This can be judged by the fact that the Nissan X-Trail has occupied not the last place for many years from the huge rating of packages provided to our consumer. Russian craftsmen continued the trend of producing a 4 by 4 segment. The model practically did not lose either in build quality or in its beauty and practicality. It is worth mentioning that our craftsmen make the interior of the car more refined and improved than the Japanese.
The fact that the crossover began to be assembled in Russia, our consumers only benefited. After all, the car has become more affordable. Thanks to the Russian assembly, the model has been replenished with a number of smart technologies and touches that will make the life of the driver much easier.
Unfortunately, after the first copies of the Russian Nissan X-Trail came out, the crossover lost some of its customers. They very, very unreasonably believe that our assembly is worse than the Japanese one. In general, where the Nissan X-Trail is assembled, we told you, and it’s up to you to choose the work of domestic masters or Japanese thoroughbreds.
It should be noted that our country is one of the leading sales markets for Nissan cars worldwide. In the Russian Federation, the Nissan automaker sells a dozen and a half of its models, including Nissan Note, Almera, Tiida, Teana, Juke, Qashqai (Qashqai + 2), Murano, X-Trail, Pathfinder, Navara, Patrol, GT-R, as well as commercial NP-300 and Cabstar vehicles.
Since 2009, the first Nissan plant in Russia, Nissan Manufacturing Rus, has been operating near St. Petersburg, where a number of company models are produced today - Teana, Murano and X-Trail. At the same time, about 35% of all Nissan cars sold are assembled in Russia.
In general, it should be noted the factories where Nissan cars are assembled for subsequent import to Russia:
- Factory in Sunderland, UK
- Direct factory in Japan
- Plant "Nissan Manufacturing Rus" in St. Petersburg
- The AvtoVAZ plant in Togliatti, where the assembly of Nissan models began after the automaker merged with its French competitor, Renault.
Nissan plant in St. Petersburg
Where is the Nissan Almera (Almera classic) assembled?
One of the best and best-selling state employees in our country and one of the oldest Nissan models, produced since 1995, has recently (since 2012) been assembled in Russia at the Tolyatti plant at the AvtoVAZ plant, which caused a whole crowd of indignation of potential buyers of this model and , it should be honestly noted that it was the AvtoVAZ assembly that swept away some of the lovers of the model and brand.
But her Korean "brother" - Nissan Almera Classic, whose production ceased back in 2013, was assembled at the Samsung plant in South Korea.
Where is the Nissan Qashqai assembled?
Nissan Qashqai is one of the best-selling crossovers in our country. More than two million vehicles have rolled off the assembly line since the model was launched in 2007. At the same time, each new Nissan Qashqai becomes wider and longer, but at the same time lighter and more efficient than the previous generation. This is a great addition to the Russian crossover market with benefits such as great practicality, efficient engines and a pleasant interior.
Unlike its predecessor, the Nissan Qashqai is not yet assembled in Russia - the original assembly of the model for the Russian and European markets is carried out at a plant in Sunderland, UK. However, only a limited number of modifications of this popular crossover is supplied to Russia - for example, Russians can be content with only gasoline engines.
Where is the Nissan Teana assembled?
The class of full-size cars was replenished in Russia in 2003, when Teana came to Russia, which has now become one of the favorite and popular models among many motorists. For a long time, Nissan Teana was assembled in Japan, and "purebred" Japanese Teanas were delivered to Russia. However, with the launch of an assembly plant near St. Petersburg, the assembly of Teana for Russia rolled over here, following the trends of the modern car market in a similar class - we recall that Toyotas of the same class as Teana - Camry and Avensis also moved to our country for assembly.
In addition, assembly of the Nissan Teana for a number of other markets is also taking place in Japan and Thailand.
Where is Nissan Juke assembled?
But starting from the 2014 model year, Pathfinder is assembled in the same St. Petersburg plant in Russia, although previous generations of the car were brought to us from Spain.
Where is the Nissan Patrol assembled?
True SUVs without frills are becoming increasingly rare today. In fact, most buyers want the look and practicality of crossovers, not the amazing off-road performance of true off-roads. But in the case of Patrol, everything is completely different - this is just the car that is designed to operate in the most severe conditions. A long cycle of three- and five-door models gradually evolved into quite beautiful and functional cars. A big step was taken in 2004 when the Nissan Patrol was fitted with a revolutionary new body, significantly upgraded the interior and included more equipment.
But the main advantage of the Patrol is that in Russia this is the first truly thoroughbred Nissan on our list - for our country, the Nissan Patrol is assembled exclusively in Japan and nowhere else ... at least for now.
Where is the Nissan Navara assembled?
But the famous Nissan pickup truck, which is quite rarely updated both with the filling and the exterior, is assembled for Russia in Spain (as the Nissan Pathfinder was once assembled in Spain).
Where Nissan cars are assembled - summary table
| Nissan model | Assembly country |
|---|---|
| Nissan Micra | Great Britain |
| Nissan Almera | Russia (AvtoVAZ) |
| Nissan Almera Classic | South Korea |
| Nissan Tiida | Mexico |
| nissan note | Great Britain |
| Nissan Teana | Russia |
| Nissan Juke | UK and Japan |
| Nissan Qashqai (Qashqai+2) | Great Britain |
| Nissan X-Trail | Russia |
| Nissan Pathfinder | Russia |
| Nissan Navara | Spain |
| Nissan Murano | Russia, Japan |
| Nissan Terrano | Russia |
| Nissan Patrol | Japan |
| Nissan Cube | Japan |
| Nissan GT-R | Japan |
| Nissan models that have ceased to be produced or are not supplied to Russia | |
| Nissan Primera | Japan |
| Nissan Maxima | Japan |
| Nissan Sunny | Japan |
| Nissan Skyline | Japan |
| Nissan Tino | Japan |
First, about the model itself. The first generation X-Trail was released in 2000. The model was based on the Nissan FF-S platform, and its exterior was designed in the style of the legendary Nissan Patrol SUV. This brutality, which largely determined the popularity of the novelty, subsequently served as a reason for criticism of the designers who proposed a new look for the evolved X-Trail. But this will happen only after 13 years, and in 2007 the second generation of the X-Trail, created on the Nissan C-platform, entered the world markets. The one on which the Qashqai model was put into production a year earlier.
Car production in St. Petersburg started in 2009, and in 2012 the plant was awarded its first award: "The best factory in terms of quality" among all Nissan plants in the world
There were few design frills in the exterior of the second generation, and the X-Trail was still a brutal car - Nissan marketers saw this as one of the highlights of the model. And in 2013, the third generation X-Trail came out, which caused talk about whether the popular masculine car had lost its off-road qualities? As for the latter, it definitely hasn’t lost, but brutality ... Be that as it may, but even in Russia, where they know a lot about SUVs, X-Trail sales today exceeded the sales figures of Qashqai, a car that has long and well established itself in the SUV segment .
Parts in the body shop come from our own stamping shop
The production of the third generation X-Trail at the Nissan plant in St. Petersburg started in December 2014, and the launch was carried out in record time. But this does not mean at all that the manufacturers could count on some discounts in terms of quality: only full compliance with all company standards gives the green light to start production of the model. By the way, about the loss of brutality ... At the start of the Russian production of the third generation X-Trail, admirers of the model were interested in whether it was possible to leave the previous version on the conveyor too?
It is clear that the issue was based on more emotions: the new X-Trail, firstly, is much more technologically advanced, and secondly, its design required more careful work with gaps and differences in body surfaces, and this fact was very soon noted by Russian buyers. As for the speed with which the launch of the model took place, the employees of the plant are not in vain proud of it: the start of production of the X-Trail took place simultaneously with the expansion of the plant.
December 2014. New Nissan X-Trail launched at the plant
By 2014, the plant, producing about 50,000 vehicles annually, reached its maximum capacity, and without expanding production areas, the production of new models was no longer possible. There were also new production sites, such as a stamping shop and a plastic shop, which made it possible to significantly increase the share of domestic components in the X-Trail model. In addition, the rapid launch was facilitated by changes in the management structure: each department had a team directly responsible for the launch. The work of this group began at the stage of solving engineering issues, one and a half to two years before the start of production. All the measures taken made it possible to reach the required level of quality not in three months released according to Nissan standards, but in eight to nine weeks.
The painting shop of the plant is equipped with the most modern equipment
The speed with which a new model is launched into production, the numbers reflecting the volumes of that same production - all this is important. But there is another equally important criterion - quality. “About 10-15 years ago, it was believed that the Russian consumer, in conditions of shortage, did not assess the quality of cars so critically,” says Boris Mezentsev, manager of car quality assurance at Nissan Manufacturing Rus LLC. - Today, judging by the data of the annual European standard questionnaires, we see that our customers are sometimes more demanding than customers in Europe.
Moreover, as a rule, we are not talking about quality, this is a fact for granted. Russian customers want to have a car of the highest level.” An example of such exactingness was appeals about the size of the gaps in the Nissan Teana body parts, although they all fit into the tolerances determined by the Japanese side. As for the X-Trail, there were no issues with gaps and differences in body parts even when the first model was released. “Without full compliance with Nissan standards, we simply could not produce cars of this brand,” continues Boris Mezentsev. “But if a customer demands an even higher level of quality, we can tighten Japanese regulations within our factory.” And this is not just a declaration of intent: in order to stay ahead of the wishes of customers, some tolerances have been revised at Nissan's St. Petersburg plant.
The opinion of consumers is really important for the engineering services of the plant, and this is not just the collection of statistical data and the analysis of warranty claims. Actions are taken on the most urgent requests. For example, there were wishes to change the basic angle of the dipped beam in the headlights of the Nissan X-Trail. And despite the fact that changing the parameters when installing headlights must simultaneously comply with both Nissan requirements and Russian technical regulations, the request of customers was satisfied. There were also wishes to improve the efficiency of the Nissan X-Trail.
As a result, today's model, in particular, is equipped with an eco-mode function, and compared to the T31 model, fuel consumption has been reduced by 20-25%. Moreover, in December 2016, a direct line of communication between customers and the plant was launched, excluding not so prompt communication through questionnaires or dealerships. There are also more global wishes of Russian clients. For example, many would like to have a larger trunk on their third-generation X-Trail. It is clear that this problem cannot be solved in the conditions of the factory, but such requests are transferred to the design department of Nissan, and it is very likely that they will be taken into account in the development of the next X-Trail model.
Quality standards are set by Nissan, but internal factory requirements are sometimes more stringent.
It is clear that the client always wants something more. But the third generation Nissan X-Trail still fulfills all the requirements of a reliable family SUV. In comparison with the previous version, it has become more maneuverable, has received improved steering and CVT settings. That is, as the engineers of the Nissan plant themselves say, "became friendlier." As for the design, which someone at the launch level of the model considered controversial, it is unlikely that it scared away the true admirers of this car, but it certainly attracted new customers to the ranks of the “Nissan X-Trail fan club”.
And in conclusion, a few words about the Russian assembly, a topic that a few years ago was the talk of the town. Today, the level of consumer confidence in cars assembled in Russia is much higher, but one fact is still worth mentioning: according to the results of the latest independent audit, which was commissioned by the Japanese headquarters, the St. enterprise of the company, plant in Sunderland (Great Britain).
The growth of production required both the expansion of space and the emergence of new workshops. Pictured is the plastic shop.
From 2009 to 2014, the plant produced 113,818 Nissan X-Trail vehicles, and from 2014 to this day, more than 52,000 vehicles of the new version have been produced.
Nissan began the path of its birth long before the announcement of the name of the official brand. In 1914, Kwaishinsha Co., which had industrial workshops in Tokyo, created a passenger car, which later received the name “DAT” (the first letters of the car’s creators are Kenjiro Den, Rokuro Aoyama, Meitaro Takeuchi).
History of the birth of Nissan Corporation
The DAT car had a 10 hp two-cylinder engine. The name of the car has become meaningful - because in Japanese the word "DAT" means " agile, lively". The creators of the car did not stop there, and in 1915 a new car model “DAT-31” saw the light, and the “DAT-41” model was released already in 1916.
Thanks to the success associated with the release of successful cars, in 1916 the company Kwaishinsha Co. joined the company Lila, and as a result of the merger, a large industrial corporation was formed, which began to work already in Osaka. For the most part, this industrial enterprise was engaged in the development and production of large trucks, as required by the realities of the time.
In 1919, another company was born, which later joined the slender ranks united by the Nissan Corporation - it was Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd, which was engaged in the production of exclusive models of three-wheeled cars. These cars for the company were developed by engineer William Gorham, an American. Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd developed well in the Japanese market, it offered not only three-wheeled cars, but also spare parts for them, materials for their production, sold new technologies, tools, being at that time the most successful and rapidly developing automotive industry in the market.
In 1926, a rather unexpected, but very promising event took place. Merger of Jitsuyo Jidosha Co., Ltd and Kwaishinsha Co.. The new company was named Dat Jidosha Seizo Co..
In 1931, this company merged again with Tobata Casting, which was formed at one time by Yoshisuke Aikawa. The new company was named Tobata/Imono. It was after this merger that a historically significant decision was made to produce cars, and soon the world saw the first car of this company - Datson, whose name literally translates as "Son of Date". Later in the name, the letter "O" was changed to "U", and it began to correspond to the symbol of Japan - the sun, because it sounded "" ("sun" in Japanese - "sun"). This car was in great demand in Japan and in other countries, the production of cars of this brand lasted until 1983.
Nissan - a triumphant conquest of the world
On December 26, 1933, an event took place that entered the history of the development of the automotive industry, and became the birthday of the Nissan brand. Then the largest companies in Japan, Tobata / Imono and Nihon Sanyo, merged, and on June 1, 1934, this new Jidosha Seizo corporation announced its new name - Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. This company continued to produce cars "Datsun" of the predecessor company, only changing them, improving and modifying them.
Since 1950, Nissan has launched the development and production of engines for rockets, installations for their launch. Soon, due to the successful production, the company also took over the production of engines for ships.
In 1958, Nissan began shipping its cars and engines to the United States. In 1964, Nissan was already one of the top ten importing companies in the United States. WITH
In 1962, the company's cars began to be delivered to European countries.
Since 1959, Nissan has opened production facilities for the assembly of its cars in another country - in Taiwan. By the way, Nissan brand cars are currently assembled in 20 countries around the world.
The own fleet, which Nissan had, made it possible to export its cars around the world, which, in turn, greatly stimulated the modernization and further development of production. Already in 1976, Nissan became the world's largest exporter of its own cars.
The development of the Nissan brand - successes and difficulties. Creation of the Renault-Nissan alliance.
In 1981, Nissan entered into an agreement with Volkswagen, in which the terms of cooperation in the production and sale of passenger cars in Japan were discussed. At the same time, the company is expanding its production by opening industrial bases - Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corp. in the US (1980) and Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited in the UK (1984). In 1982, Nissan won the Safari Rally for the fourth time, which only confirmed the world in the undisputed world leadership of this company.
By the mid-90s of the last century, the company experienced the first global crisis, which forced the sale of a controlling stake in the French company Renault. $40 billion in debt to creditors forced a global reorganization of the company to avoid total financial collapse. From now on, Renault owned a 44.4% stake in Nissan, and Nissan owned a 15% stake in Renault.
The birth of the new Renault-Nissan automotive industry alliance had a positive impact on the development of both companies. Soon after this event, thanks to the active work of the head of the corporation, Carlos Ghosn, the company got out of the crisis and began to gain momentum again. The Renault-Nissan Alliance already in 1999 produced more than 4 million cars (passenger cars). Since that time, the company has been developing new engines, for the first time launched the production of cars with an automatic transmission “Extroid CVT” of a new generation, and developed a test drive for manufactured cars. In recent years, Nissan has been developing steadily, entering the 21st century with a solid foundation and the latest proven technologies. Since 2010, Nissan has been developing and manufacturing electric vehicles.
History of the Nissan brand in Russia
In 2004, Nissan entered the Russian industrial market by establishing Nissan Motor RUS LLC. The newly created production had 100% capital, the general director of the company was Francois Goupil De Bouillet.
In Russia, cars of the Nissan brand were also in demand before, as one of the most modern, economical and ergonomic, corresponding to the Russian climate and roads. In 2004, Nissan sold about 28,000 cars to Russians; in 2005, more than 46,000 cars were sold on the Russian market; in 2006, 75,000 cars. In 2006, the president of Nissan and the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia signed a historic agreement for the Russian auto industry on the construction of a plant for the production of Nissan cars. It was decided to build this enterprise in the Kamenka industrial zone, which is located near the city of St. Petersburg. The construction of the plant itself began in 2007, the volume of investments in the enterprise reached 200 million dollars. About 750 people work at the Nissan Motor RUS LLC enterprise.
In 2009, a test assembly of cars was started at the new plant, and soon the grand opening of this enterprise took place, with a production capacity of up to 50 thousand cars per year. At the beginning of production, the plant produced two brands of cars - these are Nissan Teana and Nissan X-Trail. In 2012, the production of the Nissan Murano model was opened. In 2012, a test production was also launched, and then serial production of a new Nissan Almera car at the AvtoVAZ plant located in Togliatti.
Where are Nissans assembled?
Nissan brand cars are one of the most popular among motorists in Russia. The famous Japanese quality and reasonable price had a significant impact on potential buyers. Next, consider where Nissans are actually assembled.
Where are Nissan cars assembled?
Russia occupies a leading position in sales of Nissan cars. The most favorite models of this brand are Nissan Almera, Juke, Note, Teana, Qashqai, X-Trail and many others. That is why, starting from 2009, a plant of the Nissan auto concern, which is located near St. Petersburg, began to operate in Russia. Approximately 35% of all Nissan cars that are sold in Russia are assembled there. The rest of the cars are assembled directly in Japan and the UK itself. Since 2012, after the merger of Nissan and Renault car concerns, part of Nissan models has been assembled at the AvtoVAZ plant in Togliatti.
Where is Nissan Almera assembled?
Model Nissan Almera is the most popular model of the Nissan brand in Russia. It has been produced since 1995. Since 2012, cars of this model have been assembled at the AvtoVAZ plant in Tolyatti, which certainly caused an uproar among potential buyers. The "younger brother" of this model Almera Classic, which was discontinued in 2013, was previously produced at the Samsung plant in South Korea.
Where is the Nissan Qashqai assembled?
This crossover is one of the best-selling in Russia. One of the reasons for this is the traditional European assembly. Nissan Qashqai for the European and Russian automotive markets is produced exclusively at a factory in the UK. However, in this regard, only a limited number of modifications of this crossover reach Russia, namely: only cars with gasoline engines.
Where is Nissan Terrano assembled?
Another Nissan brand crossover popular among Russian motorists comes off the assembly line in three different countries: Russia, India and Spain. At the same time, the bulk of cars goes to the domestic market of countries, although some are exported. In Russia, Nissan Terrano is assembled at the AvtoVAZ plant in Togliatti.
Where is the Nissan X-Trail assembled?
If until 2009, Russians could choose to purchase this family car in Japanese or Russian assembly, now this model for the Russian market is produced from the assembly line of a plant near St. Petersburg. This significantly reduced the rating of the car, but completely unreasonable. The X-Trail of the Russian assembly is no worse than its Japanese counterparts.
Where is Nissan Tiana assembled?
This model came to the Russian market in 2003 and immediately became a favorite among our motorists. For a long time, Tiana was assembled exclusively in Japan, but with the opening of a plant near St. Petersburg, its production for Russia was transferred there. However, for some other countries, Nissan Tiana cars are assembled at factories in Japan and even Thailand.
