Nissan’s surprise move to halt US-bound Infiniti orders from Mexico reveals deeper strategic recalibrations as automakers brace for potential trade wars:
Production Adjustments:
- Aguascalientes plant reallocating capacity to EU/China markets
- Smyrna, TN facility accelerating QX60 localization
- $200M invested in US-sourced parts since January
Industry-Wide Context:
- BMW considering similar pause for South Carolina-built X5s
- Toyota reevaluating Tacoma production sharing between Mexico/Texas
- Honda increasing Ohio CR-V production as hedge
“Nissan is playing chess while others play checkers,” said Center for Automotive Research analyst Kristin Dziczek. “They’re proactively avoiding potential $15,000 per vehicle tariff impacts.”
Long-Term Implications:
- Possible permanent shift of Infiniti production to Japan
- Accelerated nearshoring to US plants
- Potential model simplification for North America
