Nissan to resume production of vehicles for Japanese market at five of its domestic plants

Nissan plans to resume production of vehicles for its home market at five of its domestic plants from 12 November after Japan’s transport ministry approved changes to the improper final-inspection procedures that forced a major vehicle recall. [caption id=“attachment_3783903” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Nissan Logo. AFP[/caption]

The Japanese carmaker had suspended domestic production of all passenger cars it makes for its home market on 19 October after discovering that uncertified technicians had been signing off on final inspections for decades.

That prompted the recall of 1.2 million vehicles for re-inspection, including all passenger cars it produced for sale in Japan over the past three years. Nissan said on 11 November that its plants in Fukuoka, Kanagawa and Tochigi would restart production for the domestic market, along with plants operated by affiliate Nissan Shatai in Fukuoka and Kanagawa.

A plant operated by affiliate Kyoto Auto Works is awaiting ministry approval, Nissan said. Nissan said it had corrected inconsistencies between plant operating manuals and plant activities in documents provided to the ministry, and that it was taking measures to improve training and testing processes for inspectors.

Japan’s transport ministry requires certified inspectors to sign off on vehicle checks for cars sold in Japan, a step that is not required for vehicles exported overseas.