Below is the story of how the Nissan plant came to be. As usual many of this forum have no understanding of the Auto industry and put out information that is just plain incorrect. Nissan built that plant-no one will pick up where the big three left off, we would merely lose our domestic auto industry period. This would devastating to our economy now and years down the road. I would ask that those of you who speak against saving our industry please check you facts. The Southern states subsidized these auto makers to the tune of millions of dollars as you can see by what I have posted. I hear Sen. Shelby may be investigated by the Senate as to certain improper agreements with the foreign transplants that involve kickbacks to his campaign. I certainly hope all the southern GOP senators who obviously are in bed with foreign transplants are investigated. I didn’t provide a link. I’m kind of in a hurry. I obtained this information about Nissan in 30 seconds via google. The Shelby think is rumor-no idea as to its accuracy. By the way Toyota has announced it is slowing production and cutting jobs in its North American operations. Ah, and so it begins. Anyone who ever believed these companies were ‘American’ should pay attention in the next year or two-maybe less.
The economic slowdown that resulted from closure of the Sewart AFB was only temporary. The economy of Smyrna prospered during the 1970’s and promised to improve in the 80’s following the announcement of Nissan, the first Japanese automobile manufacturer to build a plant in the United States, to make its home in Smyrna. The announcement and construction came at an ideal time as the national economy was experiencing a slowdown. The Nissan plant, the largest automobile manufacturing plant under one roof, was built on approximately 800 acres in record time with over 2,000 construction laborers working seven days a week. The first vehicle was produced in 1983. Nissan has been a good corporate citizen over the years providing steady employment to approximately 6,000 workers.
I don't know about anyone else, but as far as I'm concerned a Nissan made in Smyrna, Tennessee is no less American than a "Big Three" auto.