Nissan Motor Co. has officially announced plans to permanently shut down its iconic Oppama plant in Kanagawa Prefecture by March 2028, as part of a sweeping global restructuring strategy aimed at streamlining operations, reducing costs, and securing long-term financial health.
The closure will affect approximately 2,400 employees. Nissan has pledged to implement a range of support measures, including voluntary transfers, reskilling programs, and redeployment opportunities—particularly to its more advanced and efficient Kyushu plant, which is expected to take over some of Oppama’s production.
The Oppama facility, operational since 1961, holds a special place in Nissan’s history. It was the birthplace of the pioneering Nissan Leaf, one of the world’s first mass-market electric vehicles. However, the plant has faced increasing challenges from shifting global demand, rising costs, and a rapidly evolving auto industry that demands more flexible and lean manufacturing.
Local officials and labor unions are in active discussions with Nissan to ensure fair treatment for affected workers and to mitigate the economic impact on Yokosuka and surrounding communities, which have long depended on the plant as a major economic driver.
The closure is part of Nissan’s larger plan to reduce its global manufacturing footprint from 17 plants to 10 and to cut annual vehicle production by one million units. While the decision underscores the pressure automakers face to adapt to new market realities, Nissan has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible restructuring and maintaining community ties throughout the transition.
The move marks the end of an era for Oppama—but also a clear signal that Nissan is repositioning itself to compete in the future of mobility.
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