Nissan Boosting Subcompact Engine Production 12%; Likely for North America

9 April 2007

Nissan Motor intends to increase output of its subcompact engines at its main engine plant in Yokohama to 760,000 units a year in fiscal 2008, up 12% on plans, according to The Nikkei.

The  plant makes three types of engines: the MR straight four-cylinder engine for subcompacts and minivans, the QR straight four-cylinder engine for sport utility vehicles, and the VK eight-cylinder engine for luxury cars. Nissan will increase output of mostly the MR engine, which will go into the Versa, the Sentra and other subcompacts popular in North America. The bulk of the engines made at the Yokohama plant are likely North America-bound, according to the report.