Top Nissan Exec Reveals U.S. Production Boost, New Xterra Details

InnovationTransportationTop Nissan Exec Reveals U.S. Production Boost, New Xterra DetailsByEd Garsten,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Ed Garsten is a metro Detroit-based reporter who covers autos/mobilityFollow AuthorJun 01, 2026, 12:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Nissan intends to boost U.S. production as the U.S., Mexico and Canada negotiate a new trade agreement. Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg© 2017 Bloomberg Finance LPNissan Motor Corporation is increasing U.S. production of vehicles sold in this country, but the head of its North American unit says it’s vital any update to the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement does not make it more difficult for the automaker to produce less costly models in Mexico. It’s all about addressing the ongoing affordability issue many vehicle shoppers face by being able to keep prices low for some entry-level models built in Mexico where labor costs are lower than in the U.S., said Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, in an interview. Christian Meunier, chairman, Nissan Americas. Nissan Motor Co. “We know the customers that buy these cars are stretched and they can't afford the more expensive products, so we keep it that way, but obviously we're pushing the governments to the U.S. government to acknowledge that maybe for very low, low price product, affordable product, Mexico might be a good option,” said Meunier. The average transaction price for a new vehicle sold in the U.S. as of April stood at $46,093, according to Edmunds.com. MORE FOR YOUMeunier pointed out Nissan has markedly increased U.S. production for vehicles sold here, boosting it to 40% in January, 2025 just before Pres. Donald Trump imposed higher import tariffs, increasing that to 65% at the end of December, with the goal of bringing that to 80%.“So, I think what we want to do is really ha...