Japanese automaker Nissan has started a new investment cycle in South America. The factories in Resende (RJ) and Santa Isabel, in the Argentine city of Córdoba, had the second production shift resumed this week, although there are still difficulties in obtaining parts.
Ashwani Gupta, director of operations at the company, confirmed that US$ 250 million (R$ 1.2 billion) will be invested in the Brazilian unit, which currently produces the compact SUV Kicks.
The amount will be used for the modernization of the industrial complex: the unit will be prepared for the renewal of the line of vehicles for South America. With the return of the second round, 568 new employees were hired.
The company intends to increase the localization index and expand exports, said Airton Cousseau, president of Nissan Mercosur. “Without locating it will not be possible to export.” Nissan’s dream is to be one of the three largest automakers in the region.
Cousseau said he expects proposals from new suppliers. In March, the Japanese manufacturer held a virtual workshop in which it presented the parts needed to assemble its vehicles both in Resende and Santa Isabel.
For now, the novelty comes from the Argentine factory, where the Frontier pickup is produced. The 2023 line underwent visual changes and gained more safety items. The available versions cost between R$230,200 and R$314,600.
The automaker promoted a trail test inside the Iguaçu National Park, on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The dirt roads followed the course of the Paraná River and required the constant use of 4×4 traction.
The evaluated version was the top of the line PRO-4X, which is equipped with a 2.3 16v turbodiesel engine (190 hp) and electronic rear differential lock. The system helped get out of a quagmire, although the tires more geared towards use on asphalt made the work difficult.
The base of the pickup is the same as the model launched in 2017, which can be seen on the doors and interior. The front, however, has changed a lot: there are new headlights with LED projectors and a grille with more prominent bezels. The visual trick made Frontier look beefier.
The position behind the wheel is good, but it would be even better if there was a steering column depth adjustment. The driver feels like he is in a luxury utility vehicle, despite being in a vehicle with 1,043 kilograms of load capacity.
Nissan said the bucket cover was halved in weight but still heavy.
During the test, whistles and lights warned of defects in the collision avoidance system. The problem was with the sensors covered in mud, which was resolved with some water.
The new features are useful on asphalt. Such sensors can detect up to two cars ahead and, if necessary, activate the brake system to avoid collisions. There are also lane readers, which prevent the vehicle from invading the next lane if the driver is distracted. The safety package also includes six airbags and stability controls.
And there’s no shortage of “distractions” on board. The new multimedia center has a high-resolution touchscreen and can connect to Android Auto and Apple Carplay systems.
The main competitors of the new Frontier will be the double cab versions of the Toyota Hilux pickups (from R$240,400), Chevrolet S10 (R$231,300), Ford Ranger (R$211,500), Volkswagen Amarok (R$310.2 thousand) and Mitsubishi L200 Sport (R$264.4 thousand).
The journalist traveled at the invitation of Nissan do Brasil
I have over 8 years of experience in the news industry. I have worked for various news websites and have also written for a few news agencies. I mostly cover healthcare news, but I am also interested in other topics such as politics, business, and entertainment. In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction and spending time with my family and friends.
