SMYRNA, Tenn. (WGNS) – Nissan’s Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant is once again in the national spotlight as four of its locally built models earned spots on the 2025 Cars.com American-Made Index, a respected ranking of vehicles that most significantly contribute to the U.S. economy through domestic manufacturing, parts sourcing, and workforce impact.

Leading the way for Nissan is the 2025 Pathfinder, assembled exclusively in Smyrna and ranked No. 20 overall—the highest of any Nissan vehicle on the list. Also produced at the Smyrna facility are the Murano (No. 59), Rogue (No. 98), and INFINITI QX60 (No. 65), all recognized for their domestic assembly and high U.S. content.

“These rankings reflect the incredible work happening every day in Smyrna,” said David Johnson, regional senior vice president, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan Americas. “Our team takes pride in building high-quality vehicles for American drivers, and it’s rewarding to see that commitment recognized nationally.”

Nissan’s Smyrna plant continues to be a cornerstone of the company’s U.S. operations. In 2024 alone, the facility produced nearly 101,500 Pathfinder vehicles, 143,800 Rogues, and 32,000 INFINITI QX60s. The Murano, which shifted to Smyrna production in 2020, is approaching a milestone of 700,000 units built in the U.S.

According to Cars.com lead researcher Patrick Masterson, Smyrna-built models stood out thanks to their assembly in Tennessee and strong domestic content. “These vehicles are built for American lifestyles—whether it's a reliable SUV for families or a luxury crossover—and they play a key role in supporting U.S. jobs and the regional economy,” he noted.

The American-Made Index considered over 400 model-year 2025 vehicles and evaluated factors such as assembly location, U.S. and Canadian parts content, engine and transmission sourcing, and workforce size relative to the manufacturer’s footprint.

Nissan has been building vehicles in the U.S. since 1983, and the Smyrna, Canton (Miss.), and Decherd (Tenn.) plants together represent nearly 13,000 jobs and $14.9 billion in investment. All engines for the six ranked models are produced in Decherd.

The recognition highlights Smyrna's long-standing impact on both Nissan’s success and the broader Tennessee economy.