(September 7, 2012) AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico — Nissan has started production of the all-new Sentra compact car at its Aguascalientes 1 manufacturing plant in México. The fourth generation Sentra, which boasts a stylish new design, increased fuel economy and additional safety features, will represent about half of the plant's automotive production, which also makes the Tiida and Versa.

More than $150 million was invested to prepare the existing plant for the launch of this new model. The Sentra nameplate, which has been produced in México since 1992, is exported to more than 20 countries.

Company executives, including Bill Krueger, vice-chairman of Nissan Americas, accompanied workers in a ceremony that celebrated the first 2013 Sentra produced on Aug. 30. As the car was driven off the assembly line, it was serenaded by employees who cheered on with a car horn ensemble and by a classical music orchestra.

Armando Avila, vice-president of manufacturing for Nissan Mexicana said, "The Sentra is produced with great quality and a warm heart here in Aguascalientes. The all-new 2013 model promises to strengthen its position among the most popular vehicles in the country, but will also earn the admiration of customers in international markets."



"The 2013 Sentra is a key component of Nissan's continued efforts to introduce innovative vehicles in each segment," Krueger said. "The Aguascalientes manufacturing team earned the responsibility of producing the next-generation Sentra through a long-standing record of productivity, quality and efficiency."

The Aguascalientes 1 manufacturing plant will build nine versions of the Sentra for the United States, Canada and other export markets, in addition to México. Nissan's manufacturing plant in Canton, Miss., will also produce the 2013 Nissan Sentra. The two plants will be able to supply a greater volume of the all-new Sentra than ever before, satisfying consumer appetite for fuel-efficient and stylish small cars.

Since the start of production in 1992, more than 430,200 Sentra cars have been produced in México. Nissan Mexicana will announce the launch date and pricing of the 2013 Nissan Sentra this fall.

Nissan Mexicana is in the midst of constructing a new $2 billion manufacturing complex in Aguascalientes and is recruiting more than 3,000 employees to kick-start the operation by the close of 2013. Aguascalientes 2 will produce B Platform cars to meet fast-growing demand for compact cars in the domestic and export markets.