Nissan's Big Expansion Plans - Opens ASEAN Dedicated R&D Center

MANILA: A lot of changes have undergone under the Nissan's roof in the recent times. From 2017 Nissan Kicks launch to Renault-Nissan alliance big future plans, all the actions hint towards a strong future for the company. The Philippines too got its share of changes in the form of Mr. Ramesh Narasimhan, the newly appointed chairman of Nissan Philippines. And to the latest bit of advancement on the Nissan expansion front, the company has opened a new Nissan R&D center in Thailand.

No, it's not like any other R&D auto center present in the world as it embarks some never seen before traits and facilities. Making it distinguishing are features like -

Expansion of work undertaken -

Unlike other R&D centers, this one will not restrict itself to product quality assurance. Taking a step forward, this facility will undertake 'upstream product development phase' which includes evaluation of prototypes on trial.

It's not a country specific test center -

Just because its geographical location falls in Thailand, it doesn't restrict the said Nissan new R&D test center from serving other nations. In total, the new research and development center will be at service to five ASEAN countries - Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Also, it will serve as a testing facility for more than 90 countries.

New Technology, new dimensions -

The Samut Prakan based facility will be the first in the auto industry to offer high-end mechanisms like - acoustic chamber, vibration simulator with environmental chamber, and anechoic chamber. The R&D facility will serve as a testing ground for 12 models including Nissan's core models like Navara, X-Trail, and Almera.

No less than an economy booster -

As per Nissan Motor Asia Pacific press release, the company will be investing more than 1 billion Baht (PhP 1,348,262,953 approx.) in the facility. Hinting towards an extended and skilled workforce, just to quantify, a total of 330 employees will serve here. It will lead to an expansion on both domestic and international demand front (by the means of export). Further, local engineers will attain professional training from Japan, ensuring the best of work under the roof. Gracing the event was present Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Somkid, who said that 'Nissan R&D Center will help enhance Thai Human Resources Development in the areas of Automotive Technology and Innovation.'

That's all on the new Nissan R&D ASEAN hub, now only the future will reveal how fruitful this new investment proves for the company. And how well it addresses customers’ needs and manages market requirement, now that Nissan has an R&D in the region it is dedicated to serve.

Also Read: Renault-Nissan Alliance Big Plans for 2016 to 2020, Zero Emissions Zero Fatalities