Nissan's Smyrna assembly plant could be heading for its busiest stretch in years. As the automaker launches the all-new 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid, Nissan Americas chairman Christian Meunier told CNBC the company is considering adding a third production shift at its U.S. plants, including the Smyrna facility in Rutherford County.
"We're now maxing out the production capacity in the U.S.," Meunier told CNBC. "The next step is going to be three shifts, and I'm pretty optimistic that with the launch of the new Rogue that is happening in the next couple months, we'll be able to do that pretty quickly with the launch of the hybrid."
What a Third Shift Could Mean for Smyrna Jobs
According to CNBC, Nissan currently builds the Rogue alongside other Nissan and Infiniti crossovers at its 6 million-square-foot plant in Smyrna, running two production shifts. The company's other large U.S. plant, in Canton, Mississippi, builds the Altima sedan and Frontier pickup.
CNBC noted that additional production at assembly plants typically means hundreds, if not thousands, of new jobs. Nissan has not announced a hiring number or a start date for a third shift, and Meunier's comments describe a goal rather than a finalized plan.
Meunier told CNBC that if Nissan adds a third shift at each of its U.S. assembly plants, its annual U.S. production could rise to roughly 1 million vehicles, up from nearly 487,000 in 2025. Nissan has a target of producing 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. domestically by 2030, but has no plans for a new plant for now.
"I think we're very well equipped to succeed without major investment and a new factory and everything else. Maybe after 2030," Meunier said.
For Rutherford County, the Smyrna plant is one of the region's anchor employers. Hoodline reports the facility accounts for roughly 8,500 local jobs and builds the Rogue, Pathfinder, Murano and Infiniti QX60. Anyone watching for openings can keep an eye on the Murfreesboro jobs guide.
Where the Rogue Hybrid Is Built
It is important to note that the first Rogue Hybrids sold in the U.S. will not come from Smyrna. Nissan's global newsroom states that the Rogue Hybrid will be assembled at Nissan Motor Kyushu in Japan. Meunier told CNBC that Nissan plans to import the hybrids from Japan in the meantime to get them to market more quickly.
According to CNBC, U.S. manufacturing of the hybrid is expected to start next year, after the spring production launch of the gas-powered 2027 Rogue at the Tennessee plant.
Automation Is Changing Jobs Inside the Plant, Too
Growth is not the only change at Smyrna. Hoodline, citing Business Insider, reports the plant has deployed autonomous mobile robots that can carry about 4,190 pounds, affecting 64 forklift and tug operator positions. According to that report, Nissan said no one was laid off: affected workers were notified months in advance and could apply for other positions in the plant or potentially train for industrial robot roles, though those positions will not be backfilled long-term.
About the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid
The Rogue Hybrid uses Nissan's e-POWER system, in which a gasoline engine charges a battery that powers dual electric motors. The engine never drives the wheels directly, and the vehicle does not need to be plugged in.
Highlights from Nissan's announcement:
- Nissan-estimated 40 mpg city; CNBC reports 38 mpg combined
- Standard dual-motor all-wheel drive
- e-Pedal and Smooth Stop technology
- Google built-in with Gemini available on a 14.3-inch display
- Starting MSRP of $35,490 for the SV, up to $43,490 for the Platinum, plus $1,575 destination
The first version to arrive, the SR with SR Technology Package ($41,490), goes on sale in fall 2026, with the full lineup arriving in early 2027.
"Hybrids are increasingly becoming the powertrain of choice for U.S. customers, and we believe that trend will only accelerate," Meunier said in Nissan's announcement. "The launch of Rogue Hybrid marks a pivotal moment for Nissan, helping us attract new customers and strengthen our business."
Local shoppers can check availability at Murfreesboro Nissan on Memorial Boulevard or browse other car dealerships in Murfreesboro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nissan adding a third shift at the Smyrna plant?
Nissan is considering it. Christian Meunier, chairman of Nissan Americas, told CNBC that "the next step is going to be three shifts" and that he is optimistic it can happen quickly with the launch of the hybrid. No start date or hiring number has been announced.
Is the Nissan Rogue Hybrid built in Smyrna, Tennessee?
Not initially. Nissan says the Rogue Hybrid will be assembled at Nissan Motor Kyushu in Japan, and early U.S. models will be imported. CNBC reports U.S. production of the hybrid is expected to begin next year.
How many people work at Nissan's Smyrna plant?
Hoodline reports the Smyrna plant accounts for roughly 8,500 local jobs. The plant currently runs two production shifts.
How much is the 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid?
MSRP starts at $35,490 for the SV AWD and tops out at $43,490 for the Platinum AWD, plus a $1,575 destination and handling charge.
When does the 2027 Rogue Hybrid go on sale?
The SR with SR Technology Package goes on sale in fall 2026. The SV, SR and Platinum grades follow in early 2027.
Sources: CNBC, Nissan USA Newsroom, Nissan Global Newsroom, CBT News, and Hoodline.
*Photo: Nissan.*