Nissan's Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant is adding another luxury badge to its resume, as Nashville-area workers begin building a new INFINITI SUV that will roll straight into the premium lane of the factory's lineup. The launch keeps the sprawling Smyrna campus firmly planted among Middle Tennessee's industrial heavyweights and sends a clear signal that the local assembly lines are still humming.
Local TV station WKRN first spotlighted the move on April 16, 2026, reporting that Smyrna had "rolled out production" for a new vehicle. In a March press release, INFINITI names Smyrna as the U.S. assembly site for the all‑new QX65 and notes the plant already builds the QX60, effectively turning the facility into a small hub for the brand's luxury SUVs.
What Smyrna Builds Now
The Smyrna campus currently assembles Nissan crossovers including the Rogue, Pathfinder and Murano, alongside the INFINITI QX60, and it has long ranked among North America's higher‑volume assembly plants. "Each QX60 that rolls off our line reflects the expertise and dedication of the Smyrna team," Brian Crockett, a Smyrna plant vice president, told local reporters, according to WGNS. Nissan's corporate profile lists Smyrna as one of its primary U.S. manufacturing hubs, with capacity set up to support multiple models and long‑running ties to regional suppliers.
Local Impact and Context
Adding another INFINITI model in Smyrna carries weight for jobs and suppliers across Rutherford County, especially in the wake of Nissan's recent rethinking of its U.S. production footprint. The Associated Press reported in January 2025 that Nissan offered buyouts and adjusted shifts at several American plants, including production changes at Smyrna. For the town and surrounding communities, the new model's rollout is a reminder that corporate decisions on which vehicles get built where can ripple quickly through hiring plans and local supply chains.
When You'll See One on the Road
According to INFINITI, the all‑new QX65 is expected to be available in summer 2026, with retailers slated to begin receiving the first units from Smyrna ahead of public deliveries. The automaker highlights new features and premium finishes, including a signature Sunfire Red paint option and upgraded interior appointments, as part of the model's U.S. launch.
We contacted Nissan for comment and will update this story if the company shares more details on production rates or local hiring plans. For now, company materials and local reporting indicate that Smyrna remains a core U.S. assembly site for Nissan and INFINITI vehicles.
