Mar. 17 at 7:39 PM
Nissan Motor will begin exporting the U.S.-built Murano SUV to Japan starting early next year, marking its first American-made model sold there since the 1990s.
The move follows similar plans by Toyota Motor and Honda Motor, after Japan eased import rules under a trade agreement linked to Donald Trump’s administration. Under the new framework, U.S.-made vehicles can be sold in Japan without local certification, as long as they meet American standards.
Nissan will import the Murano from Tennessee with a left-hand drive configuration, unusual for Japan, aiming to broaden its domestic lineup.
Despite the shift, analysts expect limited impact on volumes, as about 95% of Japan’s auto market is locally produced, and imported vehicles remain a niche—often larger models positioned as premium or “halo” products.
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