Moneyweb reports that Nissan South Africa plans to retrench 25% of its employees – about 400 of its total 1,600 workforce – as part of an employee reduction plan because of its inability to secure a replacement model for its NP200 bakkie for production at its Rosslyn plant in Pretoria.
Production of the Nissan NP200 bakkie is scheduled to end in March 2024 at the end of the model’s extended lifecycle. Nissan SA announced on Friday that its Rosslyn plant continued to build its flagship Navara pickup, with model upgrades to come and export destinations set to increase, but was preparing to end production of the iconic NP200. Nissan SA added on Friday: “In line with our African strategy, securing a second model for production in South Africa is a priority, and a study into an alternative vehicle is already progressing. Until our future plans are confirmed, the business will be operating at reduced production volumes and needs to act responsibly to maintain its long-term competitiveness and be ready to secure future opportunities.” Nissan SA confirmed it had entered into a formal consultation phase to restructure the business. “During the consultation phase, we will work with our employees, their representatives, and our partners to minimise the impact on our people and investigate other opportunities for them and for the business to ensure a sustainable future for the brand in South Africa,” it said.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Roy Cokayne at Moneyweb
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