Core Viewpoint - Nissan is set to close its Oppama factory by March 2028 as part of a global restructuring plan, reflecting the challenges faced by the Japanese manufacturing sector amid the shift towards electric vehicles [1][4]. Group 1: Factory Closure and Impact - The Oppama factory, established in 1961, will cease automobile production by the end of the 2027 fiscal year, affecting 2,400 employees and the local economy [1][4]. - Local residents are uncertain about the future of the factory site, with speculation about its potential redevelopment into a resort or theme park [2][4]. - Nissan's CEO Ivan Espinosa has indicated that there are no plans for contract manufacturing at the Oppama site, despite discussions with Foxconn about electric vehicle production [2][4]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The closure of the Oppama factory highlights the broader struggles of Japanese manufacturers to adapt to changing consumer preferences and competition from companies like Tesla and BYD [4][5]. - Nissan's production has significantly declined, with the Oppama factory now only producing two models compared to seven in 2007 [4]. - The automotive supply chain is under pressure, with 32 related companies filing for bankruptcy in the last fiscal year, the highest in a decade [5]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Strategy - Nissan has initiated a recovery plan named "Re:Nissan," aiming to reduce global factories from 17 to 10 and cut annual production capacity from 3.5 million to 2.5 million vehicles, alongside a workforce reduction of 20,000 [5]. - The company anticipates asset impairment and restructuring costs of 160 billion yen for the current fiscal year [6]. - Japanese automobile exports to the U.S. have seen a significant decline, with a 26.7% year-on-year drop in June, exacerbated by increased tariffs [6].