According to a news update from CNN Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) says that Nissan Philippines Inc., together with its vehicle assembly partner, Univation Motor Philippines, Inc. (UMPI), decided to shut down the Nissan Almera Sta. Rosa assembly plant on March 2021.
This move was decided upon after the expiration of the assembly contract between Nissan Philippines Inc., and UMPI.
A UMPI owned lot with Almera units
This was also decided upon by Nissan’s management, to follow its plan in optimizing its business operations and production.
If you remember, this is the Japanese carmaker’s way of getting back on track after a dismal global performance for the fiscal year 2019-2020. With this, Nissan will reduce costs, and thus become a leaner, more profitable company.
In response to the news of Nissan’s Sta. Rosa plant shut down, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez says that this is all the more proof as to why the safeguard duty initiative should be implemented immediately. That way, the local industry can be protected from the entry of imports.
Of note, the said Nissan plant’s closure comes in the heels of other plant closures. Honda has since stopped its local assembly operations back in March 2020. Isuzu has also ceased its local assembly of the Isuzu D-Max and is now importing the said vehicle from Thailand.
Nissan’s Sta. Rosa assembly plant employs around 133 workers whose livelihoods will be affected. It is also a large blow to the local car industry.
For more news on the Almera model itself, let's wait for Nissan for more details
Do note that only the assembly plant for the Nissan Almera will be ceasing its operations. Nissan will still continue selling cars locally and will continue to strive for great customer experience, service, and quality products.
Univation Motor Philippines, the company contracted to operate the assembly plant in question, will still continue to operate as well.
We reached out to Nissan Philippines regarding the said plant shut down. Below is the car brand's official statement:
“Nissan in the Philippines, together with its vehicle assembly partner, Univation Motor Philippines, Inc. (UMPI), have made the decision to cease production operations for the Nissan Almera in the Santa Rosa plant in the Philippines, effective March 2021. The decision has been made following the expiration of the assembly contract between Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) and UMPI.
The decision is aligned with Nissan’s plan towards optimized production and efficient business operations in the ASEAN region, as part of the Nissan NEXT transformation plan.
We were informed that UMPI will remain active in the Philippines and continue its other business operations in the country. The well-being of employees is the highest priority. Nissan is coordinating with UMPI to ensure a smooth transition.
Nissan remains committed to its investments in the Philippines. The company will continue to contribute to the growth of the Philippine automotive industry through its innovative products and excellent services, as well as its dealer expansion nationwide.
Nissan’s strategy in the Philippines is to keep the customer at the heart of our business and focus on strengthening the fundamentals of Product, Service, Customer Experience, and People. Our customer-centric approach guides our product and service offerings, as well as network expansion.”
For the latest automotive news in the Philippines, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Nissan Almera 2024
The Nissan Almera is a four-door compact sedan. For the Philippine market, its available variants have a price ranging from Php 845,000 to Php 1,260,000.
Size-wise, all trims are 1,740mm wide and 1,460mm tall. The top-spec VL meanwhile, is 4,530mm long, while the VE and EL are 4,495mm long. All three get a ground clearance of 135mm, and a wheelbase length of 2,620mm.
Under the hood of the Philippine-spec Almera is a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-3 gasoline engine that can make up to 99 horsepower and 152 Nm of torque. The three-banger is then paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending power to its front wheels for the VL and VE. The EL meanwhile, uses a five-speed manual gearbox.
Locally, the Nissan Almera competes against the Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, Honda City, MG 5, Volkswagen Santana, Geely Emgrand, Hyundai Reina, Kia Soluto, etc.
Nissan Almera Launch
The current-gen Nissan Almera was launched for the Philippine market in October 2021. It then received a facelift in July 2023 with three different variants: the top-spec VL, the mid-spec VE, and the entry-level EL.
Nissan Almera Exterior
On the outside, the Almera reflects the current Nissan design language. It still comes with a variation of the V-motion grille and a streamlined silhouette that rides on a set of 16-inch or 15-inch wheels
Other exterior equipment available on the top-spec Almera includes LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, and LED taillights.
Nissan Almera Interior
All occupants of the Almera are kept cool by a single-zone automatic climate control system. The VL and VE trims then get a digital gauge cluster, leather seat wraps, and an intelligent key with a remote engine start feature. Its second row then comes with a 60:40 split-folding function.
Technology & Safety Features
The higher-spec Almera variants get an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The said headunit is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Only the VL gets the full version of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety suite. This collection of tech features includes blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and forward emergency braking. Both the VL and the VE are also kitted out with an around-view monitor and hill-start assist.
Also exclusive to the VL is the NissanConnect Services. This allows a user to remotely find his or her Almera. It likewise provides a remote engine start/stop feature, and it also has various alerts for various situations.
Standard safety features found on all Almera variants include anti-lock braking, a total of six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a car alarm, an engine immobilizer, and stability control. Only the VL gets tire pressure monitoring, but both the latter and the VE trim come with cruise control.
Platform & Chassis
For ride comfort, the Almera uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Braking is then handled by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake.
The refreshed Almera is currently in its fourth-generation form. It uses the Nissan V platform.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the new Almera is a 1.0-liter inline-3 turbocharged engine. It can produce up to 98 horsepower and 152 Nm of torque at maximum. Power is then sent to its front wheels via an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The new Almera also has idle start/stop technology.
The Nissan Almera for the Philippine market is one of the few turbocharged sedans available right now. That said though, some models stand to produce slightly more output regardless of the Nissan model’s use of forced induction. On the flip side, this sedan is one of the few examples that gets an ADAS suite. So in terms of tech, it sits high on the totem pole.
Nissan Almera Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Nissan Almera FAQs
1. How much does a Nissan Almera 2024 cost in the Philippines?
The Almera 2024 price is 845,000 Php for the entry-level EL Turbo MT, 1,085,000 Php for the mid-spec VE Turbo CVT, and the top-of-the-line VL 1.0 Turbo CVT is 1,260,000 Php.
2. What is the length of Nissan Almera Philippines?
The length of Almera is 4,530 mm.
3. How many seaters is the Nissan Almera 2024?
The Nissan 2024 has 5 seaters.
No, the Almera 2024 doesn't have a remote start.
5. Which is cheaper the Almera or the Volkswagen Lavida?
It is Almera. The price top-of-the-line Nissan Almera Philippines is 1,260,000 PHP, while the price of the Volkswagen Lavida is 1,301,000 PHP.
₱ 839,000 - ₱ 1,149,000
Explore
Recent posts
- Nissan Philippines January 2021 Promo Jan 20, 2021
- Nissan Magnite ASEAN NCAP details Jan 20, 2021
- nissan GT-R street race fail Dec 08, 2021
- Nissan Philippines Pasig City Collaboration Jan 15, 2021
- Nissan Kicks could be coming in Philippines Jan 13, 2021
