Nissan to Reimport U.S.-Built Murano SUV to Japan

Nissan Motor Co. announced it will reintroduce the Murano SUV—produced at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant in the United States—to the Japanese market starting in 2027. The model was withdrawn from Japan in 2015, and its return is enabled by provisions in the 2025 U.S.-Japan tariff agreement that streamline import procedures for U.S.-made vehicles, as well as a certification exemption policy introduced by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in February this year. The imported Murano will retain its left-hand drive configuration. Currently, Nissan sells only the X-Trail SUV in Japan. Facing sluggish domestic sales and dealer concerns over a limited product lineup, the company hopes that introducing the larger Murano will help stimulate market demand. Toyota and Honda have also announced similar plans to reintroduce multiple North American–produced models to the Japanese market.