THE inability to secure a replacement model for the Nissan NP200 is putting jobs on the line.
Nissan is expected to retrench close to 400 employees in 2024.
SA's bestselling and most loved bakkie, Nissan NP200, is being discontinued.
Production of the 16-year-old bakkie is scheduled to end in March 2024 at the end of its lifecycle.
In a media briefing held in Midrand, Gauteng on Wednesday, 18 October, the new Nissan SA managing director, Maciej Klenkiewicz, said that the group had been looking into sourcing a replacement for NP200, but the geopolitical situation in Russia put brakes on it.
This is where the motoring company sourced components for building NP200 bakkies.
"Nissan is currently evaluating other alternatives in line with the ambitions of its Africa mid-term plan," he said.
NP200, which came after Nissan 1400, will be sorely missed.
People who love this type of car will have to opt for second-hand ones.
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Nissan SA spokeswoman Mamokhele Sebatane said they've entered a consultation phase aiming at restructuring the business.
She said the company has about 1 650 employees, excluding contractors and suppliers, and 400 or less will be affected.
"We're trying to minimise the impact. Some employees will be absorbed in other departments while others will be reskilled," Mamokhele said.
Meanwhile, Klenkiewicz said until the group's plans are confirmed, the business will operate at reduced production volumes to stay afloat.
He said the Rosslyn plant will continue to build its superstar Navara pickup bakkie with export destinations set for other African regions.
The group said it is excited about other new markets which have opened in Libya, Algeria and Egypt.
Mamokhele said they're also excited about creating employment opportunities in Ghana, where there's a plant assembling Nissan Navara for the West Africa market.
