Nissan, Dongfeng Target “Green” Production in China

Nissan Motor Co. and Dongfeng Motor Group aim to shift their Chinese operations to “greener” production methods over the next four years.

The initiative, dubbed Green 2022, is being conducted by the companies through their Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd. joint venture. DFM says it will implement several new production methods that are expected to reduce water and energy usage at its facilities by 35% and 30% respectively. The project also will add three new solar-generation facilities.

As part of the initiative, DFM is investing 1 billion yuan ($145 million) to upgrade 27 paint shops, which the company expects will result in a 50% reduction in emissions of volatile organic compounds.

DFM previously announced plans to launch 20 electrified models under its four brands (Nissan, Infiniti, Dongfeng and Venucia) by 2022. Such vehicles are expected to account for 30% of the joint venture’s sales by that time.

The carmaker also is developing an advanced battery regeneration technology to reduce tailpipe emissions, increase vehicle recycling value and reduce waste. The repurposed batteries are expected to help power local homes and businesses.

In February, DFM announced plans to hike its sales in China from 1.6 million units in 2017 to 2.6 million in 2022. The joint venture, which was created in 2003, has launched 32 models over the last seven years. The company added its Venucia line of budget-priced vehicles in 2012.