NISSAN has used Australian Made Week to spotlight its long-running local manufacturing operation in Victoria, highlighting the global importance of its Melbourne casting plant in supplying components for hybrid, electric, and combustion-powered vehicles sold around the world.

 

The Nissan Casting Australia Plant (NCAP), located in Dandenong South, has been operating for 44 years and remains a key part of Nissan’s global manufacturing network, producing critical aluminium die-cast components for vehicles ranging from the Leaf EV to the Patrol large SUV.

 

Established in 1982, the facility now employs more than 190 staff and contractors and produces around 1.2 million aluminium castings and towbars annually for domestic and export markets.

 

Of growing significance is the plant’s role in electrification.

 

NCAP is Nissan’s sole global manufacturing site for core components used in the company’s latest 5-in-1 e-Power hybrid system, making the Australian operation strategically important to the brand’s future electrified vehicle rollout.

 

It also manufactures driveline components for the Leaf electric hatchback.

 

Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette said the facility demonstrates the depth of local capability.

 

“Innovation doesn’t just happen overseas, the Nissan Casting Australia Plant demonstrates the depth of manufacturing expertise, skill and capability we have right here in Australia,” he said.

 

“For 44 years, the team at NCAP has produced world-class components that support Nissan vehicles driven around the globe.”

 

Components produced at the Victorian site support a wide range of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles, including: Nissan Qashqai (latest e-Power hybrid system), Leaf, Navara, Patrol / North American Armada, X-Trail / North American Rogue, Pathfinder, Kicks, Note, Serena, Murano, Skyline, Titan, Civilian (bus), and Infiniti QX80, Infiniti QX60, and Infiniti QX50.

 

The breadth of applications highlights the continuing relevance of Australian manufacturing in global automotive supply chains, even as local full-vehicle production disappeared years ago.

 

Although the facility only officially gained Australian Made certification last year, Nissan says its local identity has long been embedded in its products.

 

Many castings produced at the plant carry a raised kangaroo motif, a subtle identifier marking their Australian origin before being shipped internationally.

 

“The kangaroo motif proudly cast into many of the components over the years may be small, but it represents something much bigger,” said Mr Milette.

 

Nissan says its milestone serves as a reminder that while Australia no longer builds complete passenger vehicles, advanced automotive manufacturing capability remains active in specialist supply roles.

 

The Dandenong operation is not simply a legacy facility, it is an active contributor to the company’s electrification program and global production network, says Nissan.

 

As automakers increasingly focus on EVs and hybrid technologies, NCAP’s critical role shows Australian industrial capability still has a place in the future automotive landscape.

 

MINI has celebrated 25 years of modern production under BMW Group ownership.

 

The silver anniversary marks a milestone that underscores its evolution from a British icon to a globally recognised premium small-car brand.

 

The first BMW-era Mini rolled off the production line at Plant Oxford in April 2001, signalling the rebirth of the marque for the modern era.

 

Since then, more than 4.67 million Minis have been built in the UK, with production centred around BMW Group’s Oxford and Swindon facilities, supported by engine manufacturing at Hams Hall.

 

Today, the Oxford plant produces about 800 vehicles per day, with a new Mini leaving the line every 78 seconds, highlighting the scale of the brand’s global demand.

 

The milestone reflects a broader transformation of the Mini brand, which traces its origins back to 1959 when the original Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, redefined small-car packaging with its front-wheel-drive layout and compact footprint.

 

That legacy has carried through to the modern era, with Mini continuing to emphasise design individuality, agile driving dynamics, and strong links to its motorsport heritage.

 

Mini head Jean-Philippe Parain said the anniversary highlights the brand’s enduring appeal.

 

“Our unmistakable British roots, unique design and go-kart feeling have made Mini a global icon,” he said.

 

The current Mini line-up is the most diverse in its history, spanning five core models with a mix of internal combustion and fully electric powertrains.

 

Electrification is playing an increasingly important role, with battery-electric vehicles accounting for more than one-third of global Mini sales in 2025 and exceeding 50 per cent in some markets.

 

Global deliveries reached 288,290 units last year, while the performance-focused John Cooper Works sub-brand recorded a record 25,630 sales.

 

Manufacturing remains a cornerstone of Mini’s identity, with more than 3000 employees across its UK plants contributing to production, reinforcing the brand’s strong ties to British industry.

 

Mini continues to evolve its range with new electric models and design-led special editions simultaneously balancing heritage with innovation as it transitions further into a fully electric future.