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Discover the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant Tour in Tennessee

Take a unique behind-the-scenes guided tour of one of America’s largest automotive manufacturing facilities at the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant. Visitors see the full production process from stamping and body assembly to painting, trimming, final inspection and test drives. The experience is ideal for automotive enthusiasts, families, field trips and anyone curious about high-volume manufacturing.

Why it’s special:
This facility has produced hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually and offers a rare glimpse into modern car assembly and robotics in action. With a tram-based tour, participants get to view massive production halls, robotic welders, high-speed conveyors and final-stage vehicle testing in a live, working plant.

History/Story of Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant

Opened in 1983, the Smyrna plant became Nissan’s first U.S. vehicle assembly facility and has evolved into one of the most productive automotive plants in North America. Over decades the site expanded to include stamping, body welding, painting, trim and final assembly, producing many of Nissan’s key models. Today it remains a major employment hub and manufacturing landmark in Tennessee.

What You’ll See & Do on the Nissan Smyrna Tour

Watch 20-ton steel coils entering the stamping presses and see how parts are shaped
View the body assembly area where robots and skilled workers weld chassis modules
Explore the paint shop with robotic painting systems and precision finishing
Ride/tram through trim and final-assembly areas where interiors, electronics and exteriors are installed
Observe final inspections, test drive lanes and finishing zones where vehicles leave the line
Visit the visitor center and gift shop for branded memorabilia and factory-tour shirts

Hands-On Elements: Guided commentary with headsets and safety gear; tram ride through the facility; optional Q&A with plant personnel.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography and recording are prohibited inside the production areas; the visitor center allows photos of lobby and displays.
Souvenirs & Extras: A visitor center with branded merchandise, factory-tour cap/hats, special edition items and an education display about automotive manufacturing.

Pricing of the Nissan Smyrna Tour

Public tour: Free of charge.
Suitable for attendees age 10 and older.
Groups, educational tours and special sessions may have additional scheduling requirements or fees.

Practical Info for Visiting Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant

Duration: Approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Format: Guided factory-floor tour via tram with commentary, plus visitor center.
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM; reservations required in advance.
Working Hours: Tour sessions at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM every Tuesday and Thursday.
Audience: Automotive enthusiasts, school groups (age 10+), families, manufacturing-tour visitors.
Accessibility: Majority of tour accessible via tram; some stairs or platform transfers may be required—check ahead for special needs.
Safety & Restrictions: Closed-toe shoes required; cameras, recording devices, smartphones, weapons and open-toe shoes are prohibited.
Languages: English.
Group & School Visits: Group tours available by reservation; educational groups recommended to book early.
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes, photo ID, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to check-in; wear appropriate attire (no sandals or flip-flops).
Facilities: Visitor center lobby, restrooms, parking lot; tours depart from Plant Visitor Center.
Closures & Downtime: Tours not offered during holiday weeks, special plant events, or when production conditions restrict access.
Nearby:

Stones River National Battlefield & Visitor Center
Murfreesboro historic downtown district
Nashville area attractions (about 30 minutes drive)

FAQs About Visiting Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes. Due to limited seating and security requirements, you must request a tour and receive confirmation. Same-day requests are rarely accommodated.

What is the minimum age for participants?
Participants must be at least 10 years old. Children under 10 are not eligible for the tour.

Can I take photos during the tour?
No. Cameras, smartphones, video or audio recording devices are banned inside the production areas. Photos are permitted in the visitor center only.

Will I see live vehicle assembly in operation?
Yes. The tour passes through active production zones including stamping, welding, painting, trim and final testing; however, the exact visibility may vary depending on production schedule.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is tram-based and accessible for many, but some transfers or standing may be required. Contact the visitor center in advance to discuss accommodations.