The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce announced that the winner of its inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest is the Nissan Rogue, manufactured at the Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant.
The contest – created by the Tennessee Chamber and Tennessee Manufacturers Association in partnership with the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association, and Smart Factory Institute Tennessee – saw over 100 submissions by innovators and manufacturers across the Volunteer State.
The Rogue is a compact crossover SUV and is currently Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S.
Congratulations to @Nissan for being crowned the winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee competition!
This innovative vehicle showcases the best of Tennessee's automotive industry, combining advanced technology with sleek design. pic.twitter.com/2QTvuivrqP
— Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry (@TNChamber) July 25, 2024
The Nissan plant in Smyrna currently assembles the Nissan LEAF, Murano, Pathfinder, Rogue and INFINITI QX60.
To date, according to the company’s website, Nissan has invested $7.1 billion USD in its Smyrna plant which employs more than 5,700 employees and averages an annual production capacity of 500,000 vehicles.
“Our team at the Smyrna plant puts their heart and soul into the Rogue, and this award is a huge validation of their hard work,” said Brian Crockett, the vice president of manufacturing at the Smyrna plant.
“They have helped make the Rogue a standout vehicle, and this achievement shows just how much passion and effort they exhibit every day. It’s incredible to see their efforts recognized like this,” Crockett added.
In addition to Nissan, other well-known brands that entered the contest for their Tennessee-made products included Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, M&M’S® PEANUT BUTTER MINIS, and Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie.
Over 75,000 votes cast by Tennessee residents determined the Nissan Rogue to be the victor of this year’s inaugural contest, according to the Chamber of Commerce, which announced the winner at its official contest luncheon and Smart Solutions for Smart Factories Expo last week.
“The Nissan Rogue’s victory in our inaugural contest is a testament to the outstanding quality and impact of Tennessee’s manufacturing sector,” President and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry Bradley Jackson said in a statement.
“This award highlights the exceptional work being done at Nissan’s Smyrna plant and their contribution to the automotive industry.”
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Nissan Rogue” by Nissan.
