In a remarkable boost for local manufacturing, Nissan has revealed that crucial components for their upcoming Y63 Patrol will be proudly made in Australia. This exciting development brings new life to the nation’s automotive sector, with Dandenong’s casting plant taking center stage in this global production strategy.
Dandenong Plant Takes Global Spotlight
The Melbourne suburb of Dandenong has quietly been home to Nissan’s Australian Casting Plant since 1982. Now, this long-standing facility is stepping into a more prominent role by producing essential parts for Nissan’s legendary 4WD flagship.
Andrew Humberstone, Managing Director of Nissan Oceania, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm when making the announcement. “We are proud to announce that the Nissan Casting Australia Plant is producing crucial parts for the brand’s 4WD flagship, the Y63 Nissan Patrol,” he declared with evident pride.
The factory currently creates components that find their way into Nissan vehicles worldwide. With this expanded role, Australian engineering and craftsmanship will now be built into every new Y63 Patrol that rolls off production lines globally.
Twin-Turbo Powerhouse with Aussie DNA
The upcoming Y63 Patrol isn’t just any vehicle – it’s set to be a twin-turbo V6 powerhouse designed to compete directly with Toyota’s formidable LandCruiser 300 Series. Having Australian-made components at its heart gives this global vehicle a unique connection to our country.
Currently, the Y63 is only available in left-hand drive markets around the world. Australian drivers will need to wait until 2026 before they can get behind the wheel of one with the steering wheel on the proper side for our roads.
What makes this announcement particularly significant is the rarity of automotive manufacturing in Australia today. Since the closure of major car plants over the past decade, opportunities like this have become increasingly precious for our skilled workforce.
Growing Against Global Trends
While Nissan has faced declining sales in many international markets, Australia has bucked this trend. Sales here increased by an impressive 15 percent year-on-year, primarily led by strong performance from the X-Trail model.
This success story likely contributed to Nissan’s decision to invest $4.6 million in the Dandenong facility during 2024. It’s a vote of confidence in Australian manufacturing capabilities and the quality of work produced here.
The plant now employs 192 people and exports approximately $82 million worth of parts annually. That impressive figure will likely grow as production of Y63 Patrol components ramps up in the coming years.
Beyond Just Assembly
The Australian connection to Nissan’s vehicles goes deeper than many realize. The Dandenong plant manufactures an astonishing 1.2 million parts annually, across 25 different components for Nissan plants globally.
These aren’t just basic pieces either – the facility produces specialized electric vehicle and hybrid components not made anywhere else in Nissan’s global supply chain. This includes sophisticated items like water jacket coolers, inverter cases, and inverter covers.
Perhaps most visible to everyday Australians will be the approximately 16,000 towbars made each year at the plant. These will now proudly display the iconic green-and-gold kangaroo logo as they make their way to up to 40 different countries worldwide.
Australian Made Certification
The official Australian Made certification recently awarded to the plant represents a significant achievement. “Earning official Australian Made certification is recognition of the team’s hard work over a long period of time,” noted Humberstone.
This certification doesn’t just benefit marketing efforts – it reflects the quality standards and manufacturing excellence achieved at the facility. For workers and engineers at the plant, it’s validation of their skills and dedication.
When the Y63 Patrol finally arrives in Australian showrooms in 2026, drivers will be able to take pride knowing that crucial parts beneath the bonnet were crafted by Australian hands in a Melbourne suburb.
Premcar Partnership Expands Nissan’s Australian Connection
Beyond the Dandenong casting plant, Nissan has further strengthened its Australian manufacturing ties through a partnership with Melbourne-based Premcar. Since 2019, this collaboration has developed specialized versions of Nissan vehicles.
The Patrol Warrior and Navara Warrior models, enhanced by Premcar’s expertise, have proven so successful they’re now offered in overseas markets too. Additionally, Premcar upgrades the Navara PRO-4X for Nissan Australia, which is then exported to South Africa.
This pattern of Australian engineering and manufacturing excellence finding global markets demonstrates the untapped potential still present in our automotive sector. Despite the challenges faced over recent decades, world-class skills and facilities continue to thrive here.
Looking Forward to 2026
For Australian 4WD enthusiasts, 2026 can’t come soon enough. The arrival of the Y63 Patrol with Australian-made components will represent both a technological leap forward and a point of national pride.
The current model has established a loyal following for its combination of luxury, technology and genuine off-road capability. The next generation promises to build on these strengths while adding the efficiency and power of a twin-turbo V6 configuration.
Until then, the Dandenong plant will continue quietly producing millions of components that make their way into Nissan vehicles around the world. And with each part shipped, a small piece of Australian manufacturing excellence travels with it.
A Bright Spot in Manufacturing
In an era when much manufacturing has moved offshore, the Nissan Casting Australia Plant stands as a shining example of how specialized skills and quality production can keep operations viable locally.
The plant’s expansion to include Y63 Patrol components demonstrates that with the right approach, Australian manufacturing can compete on the global stage. It provides a model that other industries might consider following.
For Dandenong and the surrounding community, the plant’s continued success means stable employment and economic activity. For Australia, it maintains crucial skills and capabilities that might otherwise be lost forever.
FAQs
When will the Y63 Nissan Patrol be available in Australia?
The vehicle is expected to be available to order in Australia in 2026.
What type of engine will the new Patrol have? It will feature a twin-turbo V6 engine.
How many people does the Nissan Casting Australia Plant employ?
The plant currently employs 192 people.
What is the value of parts exported from the Dandenong plant annually?
Approximately $82 million worth of parts are exported around the world annually.
How long has the Dandenong plant been operating?
The Nissan Australia Casting Plant has been operating since 1982.
What certification has the plant recently received?
The plant has earned official Australian Made certification.
How many parts does the plant produce annually?
The facility makes 1.2 million examples of 25 different parts annually.
Which Nissan model has led the company’s sales growth in Australia?
The X-Trail has led Nissan’s 15 percent sales increase in Australia.
How much did Nissan invest in the Dandenong facility in 2024?
Nissan invested $4.6 million in the facility.
What other Australian company partners with Nissan for specialized vehicles?
Melbourne-based Premcar develops and manufactures specialized models like the Patrol Warrior.