Nissan officially launched production of its 2016 Nissan Titan XD full-size pickup with Job One ceremonies at its Canton, Miss., assembly facility on Nov. 19.

Speaking at the ceremony were José Muñoz, executive vice president, Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. and chairman, Nissan North America, Inc.; Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant; Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves; and Steve Marsh, vice president, Manufacturing, Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant.

"It has been a long, hard journey getting to today and I want to express my appreciation to the entire TITAN XD team," said Muñoz, referring to the truck's planning, design, engineering, testing and manufacturing teams from Nissan facilities across the United States. "And now, the real hard work begins right here on this production line – delivering the promise of innovation and excitement designed into the new TITAN to our customers."

"When Nissan opened the doors on its assembly plant in 2003 in Canton, it thrust Mississippi into the global spotlight. Our state's automotive industry has grown exponentially since that time and shows no signs of slowing down," Gov. Bryant said. "The launch of the 2016 Nissan TITAN once again has the world's eyes on our state and Nissan Canton's hard-working employees who take pride in a job well done. I congratulate the entire Nissan team on yet another exciting milestone at the Canton facility."

The Canton facility, originally opened in May 2003, has more than 6,000 employees and has produced more than three million vehicles to date. The facility covers 4.2 million square feet. Along with the TITAN XD, models produced include Altima, Armada, Frontier, NV Cargo Van, NV Passenger Van and Murano.

"Launching the new TITAN in Canton is a testament to the quality work by Nissan's employees there," Lt. Gov. Reeves said. "In Mississippi, elected leaders are working to create an environment that supports innovation in the private sector and prepare a workforce ready for the jobs of tomorrow. I appreciate Nissan's commitment to Mississippi and congratulate their team on today's announcement."

"Trucks have been a key part of Nissan's manufacturing heritage – with the first TITAN produced here in Canton and the first ever U.S.-assembled vehicle, a Frontier pickup in Smyrna in 1983," said Marsh. "And now today we are launching the new generation TITAN, a vehicle as significant – maybe more so – as the original."

The all-new TITAN XD joins a refreshed 2016 Nissan lineup that includes the new Nissan Maxima "4-Door Sports Car," redesigned Nissan Altima and the updated Nissan Sentra, which made its debut yesterday at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Nissan sales in the United States have increased by 6.2 percent in 2015 (through October), led by sales of Rogue and Murano crossover SUVs.

"Nissan enters 2016 not only with a reinvigorated product lineup, but also with tremendous momentum in terms of sales and share gains," said Muñoz. "And one of the key reasons for our success is our dedication to building the vehicles we sell in North America here in North America – with 85 percent sold here, built here."