Nissan has opened its first Nismo Performance Center outside Japan, choosing Melbourne, Australia as its location. The center, which opened on October 4, offers enthusiasts access to expertise, parts, and full restoration services for classic models like the Skyline and GT-R. This marks a significant expansion of Nissan’s global restoration and parts businesses, announced in 2025, with a focus on supporting its heritage models.
A hub for Nissan’s performance heritage
The Melbourne center is part of Nissan’s strategy to support its performance car heritage. It provides services for models like the Skyline GT-R R32, R33, and R34, with plans to expand to other vehicles. The facility is staffed by factory-certified Nismo Meisters and offers performance parts, technical expertise, and customer experiences. This initiative aligns with the growing demand for remanufactured parts and expert technical assistance for classic Nissan models, a trend that gained momentum under Nissan Motorsports & Customizing, established in 2022.
This move reflects a growing trend among Japanese manufacturers to support classic models, similar to programs by Honda and Toyota. Honda’s Heritage Works offers factory-grade restorations for cars like the NSX, while Toyota’s GR Heritage parts catalog supports models like the AE86 Levin, Trueno, and classic Land Cruisers and Supras. For Nissan, this is a significant step, especially after ending GT-R production last year, now focusing on the Nissan Z as its enthusiast model.
Meeting demand in Australia and beyond
Australia’s strong performance car culture and GT-R community made it a natural choice for the first overseas Nismo center. Yutaka Sanada, global head of the Nismo brand, emphasized the importance of bringing the brand closer to customers in key markets, highlighting Australia’s mature performance culture and clear appetite for authentic Nismo heritage. The center’s opening was celebrated by fans at the Ferntree Gully outlet in Melbourne, showcasing the brand’s commitment to local enthusiasts.
