As part of the global expansion of Nissan’s NISMO motorsport and performance brand, the first ever NISMO Performance Centre in Australia has opened. Located at Ferntree Gully Nissan in suburban Melbourne, the grand opening in early October saw a big turnout of Nissan owners and enthusiasts to mark the occasion.
Previously a Japan-only program, NISMO Performance Centres will become a global initiative, with more centres to be opened in key markets, including additional facilities for Australia in 2027.
Nissan says the purpose of NISMO Performance Centre Melbourne is to establish “a direct connection between Australian customers and NISMO’s Omori Factory in Japan”. In addition to providing vehicle servicing (by factory-certified ‘NISMO Meister' technicians), and offering a range of performance and heritage parts, NISMO Performance Centre will also support advanced vehicle restoration programs.
A pre-recorded message at the opening from Yutaka Sanada, global head of the NISMO brand, was as follows: “The opening of the first NISMO Performance Centre outside Japan is an important milestone in our global expansion. Our focus is on bringing the brand closer to customers in the right markets, with the right products, services and experiences.
“Australia is a natural priority because of its mature performance culture, strong GT-R community and clear appetite for authentic NISMO heritage, performance parts, technical expertise and motorsport-driven experiences.”
Michael Hill, Director of Sales and Aftersales, Nissan Oceania, added: “NISMO has always been about much more than performance — it is about the passion, authenticity and connection that surround Nissan’s most iconic vehicles. Seeing the local enthusiast community come together to celebrate the opening is a great reflection of that passion.
“We’re excited to bring the knowledge and expertise of NISMO closer to Australian customers and to strengthen the connection between NISMO’s Japanese heritage and Australia’s passionate performance community.”
The opening of the first NISMO Performance Centre outside of Japan follows Nissan’s announcement late last year that they will “significantly expand” their global restoration, restomod and parts businesses, focusing initially on the legendary Skyline GT-R R32, R33 and R34, with additional vehicles and regional programs to follow.
