The Nissan SUV, Rogue, has been produced at a facility in Japan for years. For 2013, things are going to change. Nissan will produce its best-selling vehicle in the United States. This plan is part of an effort to localize upwards of 85% of its manufacturing in the regions where it sells vehicles by 2015.

"There are still significant challenges facing us. One of the biggest-not surprisingly-is the strength of the Japanese yen and the impact it has on our profitability," Mr. Tavares said. Yen is trading at 83 for $1, well below the historic level. This makes exporting cars…