'Self-improvement' | Nissan cuts 20,000 jobs and plans seven plant closures

Nissan's three US manufacturing plants may be under threat after the Japanese car giant announced that it is cutting 20,000 jobs and closing seven factories worldwide as it attempts to reverse its financial downturn, slash operating costs and regain a foothold in key global markets.

The Japanese automaker confirmed the redundancies will affect approximately 15% of its global workforce, up from the 9,000 previously announced in November. The cuts will hit employees and contractors across manufacturing, R&D, sales and administrative functions.