NISMO has opened its first Performance Centre outside Japan at Ferntree Gully Nissan in Victoria, the first step in a multi-phase plan for Australia.
NISMO has picked Melbourne for its first dedicated base outside Japan. The brand has officially opened its first Performance Centre beyond its home market, located inside Ferntree Gully Nissan in Victoria.
Enthusiasts gathered at the dealership on Sunday for the opening. The site is the first milestone in a multi-phase Australian expansion. Nissan Motorsports & Customization Co. (NMC) and Nissan Oceania announced that expansion in May.
A Direct Line to Omori
The centre’s main appeal is its direct link to NISMO’s Omori Factory in Japan. Australian customers now have a local point of access to that operation.
In practical terms, Nissan says the centre will offer:
- support for advanced vehicle restoration programmes
- access to genuine NISMO performance and heritage parts
- factory-certified NISMO Meisters, backed by the brand’s global expertise
That last point carries the most weight. Parts are one thing, but technicians certified by the factory are what give a restoration programme credibility. Nissan has not yet shared pricing, service menus or how many Meisters will be based in Melbourne.
Why Australia Went First
Yutaka Sanada, global head of the NISMO brand, spoke at the opening through a recorded message. He called Australia a natural priority and pointed to its mature performance culture, strong GT-R community and appetite for authentic NISMO heritage.
The choice of dealership follows the same logic. Ferntree Gully Nissan previously sold the GT-R. Dealer principal Michael Banjanin described the centre as a dedicated home for the community those cars built.
Part of a Bigger Restoration Push
The Melbourne opening ties into a wider plan. In December 2025, NISMO announced it would significantly expand its restoration, restomod and parts businesses worldwide.
That work starts with the Skyline GT-R in R32, R33 and R34 form, with other vehicles and regional programmes to follow. Nissan says the Melbourne centre will give local owners a pathway into these heritage and restoration activities. What that pathway involves, and what it costs, has not been spelled out.
The broader strategy also includes new markets and segments, plus a growing model line-up. Nissan presents it all under its long-standing “track to road” philosophy.
Who Is Behind It
NMC was formed in 2022 when Nissan merged its motorsport and customisation subsidiaries. It brings together NISMO, founded in 1984, and AUTECH, established in 1986. Nissan’s motorsport activities date back to 1936.
What Comes Next
This is the first centre, not the only one planned. Nissan says it will announce additional NISMO Performance Centres and further parts of the Australian programme in due course. It has not given timing or locations.
For Australian owners of R32, R33 and R34 GT-Rs, this is the part that matters. Factory-backed parts, restoration support and certified technicians now have a local address with a direct line to Omori.
