Nissan Motor Co. will reduce production of light trucks to a single shift at its Canton, Miss., plant and boost car output in a move that reflects an industry-wide slump in sales of gas-guzzlers.

The Japanese automaker said Monday that it will add a third shift of Altima sedan production at the plant this summer.

"With flexibility built into our systems, we're able to quickly adapt to the changing landscape," said Bill Krueger, senior vice president of manufacturing, purchasing and customer satisfaction at Nissan North America.

Nissan's announcement follows moves by Detroit's automakers and by Toyota Motor Corp. to reduce output of light trucks -- in some cases permanently, through plant closures.

Rebecca Lindland at automotive forecasting firm Global Insight said most of the... // DetNews.com