SMYRNA (AP) — Nissan is launching production of an updated version of the midsized Altima sedan at assembly plants in Smyrna, Tennessee, and Canton, Mississippi.

The Japanese automaker's U.S. plants have combined to make more than 5.5 million Altimas since 1992.

The Smyrna plant — which is North America's highest-producing auto factory — began making the updated Altima on Monday. Canton is scheduled to follow suit next week.

The Altima was last redesigned for the 2013 model year. The mid-cycle makeover includes a redesigned front and rear fascia, grille and lights. The car has a standard fuel economy of 39 highway miles per gallon.

Nissan sold more than 262,000 Altimas through the first nine months of the year, a 2 percent increase.

The 2016 Altima will go on sale next month.