Nissan switches to off-the-shelf chips amid global shortage

TOKYO -- Nissan Motor is redesigning its cars to use more generic chips, a move that companies in other industries are also making, potentially heralding a major shift in Japan's manufacturing sector.

Auto and appliance makers have so far dealt with a prolonged global semiconductor shortage by building up inventories. Looking further ahead, Nissan Motor aims to reduce its reliance on custom-made chips.