Dive Brief:
- Nissan Motor Co. unveiled plans to launch more than 10 new and refreshed models in North America equipped with next-generation technologies to attract new customers, increase profitability and boost its competitiveness, the automaker announced in a press release March 26.
- The new models will feature various powertrain options, including Nissan's e-POWER and plug-in hybrids, fully electric vehicles and models with advanced internal combustion engines.
- “Through powertrain diversification and new models, we will provide a broader range of options that cater to diverse customer preferences, further distinguishing Nissan and Infiniti brands,” said Guillaume Cartier, Nissan chief performance officer, in the release.
Dive Insight:
The automaker’s plans include a redesign of the third-generation Leaf as a family-friendly compact crossover to boost its appeal. Nissan launched the Leaf in 2010 and it became one of the world’s best-selling EVs.
Nissan says the third-generation Leaf will feature “substantial improvements in aerodynamics with a more advanced EV architecture.” The Leaf will be built on the same CMF-EV platform used by the Ariya SUV and will offer significant range improvements over the previous generation, according to the automaker. Nissan said it will share additional details of the redesigned Leaf EV by mid-year.
The next-generation Leaf will debut in the U.S. and Canada in fiscal year 2025. Leaf models sold in North America will also come standard with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port for the first time, allowing customers to access the Tesla Supercharger network in the U.S. and Canada.
Nissan will also launch new e-POWER hybrid vehicles with more advanced powertrains that incorporate the lessons the company has learned from the 1.6 million hybrid vehicles it has produced since 2016, the company said.
Nissan says its third-generation e-POWER hybrid system delivers higher efficiency, with fuel economy improvement of up to 15% compared to the current version. Other improvements include reduced emissions and enhanced refinements through improvements in noise and vibration.
Nissan’s e-POWER system uses a 1.5 liter internal combustion engine paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. The electric motor is used to drive the wheels, which Nissan says results in an “EV-like driving experience” with quick acceleration and quiet operation. These hybrid models will share core components with Nissan’s latest fully electric vehicles.
The third-generation of the e‐POWER system will debut in the Nissan Qashqai crossover sold in Europe later in fiscal year 2025 and in FY 2026 on the Rogue SUV in North America. Nissan will also offer the Rogue with an internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid powertrain.
In late FY 2027, Nissan plans to build an all-new “adventure-focused SUV” for the North America market at its factory in Canton, Mississippi. The SUV will be joined in FY 2028 by a luxury electric SUV launched under the automaker’s Infiniti brand.
For new models launched in global markets, Nissan is taking a market approach in order to better match regional customer needs, according to the release. Along with North America, the automaker plans to launch new next-generation models in Japan, Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa and Australia.
“Today, we unveil our redefined market approach and tailored product strategy designed to better meet customer needs and drive top-line growth,” said Cartier in the release.
The plans to launch new vehicles follows the appointment of Nissan’s new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, earlier this month. The automaker also appointed several other key executives to new roles as part of a management shakeup to reposition the company for growth.
Under the leadership of Espinosa, Nissan’s new executive team aims to return the company to profitability and improve its operations following months of shrinking market share and weak financial performance.
