Nissan Motor Corporation has showcased a range of new and refreshed models it plans to release in global markets in the next two years, as the struggling Japanese automaker looks to get its business strategy back on track following the collapse of merger talks with Honda earlier this year. The new product plans were unveiled to help build confidence in the company’s future product strategy.
The company is facing mounting challenges in global markets, from rising competition from Chinese automakers and the rapid transition to zero-emission vehicles to rising import tariffs in the US. The company reported a net loss in the third quarter of the current fiscal year, between October and December 2024, and the outlook remains negative.
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Nissan’s newly appointed CEO, Mexican-born Ivan Espinosa, who has replaced Makoto Uchida at the helm of Nissan, is under severe pressure to cut costs and at the same time revive the automaker’s performance – sooner rather than later.
Nissan has announced it is restructuring its “Alliance” with France’s Renault Group, its largest shareholder, with the two companies agreeing to further loosen their ties. Nissan has agreed to sell its majority 51% stake in its Indian joint venture, Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL), allowing Renault to take a 100% stake in the company. The deal will free up €200 million in cash, but it means Nissan will become a customer of the Chennai-based manufacturing operation, which has a production capacity of over 400,000 vehicles per year.
The two companies will continue their joint model sharing and development plans, with Nissan retaining its 49% stake in their Renault Nissan Technology & Business Center India (RNTBCI) joint venture with Renault
In a further loosening of ties, Nissan has also been released from its commitment to investing in Renault’s Ampere battery electric vehicle (BEV) company, which it agreed in 2023. The two companies have also agreed to reduce their minimum shareholding in each other to 10%, from 15% at present, as part of a relaunched “New Alliance Agreement.”
Ivan Espinosa has also confirmed that he plans to continue the company’s long-standing collaboration with Honda, which currently involves co-development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), collaboration in low-volume vehicle segments to share costs as well as on hybrid and autonomous driving technologies. But the company remains unreceptive to a take-over bid by its Japanese partner. Nissan also aims to continue the product development and production synergies with Mitsubishi Motors, a much smaller vehicle manufacturer, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Nissan also remains open to forming alliances with other automakers on a project-by-project basis, including with Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Company (Foxconn). But it does not see any strategic merit in the Taiwanese company acquiring Renault’s stake in Nissan, as has been suggested.
Nissan already announced plans last month to streamline decision-making, by “transitioning” its top management structure to a single-layer and cutting the number of top executive positions from 42 to 33. Ivan Espinosa also said he plans to speed up new product development cycles at the company, something he regrets not doing much earlier as Nissan’s chief planning officer.
New product strategy
Guillaume Cartier, Nissan’s chief performance officer, released a statement as the company revealed its new product strategy for the next two years: “Today, we unveil our redefined market approach and tailored product strategy designed to better meet customer needs and drive top-line growth. 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.”
Ivan Espinosa, while still chief planning officer, added: “Over the next two years, we are excited to roll out an impressive lineup that will redefine the road! This includes the reimagined Nissan LEAF, and a daring new Micra EV. But that’s not all – we’re refreshing our range of SUVs to elevate the driving experience, and our next-generation e-POWER promises new levels of refinement and efficiency. We are committed to investing in products that embody the very best of Nissan. To our passionate fans and loyal owners around the world, I can assure you, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.”
Nissan plans to launch a third-generation ofbattery-powered Leaf in the current financial year (FY25), in the form of a sleek and spacious family-friendly crossover vehicle for global markets. It will feature substantial improvements in aerodynamics and a more advanced EV architecture. It will be based on Nissan’s modular CMF-EV platform, which debuted with the Ariya, and feature the company’s new 3-in-1 EV powertrain.
Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER hybrid system will be central to the company’s product strategy in the next two years. It claims to offer a 15% fuel-economy improvement at high speeds compared with the second-generation system, as well as lower emissions and reduced noise and vibration. The new 5-in-1 system e-POWER system will feature a new 1.5L dedicated petrol engine and a lithium-ion battery to power an electric motor, and will share components with Nissan’s latest BEV powertrain.
North America
In North America Nissan plans to launch more than ten new and refreshed models in key segments, including next-generation EV and hybrid models, in the next two years. In FY25 the US and Canada will be among the first markets to get the all-new Nissan Leaf, to be sold alongside the Ariya. A new plug-in hybrid version of the Rogue compact SUV will also be launched this year, along with the all-new Sentra compact sedan and a refreshed Panther midsize SUV. Under the Infiniti brand, the company will launch a revised QX60 three-row luxury SUV, along with a new Sport variant of the full-sized QX80 SUV.
In FY26 Nissan plans to launch production of an all-new, fourth-generation Rogue, including e-POWER variants, as well as an all-new Infiniti QX65 crossover coupe.
In FY27 an all-new Nissan battery-powered SUV is scheduled to go into production at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant. It will be joined in FY28 by a luxury Infiniti battery-powered SUV inspired by the Vision QXe concept.
Latin America
In Latin America Nissan plans to expand sales of the latest Versa subcompact sedan across the region in FY25, along witha new sub-compact SUV, while also making available the refreshed Infiniti QX60 SUV.
In FY26 Nissan plans to launch the new Frontier/Navara midsize pick-up truck with improved design, enhanced infotainment and additional advanced driver assist technologies. Later in the year the X-Trail e-POWER will be made available across the region, along with the all-new QX65 crossover coupe.
Japan
In Japan Nissan will focus on the renewal of “core segment” models, including the introduction of the new Leaf this year. In FY26 a new large minivan will be launched, powered by the third-generation e-POWER.
Europe
In Europe Nissan will launch three key electrified models in FY25, including an all-new Micra EV city car produced in collaboration with Renault and the all-new Leaf, while the Qashqai will be available with the third-generation e-POWER. In FY26, an all-new battery-powered Juke SUV will be added to the range.
Middle East
In the Middle East Nissan will expand its Z range in FY25, with the addition of the Z NISMO, while Infiniti will offer a refreshed QX60 SUV and a new Sport package for the QX80. In FY26, the all-new QX65 will be added to the line-up.
India
In India Nissan plans to launch a new MPV in FY25, followed bya 5-seater compact sports utility vehicle in FY26. Both models will be produced at the Chennai plant.
Asia/Oceania
Nissan will launch the Ariya crossover BEV in Australia in FY25. In FY26 the company will launch the all-new Patrol and an all-new one-ton pickup, produced in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors, across the region, along with the third-generation Leaf and the upgraded Qashqai with third-generation e-POWER.
Africa
Nissan plans to introduce the Magnite compact SUV in left-hand drive markets in Africa in FY25, while the Patrol SUV will be launched in Egypt, followed by South Africa in FY26. A new 5-seater SUV will be made available in selected African markets in FY26.
