Nissan Announces Reduction of 17 Models and Addition of New Vehicles in Lineup Strategy

Nissan announced at its Vision event plans to streamline its vehicle lineup by cutting 17 models, reducing the total from 56 to 45. The reductions target low-performing models to reallocate resources toward growth segments. This strategy is part of the Re:Nissan turnaround plan, which has one year remaining and focuses on creating a leaner operation.

The Re:Nissan plan has involved laying off thousands of employees, adjusting manufacturing centers, reducing parts complexity, shortening vehicle development lead times, and achieving over $3 billion in cost reductions. These measures aim to enhance profitability. The plan was publicly introduced earlier to address financial challenges.

Competition for Nissan primarily comes from Chinese automakers, which are expanding into Europe, North America, and South America with affordable models featuring advanced interfaces, driver assistance systems, and distinctive designs. Nissan stated that the lineup changes will position it better for international competition.

The company continues to diversify powertrains to offer more options to buyers and increase sales volume per model.

New Model Introductions Nissan plans to launch a new Xterra SUV and Skyline sports car.

Production of the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid electric pickup truck is underway in China for export. S. currently offer only the gas-powered version of the Frontier. In the future, about 80% of Nissan's volume will derive from three core vehicle families, with the model strategy organized into four categories: Heartbeat vehicles for emotional appeal, Core models for global scalability and stable markets, Growth vehicles for emerging demand, and Partner models for collaborations with other automakers.

Upcoming models linked to this include the Rogue as a Core vehicle, Xterra as Heartbeat, Juke EV as Growth, and Skyline as Heartbeat.

Infiniti Brand Developments Nissan remains committed to its Infiniti premium brand, which will launch the QX65 in the coming months.

Additional models, including a premium sports sedan and a luxury hybrid compact SUV, are planned by 2028. S. have increased after years of decline, gaining market share as overall industry sales decrease.

The QX60 midsize SUV recorded a 64% year-over-year sales increase in the first quarter. S. and Canada by 2030, with about half that figure in Japan. China serves as a core market for production and export to support the model strategy.

Stephanie Brinley, associate director of AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility, stated that the past year focused on capacity choices to support future phases, and the Re:Nissan program may involve further changes. The lineup review was discussed at the Nissan Vision event. These adjustments aim to align with evolving market demands.