- Nissan will streamline its portfolio by discontinuing low-performance models.
- The lineup will lose 11 models.
- The new model’s strategy will be divided into four categories: Heartbeat, Core, Growth, and Partners.
Nissan is revitalizing almost its entire portfolio, but not all models will survive into the next generation. Announced almost a year ago, Re:Nissan’s recovery plan is now receiving a major update to shape the brand’s future in the years to come. One of its key pillars is a simplified portfolio, with 11 fewer models to create a slimmer, more profitable model lineup.
The new product strategy calls for reducing the global product lineup from 56 models to 45 by discontinuing what Nissan describes as “low-performance models.” With cash saved, the Japanese company plans to invest in diversifying the powertrains across its remaining vehicles. Ideally, this will drive sales growth and help turn things around after a tumultuous few years.
Future products will be divided into four different categories: Heartbeat, Core, Growth, and Partner. The returning Xterra and new Skyline teased today will be included in the Heartbeat lineup, alongside the Z, Leaf and Patrol. Unfortunately, there’s no sign of a next-generation GT-R, but Godzilla will definitely return eventually.
Photo by: Nissan
Elsewhere, the electric Juke will be positioned as a Core product alongside the new X-Trail/Rogue Hybrid e-Power. The Core model will join a lineup of existing vehicles, including the second-generation Sentra and Juke sedans, which will continue to be sold with hybrid power. The Qashqai is part of the same group, as is the new Versa small sedan.
Nissan didn’t show or tease a new model that fits the Growth category, but it said the vehicle will target markets with growing demand. Existing models in this group include the next generation Elgrand minivan and the Sakura electric kei car. Other vehicles in this class include a trio of models developed and built in China.
This brings us to the Partner model, which will be realized “through disciplined collaboration” with other automakers. The latest example is China’s Frontier plug-in pickup, based on the Dongfeng Z9 sold locally. In Europe, the new Micra electric supermini is essentially a lightly restyled Renault 5.
Photo by: Infiniti
Nissan hasn’t neglected its luxury brand either. The recently launched Infiniti QX65 will be followed by four additional models, including a mid-size hybrid SUV, a two-wheeled ladder-frame hybrid SUV, and a V6 performance sedan. The latter will be Infiniti’s more upscale version of the new Nissan Skyline.
Based on the Re:Nissan plan announced last May, Nissan aims to cut component complexity by 70 percent and reduce the number of platforms from 13 to 7 by 2035. Nissan also aims to cut development time from 52 to 37 months for new products and from 50 to 30 months for subsequent derivative products.
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Source: Nissan
Motorcycle Pickup1: With CEO and President Ivan Espinosa at the helm, Nissan appears to be moving in the right direction. They have refreshed several models and are gearing up to launch more models in the coming years in both the mainstream and Infiniti lineup.
The company did not specify which models would be discontinued, but focusing on vehicles with higher sales potential is a logical step. Expanding powertrain options across the remaining product range will also attract more buyers, considering the diverse customer preferences in the global market.
While the new GT-R will crown Nissan’s revitalized portfolio, it’s no surprise that the R36 is currently absent. Low-volume, high-priced supercars won’t have a significant impact on sales at a time when the company needs to recover from its losses to competitors. On the bright side, the Z isn’t going anywhere and will join the ranks of rear-wheel-drive sports sedans, ensuring enthusiasts aren’t left out.
