Nissan to trim model line-up

Nissan Motor has announced it is cutting the number of models in its global line-up from 56 to 45 as part of a strategy to revitalise the company.

Japan’s fourth-biggest carmaker also plans to deploy artificial intelligence driving technology across 90 per cent of its fleet over the long term.

Ivan Espinosa, chief executive, says Nissan is targeting annual sales of one million vehicles each in the US and China by the 2030 financial year. 

The long-term strategy announced on April 14 also sets a goal of annual sales in Japan reaching 550,000 cars by the same date, reports Reuters.

Espinosa also unveiled a hybrid version of the Rogue SUV, known as the X-Trail in Japan, and an electric version of the Juke, pictured. 

He says Nissan’s new portfolio will be “anchored in profitability and built around a leaner, stronger line-up” and there are plans to expand powertrain options in its models.

Nissan’s turnaround plan includes cutting its global manufacturing footprint and reducing its workforce by 15 per cent, reports Reuters.

It aims to produce more vehicles in the US and will introduce a compact car series in Japan from the 2028 financial year. 

Battery-electric only

Nissan’s third-generation Juke is being launched as a European battery-electric only model and will be built at its plant in Sunderland, England.

The Juke, which is currently available in petrol and hybrid variants, was launched in 2010 and Nissan says more than 1.5 million units have been sold worldwide.

The new version will be built on the CMF-EV platform developed by Nissan and Renault, which underpins the former’s compact Leaf and midsize Ariya, and Renault models such as the Megane E-Tech, reports Automotive News.