Nissan bets big on product overhaul to regain ground

Nissan $NSANY ( ▼ 4.28% ) is aiming to make a bold statement about its future viability by showcasing a suite of new vehicles and technologies it plans to debut over the next two years.   

The details: The lineup—which includes new and refreshed models—is focused on improving Nissan’s performance, boosting customer loyalty, attracting new buyers, increasing profitability, and promoting sustainable growth, according to the company’s press release.

• Nissan’s suite of new vehicles—set to debut in the U.S. and Canada from FY25 to FY27—will be anchored in diverse powertrain options, including plug-in hybrids, next-gen electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced internal combustion engines (ICE).

• The upcoming powertrain offerings will also include the company’s third-generation e-power hybrid system, which is said to provide up to 15% better economy at high speeds compared to the current, second-generation system.

The breakdown: 

• Nissan’s new vehicle strategy for FY25 includes the launch of the new Leaf, the sales launch of the first plug-in-hybrid Rogue SUV, and the introduction of the new-gen Sentra compact sedan.  

• FY26 will mark the production kick-off of the fourth-generation Rogue and the launch of the new QX65 crossover coupe. 

• In FY27, Nissan will launch the new Nissan EV, followed by a new electric Infiniti SUV in FY28.      

Why it matters: Nissan and Infiniti’s new vehicle showcase might provide stakeholders with some optimism, given that new products and diverse powertrain offerings (especially models like the Rogue PHEV) could help lure more buyers to the brand in the current market. 

Between the lines: Nissan’s product spotlight follows a series of other recent moves made by the Japanese automaker as it looks to sustain its business operations.

• The company has made several leadership changes in recent weeks, including elevating Ivan Espinosa from chief planning officer to the company’s CEO, succeeding Makoto Uchida.

• Nissan also confirmed that it is still talking to Honda about a potential partnership, with the company’s Chief Performance Officer Guillaume Cartier telling reporters, “we never stopped" talking to Honda.

Bottomline: Nissan seems determined to turn things around when considering its product strategy and leadership changes. However, it appears that the company’s future might still hinge on some sort of merger or partnership—giving stakeholders pause for concern.

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