Nissan is revising its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, delaying two planned EV sedans and prioritizing crossover production at its Canton, Mississippi plant. The automaker apparemment vise à s'adapter à l'évolution des conditions du marché et à faire en sorte que les bons produits soient lancés au moment optimal.

Berlines retardées, Crossovers accélérés

Nissan a demandé à ses fournisseurs d'interrompre les activités de développement liées aux deux berlines électriques, dont les lancements étaient initialement prévus en 2025 et 2026. Il s'agit du deuxième retard, la production étant désormais repoussée à novembre 2026 pour la berline de marque Nissan et à avril 2027 pour la version Infiniti. En revanche, Nissan prévoit d'accélérer la production de deux ou trois crossovers EV, initialement prévus pour 2028.

Restructuration de l'usine de Canton

The Canton plant, capable of producing 410,000 units annually, currently builds the Altima, Frontier, and Titan. However, with the Titan pickup ending production this summer, the facility is projected to assemble only 210,000 units in the current financial year. Nissan’s $500 million investment to transform the plant into its U.S. EV production hub has also been postponed due to the product timeline changes.

S'adapter aux conditions du marché

Nissan’s decision to prioritize crossovers over sedans reflects the slower-than-expected growth in EV sales. While EV sales continue to increase, the growth rate has slowed significantly compared to the previous year. A Nissan spokesperson stated, “We are adjusting the timeline for the introduction of these five new models to ensure we bring the vehicles to the market at the right time.”

Scepticisme des fournisseurs

Some suppliers are skeptical about Nissan’s revised plans, with one suggesting that it may take six to eight months before the automaker presents a new strategy. The uncertainty surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election may also influence Nissan’s long-term planning decisions.

EVXL’s Take

Nissan’s decision to prioritize EV crossovers over sedans demonstrates the automaker’s adaptability in the face of changing market conditions. By focusing on the more popular crossover segment, Nissan can better position itself to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles. This strategic shift also highlights the importance of flexibility in the rapidly evolving EV landscape, as automakers must be prepared to adjust their plans to meet consumer preferences and market trends. While the delays may be disappointing for some, Nissan’s commitment to bringing the right products to market at the optimal time bodes well for the company’s long-term success in the EV space.