Nissan has announced that it will cease production of the iconic all-electric LEAF at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, effective immediately. As Nissan readies the launch of its next-generation electric vehicles, alongside a revamped LEAF model.
As UK’s largest car factory gears up to produce electric Qashqai, Nissan is set to halt production of its iconic LEAF model at its Sunderland site.
Since its introduction in 2010, more than 650,000 LEAF electric vehicles have been produced and distributed worldwide, with a significant proportion of around 43 percent – approximately 280,000 units – coming from Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Sunderland, UK.
The Nissan LEAF, launched as a pioneering mass-market electric vehicle in 2010, began production at its Sunderland site just three years after its introduction. The power infrastructure is being upgraded to support the development of three new all-electric models, in addition to the LEAF’s successor.
Nissan is committing up to $3.8 billion (approximately £3 billion) to enable production of electric versions of its Qashqai, Juke, and next-generation LEAF models.
The automaker has confirmed its commitment to a sustainable future, stating that every new automobile sold in Europe will be fully electric by 2025, as part of its ambition to transition to an entirely electric vehicle (EV) lineup by 2030.
Nissan has announced that production of its iconic LEAF electric vehicle will cease at its Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom by the end of this week. “After 13 years of significant success, the current generation of the Nissan Leaf, the pioneering all-electric mass-market vehicle, is nearing the end of its lifespan in Europe.”
As gross sales of the current LEAF dwindle in response to the influx of new electric vehicle offerings, Nissan seems poised to revamp its strategy. The all-new LEAF will debut as a bold crossover coupe SUV design, amplifying its assertiveness on the market. It’s expected to have a sportier, more diminutive design compared to the Qashqai and Juke.
The supplier likened the brand-new LEAF to the Ariya, Nissan’s inaugural all-electric SUV globally. Dubbed a “mini Ariya,” Nissan’s latest concept is touted as a preview of the upcoming next-generation LEAF.
Nissan has informed its retail partners that the forthcoming LEAF model will boast a dramatic redesign, diverging significantly from its current incarnation. It should also incorporate an additional 25% of variability.
Sources suggest that Nissan should not plan for manufacturing its new LEAF in the US at this time. The proposal to phase out the electric vehicle (EV) tax credit could lead to concerns about being left behind in terms of technology and competition, as newer, more advanced EV models enter the market.
Nissan will cease US production of the LEAF by 2025, as domestic manufacturing comes to a close. At a starting price of $28,140, the 2024 Nissan LEAF stands out as one of the most affordable electric vehicles available in the United States.
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