Nissan is already pulling again manufacturing plans for the brand new LEAF, which is about to launch later this 12 months. Because it scrambles to show issues round, this might additional complicate Nissan’s restoration plan. And there’s much more occurring behind the scenes.
Nissan scales again new LEAF EV manufacturing plans
The brand new LEAF is anticipated to be one of the important elements in Nissan’s comeback. In Could, Nissan introduced plans to cut back its international workforce by round 15% and shut seven crops as a part of its restructuring.
Final week, it started talks with employees at its Sunderland, UK, plant, the place the brand new LEAF might be constructed, over voluntary retirement.
In line with a brand new report from Japan’s Kyodo Information (by way of Reuters), Nissan is already slicing manufacturing plans for the next-gen LEAF forward of its launch later this 12 months. The report cites a scarcity of uncommon earth minerals as a consequence of China’s new export restrictions.
No particular particulars have been talked about, however a separate Automotive Information report claims Nissan can be delaying two EVs that have been scheduled to be constructed at its Canton, Mississippi, plant.
An inner memo revealed it might delay manufacturing by round 10 months. Nissan cited “latest slowing EV demand within the US,” due to the Trump Administration eliminating the federal tax credit score.
It can now start manufacturing of the Nissan-branded mannequin in November 2028 and the Infiniti-branded model in March 2029.
Nissan spokesperson Kyle Bazemore stated, “We’ve made the strategic choice to barely regulate the manufacturing timeline for our EVs on the Canton plant.” It appears like Nissan is adjusting extra than simply that.
Including to that, Nissan suspended manufacturing of three automobiles made within the US, based on a report from Nikkei on Wednesday. Nissan halted manufacturing of the Pathfinder and Murano at its Tennessee plant in Could, in addition to the Frontier pickup, which is in-built Mississippi.
Electrek’s Take
As a part of its restoration plan, Re:Nissan goals to chop prices by 250 billion yen because it seeks to return to profitability by the tip of fiscal 12 months 2026.
Nonetheless, if it continues to delay manufacturing, Nissan will solely fall additional behind. The Japanese automaker is already dropping market share to EV giants like BYD as a consequence of its ageing car lineup.
The brand new LEAF is anticipated to be a key progress driver over the following few years, with important enhancements in vary, fashion, and charging capabilities. Going through a scarcity, what number of LEAFs will Nissan have the ability to construct?
Nissan is the most recent automaker to regulate its EV plans following Trump’s “Large, Stunning Invoice.” Honda lately canceled plans to launch its three-row electrical SUV within the US.
