Nissan is already scaling again manufacturing plans for the brand new LEAF, which is about to launch later this yr. Because it scrambles to show issues round, this might additional complicate Nissan’s restoration plan.
Nissan scales again new LEAF EV manufacturing plans
The brand new LEAF is anticipated to be one of the vital important elements in Nissan’s comeback. In Might, Nissan introduced plans to scale back its world workforce by round 15% and shut seven vegetation as a part of its restructuring.
Final week, it started talks with employees at its Sunderland, UK, plant, the place the brand new LEAF will likely be constructed, over voluntary retirement.
Based on a brand new report from Japan’s Kyodo Information (by way of Reuters), Nissan is already chopping manufacturing plans for the next-gen LEAF forward of its launch later this yr. The report cites a scarcity of uncommon earth minerals on account 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 inside memo revealed it will delay manufacturing by round 10 months. Nissan cited “current slowing EV demand within the US,” because of the Trump Administration eliminating the federal tax credit score.
It would 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 modify the manufacturing timeline for our EVs on the Canton plant.” It appears to be like like Nissan is adjusting extra than simply that.
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 top of fiscal yr 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 on account of its getting older car lineup.
The brand new LEAF is anticipated to be a key development driver over the subsequent few years, with important enhancements in vary, type, and charging capabilities. Going through a scarcity, what number of LEAFs will Nissan be capable to construct?
Nissan is the most recent automaker to regulate its EV plans following Trump’s “Massive, Lovely Invoice.” Honda additionally canceled plans to launch its three-row electrical SUV within the US.
