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by ehnto 2359 days ago
I just don't see their upcoming success. They haven't kept pace with the industry in technology, their styling has not just been behind, but dated from release. They killed off their hero franchises. They've re-segmented almost every one of the line, leaving brand fans and previous buyers without upgrade paths.

- Pathfinder 4x4, a capable cult loved offroader, now a luxury SUV

- Navara Utility vehicle, industry and consumer favorite - Now a gigantic Americanized "truck" unwanted by other markets, and better served in America by local manufacturers

- Skyline, middle market sports Car variants, inspired a generation of enthusiasts, now pedestrian cars on a slow platform, and an entirely separate franchise of unaffordable supercars

- Silvia affordable sports cars - as above, but with no replacement

- Stagea sports family wagon - no replacement

- Maxima/Pintara/Ciefro/Laurel affordable family cars - Somehow now their flagship aimed at people who would rather a Eurocar

Their only line I think will continue to be successful is the Leaf. But I suspect EVs are going to be getting pretty competitive over the next decade.

It would be sad to see them go, but I also don't think we'll be missing out on anything from their future if now was when they died.

This is from a Nissan fanboy. I have had 7 Nissans. At one point I had a Nissan to tow my Nissan to go race other Nissans. I've downsized, and now have just the one car and some bicycles.

3 comments

> They haven't kept pace with the industry in technology

This is among the reasons Ghosn was proposing a merger: the alliance was supposed to help them share R&D costs, particularly on electric vehicles, but they weren't doing nearly enough on that front.

They did put a Cummins in the Titan XD, which will give that truck line a sales boost, despite the new design being ugly as hell.
That's interesting! In Australia, the Navara that the Titan was borne from was always a 4 cylinder turbo diesel. Other markets using the smaller turbo diesels is what inspired Cummins to bring out their 4 cylinder crate motor in the US for project 4x4 swaps. The idea is they're a great alternative to petrol V8s and a much more efficient and lightweight package than a Cummins 6 or 8. You can get all the torque you could ever want for 4x4 out of a 2.5 litre turbo diesel, and they'll fit in anything. I suspect the Titan is more aimed at towing though, so no surprise they've got the bigger Cummins.
> Their only line I think will continue to be successful is the Leaf.

The new Leaf is arguably over priced, spec/price wise.