Nissan Unveils New Strategy: Streamlines Global Lineup to 45 Models, Focuses on Hybrids and Four Key Segments

Nissan has unveiled its future product strategy, planning to streamline its global lineup from 61 models to 45 by phasing out low-volume vehicles and exiting certain niche segments to concentrate resources on high-growth areas. The new strategy emphasizes hybrid-electric technology over battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and categorizes all models into four core groups: “Heartbeat,” “Core,” “Growth,” and “Partner.” The all-new Skyline, representing the “Heartbeat” category, returns after a 14-year hiatus as Nissan’s flagship model embodying the brand’s essence—though it is not a GT-R performance variant. Teaser images reveal design cues inspired by the GT-R, including taillight styling and front-end aesthetics, along with a “Skyline S” badge. The Skyline nameplate dates back to 1957—predating the Nissan brand itself—and the GT-R moniker first appeared on the third-generation Skyline in 1969. Also classified as a “Heartbeat” model is the newly announced Xterra. The Rogue (known as X-Trail in some markets) falls under the “Core” category, while the all-electric Juke for Europe is designated a “Growth” model. “Partner” models are expected to include vehicles like the Micra, developed on Renault platforms. Nissan will abandon its previous “optimize each model individually” approach, shifting instead toward greater internal sharing of platforms, powertrains, and software across the group. The goal is to generate over 80% of global sales through three core product series, increase average per-model sales by 30%, and accelerate development cycles. In the U.S. market, Nissan plans to launch a hybrid Rogue, along with new V6 and V6 hybrid body-on-frame SUVs—including the Xterra—and will offer V6 powertrain options in the midsize SUV segment. Infiniti aims to introduce three new models by 2028, potentially including a rear-wheel-drive manual V6 sports sedan that could serve as a Skyline sibling. In Japan, Nissan will roll out a new compact car series targeting annual sales of 550,000 units. In China, the company will expand its offerings of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models and increase exports to other Asian markets and Latin America. On the technology front, Nissan outlined a long-term vision called “Mobility for Everyday Life,” aiming to equip 90% of its vehicles with AI-powered driver-assistance systems. The first model to feature this system will be the Elgrand MPV, launching in Japan in summer 2024. By the end of fiscal year 2027, the next-generation ProPilot system will deliver end-to-end autonomous driving capabilities, and the in-car interface will integrate enhanced AI functionalities. Nissan targets annual sales exceeding 1 million units each in both the U.S. and Chinese markets by fiscal year 2030. The company will disclose results from its previous “Re:Nissan” revival plan during its May 2024 earnings call and reveal further details of its new strategy later this year.