Nissan will reveal a new Global strategy on May 28th.
Datsun is already on the chopping block.
Nissan and Renault will better improve their teamwork dynamic in Europe.
We can’t help but think that big decisions like these for Europe may be a sign of things to come for North America. Europe may account for only 10% of Nissan’s global sales but scaling back its automotive presence in favour of SUVs could be a precursor of its plans for our market. Specifically, both the Nissan GT-R and 370Z are overdue for important updates but such expenses for so little return, other than pleasing enthusiasts, seem unwise.
There are no secrets here. Nissan’s global sales have been on the decline for a long while now, in fact, more or less since Carlos Ghosn was relieved of his duties. The latter actually predicted that Nissan would go bust before long. The current pandemic is also putting the hurt on Nissan and the alliance but the Japanese car company is not calling it quits. Of the many upcoming steps, Datsun will be dropped.
For Europe, Nissan and Renault will better define their roles, something they’ve long had difficulty with. Nissan will take the lead where SUVs are concerned, maintaining the Qashqai and Juke, and producing and selling the X-Trail and Ariya electric SUV. This means cutting out the GT-R and 370Z altogether. Meanwhile, Renault would “handle” commercial vans and small city cars. Nissan would still sell cars however they will be rebranded Renaults.
We now await Nissan’s official plans for Europe on May 28th. Soon after, we assume, we’ll learn more about their future in North America.
2020 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition | Photo: Nissan
2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition| Photo: Nissan
