Nissan’s New Strategy and Model Lineup Reduction
Nissan recently presented its long-term strategy called “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life.” As part of this plan, the automaker will bring the Xterra model back to the market, launch a new Skyline, and introduce e-Power technology in the United States with the updated Rogue crossover.
However, alongside new developments, the company also plans to significantly reduce its model lineup. The total number of models will decrease from 56 to 45, meaning the discontinuation of at least 11 vehicles. Nissan stated that “low-efficiency models” will be phased out, and investments will be redirected to more promising areas.
Low-efficiency cars will be discontinued in the future.
Which models could be at risk?
The question on many minds is: which specific models might cease to exist? Although Nissan did not name specific models, analysts and enthusiasts have already identified a number of contenders.
In the American market, Nissan’s lineup is quite strong thanks to recent redesigns and updates of many models. However, there are several cars whose future raises questions.
Potential Candidates for Discontinuation
One of the main candidates is considered to be the Altima sedan, which has been on the market for almost a decade without a full generation change. Last year, sales of this model fell by 18.1%, to 93,268 units. For comparison, Chevrolet discontinued the Malibu despite selling 117,319 units in 2024.
If the Altima is discontinued, its niche could be filled by the updated Sentra, which features a spacious interior and high-quality trim starting at a price of $22,600.
Among other possible candidates are the Rogue Plug-in Hybrid and the Murano crossover. The former is essentially a rebranded Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV that has not gained widespread recognition. The latter remains a relatively niche offering.
Sales and Profitability
Despite this, Murano sales last year increased by 121.3% thanks to a recent redesign, although in absolute numbers this is only 42,747 units. This model likely remains profitable, as its price starts at $41,670 and can reach nearly $50,000 for the top Platinum trim.
In international markets, especially in Asia, Nissan may consider consolidating its minivan and Kei car lineups. Any reductions could, of course, affect the interests of certain consumer groups.
The strategy of reducing model lineups is becoming increasingly common among major global automakers facing high development costs and the transition to electric vehicles. For Nissan, this may be a necessary step to concentrate resources on key products, such as new-generation electric and hybrid models. The success of this strategy will depend on how well the company manages to balance the loss of some traditional models with the appeal and competitiveness of the new products planned for release in the coming years.