Tag Archives: Nissan

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Next-Gen Qashqai Rolls Off the Line with Segment-Leading e-POWER Efficiency

The first examples of the most advanced Nissan Qashqai yet, featuring the next-generation e-POWER powertrain, have rolled off the assembly line at its flagship manufacturing facility in Sunderland. The launch marks a significant step forward for the best-selling crossover, in line with Nissan’s wider vision for electrified mobility as part of its EV36Zero initiative.

Built on Production Line One, the latest iteration of the Qashqai showcases not only an enhanced version of Nissan’s unique e-POWER system, but also raises the benchmark for efficiency, refinement, and responsiveness in the C-segment crossover market. Boasting best-in-class fuel consumption of just 4.5L/100km (WLTP) and a theoretical driving range of up to 1,200 kilometers, the new Qashqai takes another step toward a fully electric future—without the need to plug in.

A Drive That Feels Electric, Without the Cable

Nissan’s e-POWER system is unlike typical hybrids. While it uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, the wheels are powered exclusively by an electric motor. The internal combustion engine acts only as a generator to supply electricity to the battery, offering drivers a smooth, EV-like experience—with immediate torque delivery, linear acceleration, and impressive cabin quietness.

In its latest form, e-POWER has undergone substantial upgrades:

  • Fuel economy: Improved to 4.5L/100km, with CO₂ emissions cut by 12% to 102g/km
  • Performance: Sport Mode now provides an additional 11kW boost for sharper throttle response
  • Refinement: Cabin noise reduced by up to 5.6 decibels, enhancing the premium feel
  • Range: Up to 1,200km, making it ideal for long-distance, low-stress driving

A Milestone in UK Manufacturing

The production start comes as Sunderland Plant celebrates a major milestone: the 4.5 millionth Qashqai built since the model’s launch in 2006. That equates to one Qashqai produced every 2.5 minutes over the past 19 years—a testament to the vehicle’s enduring popularity and the plant’s manufacturing prowess.

Speaking at the launch, Adam Pennick, Vice President for Manufacturing at Nissan UK, praised the team’s dedication:

“Our world-class manufacturing and engineering team have been building Qashqai with pride since 2006. That’s why we have the perfect blend of experience, skill and technical expertise to manufacture Qashqai with this fantastic new e-POWER drivetrain.”

He added,

“It was an exciting moment to watch the first new e-POWER battery being fitted on the production line. We’re confident that our customers worldwide will love this new, no-compromise electrified powertrain.”

Driving Toward EV36Zero

The Qashqai e-POWER is just the beginning. Nissan’s EV36Zero project aims to transform Sunderland into a global hub for EV manufacturing. The blueprint combines vehicle production, renewable energy, and battery development in a bid to lead the industry into a sustainable future.

Following the Qashqai, the Sunderland team is already gearing up for the next big launches: the all-electric next-generation Nissan LEAF, and in 2026, the fully electric Nissan Juke. Both models will be central to Nissan’s zero-emissions ambitions.

“Building fantastic cars that our customers love is what we do best,” Pennick said. “To see these cutting-edge vehicles driving silently off our lines shows we are pushing forward with our EV36Zero vision for EV manufacturing.”

The first examples of the most advanced Nissan Qashqai yet, featuring the next-generation e-POWER powertrain, have rolled off the assembly line at its flagship manufacturing facility in Sunderland. The launch marks a significant step forward for the best-selling crossover, in line with Nissan’s wider vision for electrified mobility as part of its EV36Zero initiative.

Source: Nissan

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Nissan N7 Emerges as Surprise EV Success in China

While the revived Nissan Leaf may be getting the headlines, it’s the lesser-known N7 that’s quietly making waves in the world’s largest electric vehicle market.

In the shadow of Nissan’s more prominent EV offerings, a quieter revolution is taking place. The newly launched Nissan N7, developed in partnership with Dongfeng under their joint venture in China, is proving to be an unexpected success story—one that could signal a broader shift in the company’s EV strategy.

Since its launch, the N7 has attracted significant interest, racking up over 20,000 orders within just six weeks. Although that figure pales in comparison to Xiaomi’s staggering 289,000 YU7 pre-orders in just one hour, it still marks a respectable and encouraging performance for Nissan in a hyper-competitive market. Importantly, it demonstrates that the Japanese automaker is finally tuning into what today’s EV buyers in China are looking for: value, style, and substance.

Nissan recently celebrated the delivery of its 10,000th N7 in China—a milestone achieved just 45 days after customer handovers began on May 17. While that figure might not seem extraordinary in isolation, it’s a significant benchmark when measured against competing models. For context, Nissan managed to deliver 3,034 N7s in May alone, handily outpacing Mazda’s EZ-6, which saw only 1,821 units delivered in the same period.

So what’s behind the N7’s appeal?

At its core, the N7 aligns closely with the formula that has made many Chinese EVs successful: offer modern tech, solid practicality, and attractive styling at an affordable price. Starting at just 119,900 yuan (approximately $16,800) and topping out at 149,900 yuan (about $25,100), the N7 offers a strong value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on quality or features.

Visually, the N7 embraces a sleek and contemporary aesthetic that fits seamlessly into the current EV design language. Inside, the cabin offers a clean, minimalist layout, centered around a large infotainment screen and a digital gauge cluster. Dual wireless chargers, a flowing dashboard design, and a two-spoke steering wheel with tactile toggle controls reinforce its modern, tech-forward character.

This balance of affordability and functionality appears to be resonating with Chinese consumers—and Nissan has taken notice. Encouraged by the early momentum, the company is preparing to expand the N7 to international markets. While official confirmation is still pending, Japan and Australia are expected to be among the first recipients. Additional markets, such as Malaysia and select European countries, are also reportedly on the radar.

As Nissan looks to recapture its relevance in the rapidly evolving EV space, the N7 could be the quiet achiever that helps rebuild its momentum. It may not have the legacy of the Leaf or the buzz of a tech giant’s debut model, but the N7 shows that smart design, strong value, and timely market execution can still go a long way—especially when executed in the world’s most competitive EV battleground.

Source: Nissan

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Nissan N7 Emerges as Surprise EV Success in China
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Nissan Reports $4.5 Billion Loss, Cuts 20,000 Jobs in Sweeping Restructuring

Nissan Motor Co. is grappling with one of the most turbulent periods in its history as it battles mounting financial losses, sweeping job cuts, and internal dissent from shareholders. The Japanese automaker, once a key player in the global industry, is now facing a desperate need for restructuring after a series of setbacks that have eroded investor confidence and shaken its leadership.

During Nissan’s annual general meeting this week at its Yokohama headquarters, new chief executive Ivan Espinosa revealed that the company suffered a staggering ¥700 billion ($4.5 billion) net loss in the last fiscal year. The automaker also projected a further first-quarter loss of ¥200 billion ($1.38 billion), underscoring the depth of its financial woes. For the first time in years, the company offered no earnings forecast for the full year and announced it would suspend dividend payments, further frustrating shareholders.

Espinosa, who recently took the reins at Nissan, is stepping into a storm. The collapse of the long-rumored merger with Honda, combined with a deteriorating global market position, has left the automaker scrambling for stability. Nissan plans to cut 20,000 jobs globally and shutter seven production facilities in a bold effort to stem the bleeding.

Leadership changes were a focal point at the shareholder meeting, which was attended by 1,071 stakeholders. Former CEO Makoto Uchida and Renault board chairman Jean-Dominique Senard were both removed from Nissan’s board of directors, signaling a shift in corporate governance. However, the board rejected a particularly scathing shareholder proposal that criticized Uchida’s leadership as “extremely low” in capability and called for the resignation of the directors who appointed him.

Tensions were high throughout the session. Some shareholders accused Nissan of unfairly burdening frontline workers with the cost-cutting measures, while executives continued to hold their posts. Others expressed frustration over the suspension of dividends, calling it a betrayal of long-term investor trust.

One proposal sought Nissan’s intervention in the governance of Nissan Shatai, its publicly listed manufacturing subsidiary. The call comes amid growing pressure on Japanese conglomerates to address so-called “parent-child listings,” which critics argue can muddy corporate accountability. Although Toyota recently announced plans to take its listed subsidiary, Toyota Industries, private in a $33 billion move, Nissan rejected the proposal concerning Nissan Shatai, which was ultimately voted down.

As Nissan attempts to navigate these troubled waters, all eyes will be on Espinosa and the new leadership team to deliver a turnaround. With thousands of jobs on the line and a legacy brand at stake, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the company can reclaim its footing or continue its downward spiral.

Source: Reuters