Latest news with #ReNissan
Motor 1
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Nissan Micra Is Actually a Reskinned Renault 5
Nissan is trying to bounce back after enduring more than a few rough years. It lost $4.5 billion in the past 12 months and is planning drastic changes to cut costs . The troubled automaker is laying off 20,000 workers and closing seven factories before the decade's end. But the Re:Nissan plan isn't just about slashing expenses. It also includes several new models. We've already seen the next-gen Leaf crossover as a global model, and now Nissan has something specifically for Europe. The Micra returns to the Old Continent after a two-year hiatus, but with an electric twist. Unlike the five preceding generations, the subcompact hatchback is no longer powered by a combustion engine. Instead, it's now fully electric, using the Renault 5 as its basis. Photo by: Nissan The badge-engineered Micra does have redesigned front and rear ends with circular lights to differentiate Nissan's version from the donor car. The profile isn't identical either, as there's a wide indentation below the beltline. However, the B-segment electric hatch retains the 'hidden' rear door handles mounted near the C-pillars. Extra plastic body cladding on the lower part of the doors gives it a bit of a Renault 4 vibe. Although it's a small car, it rides on 18-inch alloys offered in three designs, one of which includes wheel covers. While Nissan attempted to distance the Micra from the Renault 5 , the connection becomes clear once you step inside. The cabin is largely carried over from its French counterpart. All versions feature dual 10.1-inch screens mounted on a dashboard slightly angled toward the driver. Plenty of physical controls are below the central air vents, offering a layout that should please everyone. Ambient lighting in 48 colors is a rare treat in this segment. Nissan intends to offer the new Micra with two battery choices: 40 kWh and 52 kWh. Stick with the base pack and the diminutive EV delivers 121 horsepower. Upgrade to the larger battery, and the e-motor mounted at the front axle produces 148 hp. Torque output also varies with battery size: 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) or 181 lb-ft (245 Nm). Photo by: Nissan The Micra is estimated to cover 193 miles (310 kilometers) on a single charge with the 40-kWh battery, and 254 miles (408 kilometers) with the 52-kWh pack. There's a notable weight difference between the two configurations: Nissan quotes a curb weight of 3,086 pounds (1,400 kilograms) for the smaller battery, and 3,360 lbs (1,524 kg) for the long-range version. So, how small is the Micra? It's under four meters (157.4 inches) long and less than 1.8 meters (70.8 inches) wide, with a 2.54-meter (100-inch) wheelbase. Much like the Renault 5, it will be offered exclusively with a five-door layout. Unusual for a car in this class, it features a multi-link rear suspension, inherited from the R5. The Alpine A290 hot hatch is also built on the AmpR Small platform for those seeking a more exciting drive. Nissan will launch the new Micra across Europe by the end of this year, once Renault begins production at its Douai plant, where the R5 has been built since 2024. The Micra isn't Nissan's only new EV for Europe. Next year, the Juke will also go electric and take inspiration from the Hyper Punk concept . Additionally, the reborn Renault Twingo will spawn a Nissan equivalent as well in 2026. 2026 Nissan Micra 107 Source: Nissan Up To Speed With Nissan: Nissan's New Boss Candidly Admits What Went Wrong Nissan Would Sell a New Xterra Tomorrow If It Could Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Nissan Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Nissan's CEO Reveals 'Self-Help' Strategy for Future
Nissan is expecting some tough losses Earlier this week, recently appointed Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa gave a stern and consequential diagnosis on what is needed to steer the company from the red and into the black. Among the steps detailed in a plan titled 'Re:Nissan' is heavy streamlining and consolidation of the automaker's current assets. His turnaround plan includes an increased number of job cuts affecting up to about 20,000 people and closing seven of its car factories, among other moves meant to slim down Nissan's footprint. He categorized these moves as 'a very, very painful and sad decision to take' that is 'necessary for the survival of Nissan.' Espinosa: 'Nobody did anything to fix [Nissan] until now.' During a recent interview conducted by Motor Trend, Espinosa did not mince words about the situation Nissan is in, categorizing the situation as the backsplash resulting from heavy spending on a failed attempt to increase sales by doubling its series production and growing its headcount. '[Nissan's current situation] is not something that happened in the last couple of years. It's more of a fundamental problem that probably started back in 2015, when management thought this company could reach [annual global vehicle sales] of around eight million,' Espinosa said. 'There were heavy investments both in terms of planned capacity as well as in human resources, but the reality today is we are running at around half that volume. And nobody did anything to fix that until now.' Ivan Espinosa, CEO of Japanese automaker Nissan, attends a press conference to announce the company's fiscal 2024 full-year results — Source: RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images) Espinosa: 'We cannot rely on anybody.' Prior to Espinosa's tenure as the CEO of Nissan, his predecessor Makoto Uchida led the automaker to some positive results in 2022 and 2023. However, fortunes flipped in 2024, as declining sales, disappointing financial results, as well as failed merger negotiations with Honda led to his resignation and departure in March. Despite the restructuring plan that initially began developing during his predecessor's tenure, Espinosa said that he and the automaker is confident in keeping to the turnaround plan's pillars 'around cost reduction, around product and market strategies, and around partnerships,' adding that Nissan needs to work out its problems on its own. 'We need self-help. We cannot rely on anybody,' he said, adding that Nissan is in a good financial standing to pull itself out. 'There was a huge pile of debt, and there was no cash in the bank. Today, I have more than $15 billion in the bank, plus committed lines of credit. So, the message here is we have time. The cash position of the company is good, but we have to move quickly.' Nissan's updated United States lineup — Source: Nissan Though Nissan has strong ties with Renault, as well as a technology partnership with Mitsubishi and Honda, Espinosa noted that he is avoiding a situation where Nissan is 'hostage' to one particular automaker or another partner that collaborates with it, adding that he wants to leverage its strengths at the table. 'We are looking at partners that can bring more corporate value and support to Nissan in the long term. […] We have a lot to offer, a lot of value and a lot of engineering value to offer, and this is what we want to discuss with potential partners.' Final thoughts There are many levers that have to be pulled in order for Nissan to get out of its mess, which includes introducing new cars. More than 10 new models are slated for the U.S. and Canada within the next few years, including a new Leaf, a new Sentra, a new Rogue, and possibly a new Xterra. However, running a car company is much more than producing 'fun cars.' I do appreciate Espinosa's blunt, no-nonsense approach and attitude towards tackling the problems triggered by the brand's past, but as it is, time and the ink on the future financials sheets will tell if the restructuring is effective.
Entrepreneur
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Nissan Unveils Recovery Plan, Cuts 20,000 Jobs Worldwide
Nissan Unveils Recovery Plan, Cuts 20,000 Jobs Worldwide Nissan Motor Co. announced a major restructuring effort on Tuesday as the Japanese automaker revealed its financial results for fiscal year 2024.... This story originally appeared on Calendar Nissan Unveils Recovery Plan, Cuts 20,000 Jobs Worldwide Nissan Motor Co. announced a major restructuring effort on Tuesday as the Japanese automaker revealed its financial results for fiscal year 2024. The company introduced a new recovery initiative called 'Re:Nissan' that includes significant workforce reductions affecting 20,000 employees from its global staff of 133,580. The dramatic cuts represent approximately 15% of Nissan's total workforce and signal serious challenges for the automaker as it attempts to regain financial stability and market position. This move comes as Nissan faces increasing competition in the global automotive market and struggles with profitability issues. Financial Performance and Recovery Strategy While specific financial figures from the fiscal year 2024 report weren't detailed, the announcement of such substantial job cuts suggests Nissan is taking aggressive steps to address underlying financial concerns. The 'Re:Nissan' plan appears to be a comprehensive approach to restructuring the company's operations and reducing costs. The workforce reduction is likely aimed at streamlining operations, cutting overhead expenses, and improving operational efficiency across Nissan's global footprint. Such large-scale restructuring typically targets multiple departments and geographic regions as companies seek to eliminate redundancies and focus resources on core business areas. Industry Context Nissan's announcement follows a challenging period for many traditional automakers who face pressure from multiple fronts: Rising competition from electric vehicle manufacturers Supply chain disruptions affecting production Shifting consumer preferences toward SUVs and electric vehicles Increasing regulatory requirements for emissions and safety The automotive industry has seen several major players announce restructuring plans in recent years. Nissan's move reflects broader industry trends where companies are repositioning themselves for a changing market landscape that demands greater investment in new technologies while maintaining profitability. Human Impact The elimination of 20,000 positions represents one of the larger workforce reductions in the automotive sector in recent years. The cuts will likely affect employees across various regions where Nissan operates, including Japan, North America, Europe, and other markets. Such large-scale job reductions often create significant challenges for affected communities, particularly in areas where Nissan facilities serve as major employers. The company has not yet specified which locations or departments will bear the brunt of these cuts. Labor unions and employee representatives will likely engage with Nissan management regarding the implementation timeline and potential severance packages for affected workers. Looking Forward The 'Re:Nissan' recovery plan appears to be more than just workforce reduction, though details beyond the job cuts weren't fully outlined in the initial announcement. Typically, such recovery initiatives include multiple strategic elements such as: Automotive analysts will be watching closely to see if Nissan's recovery plan addresses fundamental questions about the company's product strategy, particularly regarding electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies where competitors have made significant investments. The effectiveness of the 'Re:Nissan' plan will likely be judged on whether it can help the automaker regain market share while positioning the company for future growth in an increasingly competitive global market. As Nissan implements these changes, industry observers will monitor whether the restructuring helps restore the company to its former position as one of the world's leading automakers or simply represents a defensive move to maintain viability in a challenging market environment. The post Nissan Unveils Recovery Plan, Cuts 20,000 Jobs Worldwide appeared first on Calendar.
Auto Blog
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Former Nissan CEO Said He Predicted Automaker's Current Crisis
The off the cuff remark by the former exec comes amid major business announcements for Nissan. Nissan prepares for a major tune-up Japanese automaker Nissan is facing criticism from its former executive leader as the company and its new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, get to grips with its ambitious turnaround action plan. On May 13, during a presentation highlighting financial results for the company's 2024-2025 fiscal year (which ended on March 31), the 46-year-old Espinosa announced a new revival plan called Re:Nissan, which heavily focuses on consolidating the automaker's current assets. 0:07 / 0:09 How soon will drivers see price hikes from Trump's tariffs? Watch More Ivan Espinosa, CEO of Japanese automaker Nissan, attends a press conference to announce the company's fiscal 2024 full-year results Job cuts are 'painful,' but 'necessary for the survival of Nissan,' says Espinosa Among the changes ordered in Espinosa's turnaround plan for Nissan are an increased number of job cuts affecting 10,000 people in addition to the 9,000 cuts that were previously announced. The plan also calls for some heavy shifts to its global production capacity, which include the shutdown of seven global assembly plants, consolidating its global production base of 17 plants to just 10 plants by the end of the 2027-2028 fiscal year. The drastic moves are an ambitious plan to streamline Nissan's footprint. By the end of the 2027-2028 fiscal year, the company eyes a global capacity of 2.5 million to 3 million vehicles. However, these require cutbacks that will affect global Nissan personnel, including employees in its home country, Japan. 'It is a very, very painful and sad decision to take. We wouldn't be doing this if it were not necessary for the survival of Nissan,' Espinosa said about the cuts during a presentation in Yokohama, Japan. 'Are we confident that this is enough? The answer is yes, this will be enough to drive the results that we need, but we need to move fast. We want to bring the heartbeat back.' During a February quarterly earnings announcement, Nissan said that 6,500 of the 9,000 job cuts would be manufacturing jobs resulting from three plant closures. According to Nissan, the first to close will be its plant in Thailand, which it intends to close sometime between April and June this year. It plans to close another plant between October and December this year, and the third will come offline within its 2026-2027 fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2027. Nissan has yet to announce which plants will get the axe. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. In addition, Espinosa stated during its earnings announcement that Nissan is in talks with Mitsubishi and Honda about joint manufacturing in the U.S. as it seeks to use additional factory capacity. 'The size of the company is just not sustainable. If we didn't do something now, the problem would only get worse,' he said. 'We need as a company to be faster, quicker, more decisive.' Carlos Ghosn, former president of Japan's Nissan Ghosn: 'The company is in a desperate situation.' Nissan's bold plan comes as the automaker posted net losses not seen in nearly 25 years. During the company's 2024-2025 fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2025, Nissan posted a net loss of 670.9 billion Yen (~$4.48 billion), an 88% dip in operating profit, as well as a global sales decline of 2.8%. In a recent interview with French business news channel BFM Business, former Nissan CEO and international fugitive Carlos Ghosn described his former employer as a company in 'dire straits.' He further stated that he 'predicted Nissan's decline' and the 'demise' of the alliance between it and French automaker Renault. Ghosn singularly blames his successors for the current situation, going as far as telling the French media that 'Nissan's management' and their 'slow decisions' are to blame for the problems they are currently facing. He also pointed out that as a result, Nissan was 'forced to go and beg for help from one of its main competitors in Japan,' referencing the failed merger talks with Honda; of which he compared to 'an alliance between Renault and Peugeot in France,' which 'doesn't make sense' to him. Nissan Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant — Source: Nissan Nissan's tariff risk Despite his rhetoric, one condition Ghosn did not have to deal with during his tenure at Nissan was a global trade environment that was disturbed by heavy trade levies and tariffs enacted by the Trump Administration. Nissan withheld earnings guidance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, as it expects tariffs to cost it around 450 billion yen (~$3.04 billion) until the fiscal year period ends on March 31, 2026. Nissan has a manufacturing footprint in the United States, but many models on its lineup, including the Z, Ariya, as well as the Kicks, Versa, and Sentra are imported from overseas factories in either Japan or Mexico. However, many of the cars that it ships over to the States are supplemental units of the bestselling Rogue crossover. In 2024, Nissan imported about 115,000 vehicles from Japan to the U.S., 92,752 of them being Rogues made at the Nissan Motor Kyushu Plant. To tackle what Espinosa called a 'very big and very challenging' task, Nissan aims to prioritize U.S. production, including keeping a second shift of production at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant to create a steady flow of U.S.-made Rogues. In addition, the new CEO stated that Nissan is in talks with Honda about possibly using some of its local manufacturing facilities in the U.S. Final thoughts It is a little bit petty to rub salt in a wound inflicted on a company that you no longer run. As much as new CEO Ivan Espinosa is credited as being the 'youthful car guy' who is 'full of life,' he is responsible for some soul-sucking problems created by grown-ups. Even before the Trump Administration sent the world's automotive industry scrambling to adjust to 25% duties on imported autos and auto parts, the laundry list of problems at Nissan could fill the pages of a New York Times-bestselling novel. I feel it is much too early to decipher how Nissan's book would end. As the Gen-Z kids would say: let him cook.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Nissan will 'assemble more electric models in Sunderland' amidst plans to shutter seven global car factories and lay off 20,000 staff
Nissan's Sunderland factory and its 6,000 staff have received a lifeline from the company's chief executive who yesterday hinted that Britain's biggest car plant might be spared in its monumental cost-saving survival plan. On Tuesday, Nissan announced its 2024-25 financial results, posting a massive £3.8billion loss on the back of a crash in demand in its two largest markets, the US and China. New CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took over the helm on 1 April, simultaneously announced the 'Re:Nissan action-based recovery plan' - a £1.3billion cost-saving drive to haul the company out of the red. It includes shuttering seven of its global vehicle manufacturing plants, slashing its workforce by 20,000 people, and pausing new product plans beyond 2026. The announcement raised alarm bells at Nissan's UK car production site in the North East, which is one of the biggest employers in the region. It also triggered a reaction from the UK Government, with Downing Street immediately asking the Japanese manufacturer to share full details of its proposals. However, during a conference call following Tuesday's statement, Espinosa provided some sign of relief, saying the company will push ahead with 'assembling more electric models in Sunderland'. Following Nissan's statement confirming it will reduce its global manufacturing footprint from 17 to just 10 sites by 2027 to cut costs, This is Money on Tuesday contacted the car maker to confirm whether its Sunderland factory - Nissan's only European production plant - is one of those on the chopping block. But while the manufacturer declined to comment, Espinosa provided some cautious optimism in a press call later in the day. During the conference, the Nissan president and chief executive said: 'In Europe, we will strengthen our presence by assembling more electric models in Sunderland.' It comes just weeks after the brand unveiling three new EVs it claimed would be produced at the UK plant. In March, it released first details of the all-new Leaf, a revived EV version of the iconic Micra supermini (likely to share a platform with the Renault 5), and an all-electric Juke. All were promised to be launched to market before the end of 2026 - importantly, ahead of Nissan's proposed product development pause announced in its cost-cutting strategy. It also said earlier in that year that Qashqai – one of Britain's best-selling cars and a model largely credited with pioneering the SUV trend – will be upgraded at the Sunderland factory. This is Money contacted Nissan UK on Tuesday to ask if the Sunderland factory (pictured) was one of the seven global factories on the chopping block. It has a workforce of over 6,000 people and is one of the region's largest employers Providing additional confidence for the UK factory's future was this week's announcement that Nissan's battery partner - Envision AESC - has received a £1billion of investment for its new gigafactory close to the Sunderland car plant. This second battery factory in the region - and set to become the UK's largest car battery production site - will supply cells for the three new EVs Nissan has promised. The deal comprises £680million of funding from a group of banks (including BBVA, HSBC, the SMBC Group, Société Générale and Standard Chartered), guaranteed by two UK government bodies, the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance. The remaining £320million comes from private financiers and Envision itself. The Nissan Micra EV will arrive first this year and will be based on the same platform as the Renault R5 EV Government asks Nissan to share cost-saving details Nissan Sunderland is Britain's biggest car producer. Last year, 282,124 vehicles - including Jukes, Leaf EVs and Qashqais - were built there. This was more than any other auto manufacturer in the country and its output represented more than one in three passenger cars made in UK factories in 2024. However, production was down 13.2 per cent on 2023. Last month, Alan Johnson, senior vice president for manufacturing, had warned MPs that the UK was 'not a competitive place' to build cars as he called for Government support. Speaking to the House of Commons' Business and Trade Committee on 23 April, Mr Johnson said Sunderland 'pays more for its electricity than any other Nissan plant in the world' - after disclosing that it was cutting back evening shifts in order to save money. Following this warning and Nissan's cost-saving plans, the UK Government stepped in yesterday to ask for more information at a 'concerning' time for workers in Sunderland. Last month, Alan Johnson (pictured), senior vice president for manufacturing, warned MPs that the UK was 'not a competitive place' to build cars as he called for Government support A Number 10 spokesman said: 'We recognise this will be a concerning time for workers at Nissan and their families. 'Whilst this is a global decision taken for commercial reasons, we have a long-standing partnership with Nissan and will continue to work closely with them on their manufacturing future in the UK. 'We've asked the company to share its full plan so we can assess the impact in the UK.' A spokesperson for Nissan responded on Tuesday: 'We are currently in detailed study within the company regarding the announced plant closures. 'At this stage, we are not able to inform you which plants will be affected.' In February, Nissan confirmed that a late shift on one of the Sunderland factory's assembly lines would closed, but no jobs were lost after some 400 affected workers were moved other production lines to 'maximise efficiency'. Part of its cost-saving and restructuring plan to help 'create a leaner, more resilient business' is to lay-off around 20,000 staff, slashing its global workforce by 15 per cent. This is 11,000 additional cuts on top of the 9,000 roles it proposed axing in November.
