Japanese auto giant Nissan is entering a "full disinfection" mode on its portfolio, announcing a drastic plan to shrink its model range. Under the leadership of CEO Ivan Espinoza, the company will delete 11 models that are not bringing expected profits, reducing its total lineup from 56 to 45 cars. The move is not just a cosmetic change, but an attempt to survive by focusing on quality over quantity.
Nissan's new strategy divides the brand's future into four "families" that sound almost like musical categories: Heartbeat, Core, Growth and Partner. The goal is clear - 80% of sales should come from models that share common platforms and software, which will lower production costs to levels that allow for real competition in the market.
The emotion remains: The revival of legends
In the Heartbeat category, Nissan places its “icons“ that keep the pulse of fans. The sporty Z and GT-R not only survive the purge, but also get a new horizon. It has already been confirmed that the next generation of “Godzilla“ (GT-R) will appear by 2030. The model is expected to combine its brutal VR38 engine with hybrid technology to meet environmental regulations without losing its wild character. New additions are also on the horizon, such as the revived Xterra and the all-new Skyline, which will also enter this emotional category.
The Core and Growth: Hybrid Domination
The mass models that fill the company's coffers fall into the Core group. Here, the leading role will be played by the Rogue (known in our country as the X-Trail), which relies on the third generation e-Power technology. We remind you that this is a “series hybrid“, in which the gasoline engine serves only as a current generator, and the drive is fully electric. The Growth category will target specific regional needs, while the Partner will rely on cooperation with Renault to optimize industrial capacity.
Artificial intelligence behind the wheel
Nissan sees its future not just as a hardware manufacturer, but as a software company. By 2030, artificial intelligence (AI) will be integrated into as many as 90% of the brand's models. A pioneer in this regard will be the luxury minivan Elgrand, which will debut in Japan in the summer of 2026. It will be equipped with the latest ProPilot system, which promises “a driving feeling like that of an experienced person“, coping even with complex traffic in an urban environment.
Geographic chess: Where does it leave Europe?
Nissan's strategy outlines clear priorities - the main efforts will be directed at the USA, China and Japan. The goal is that by 2030 the brand will sell one million cars a year in the USA and China and about 550,000 in Japan. Europe, unfortunately, is not on the list of “leading markets“, which means that here we will rely mainly on models developed in close cooperation with Renault to maintain market positions without huge independent investments.
This “diet” that Nissan is undergoing is painful but necessary. With fewer models, but with more technology and artificial intelligence, the Japanese brand hopes to return to the elite club of the most profitable automakers in the world.
Although Nissan officially announced its plans to reduce its portfolio by 11 models, the company is approaching it strategically and is not providing in one list all the “victims“. The goal is to avoid a negative response in the markets and among dealers.
However, based on the market results and the new strategy The Arc, the main names that are leaving the scene or will be replaced by new concepts are now clear:
Confirmed and expected models to be discontinued:
Nissan Titan – The full-size pickup is already history (end of 2024/2025), as it failed to fight off competition from Ford and Chevrolet in the US.
Nissan Versa – The brand's cheapest sedan falls victim to the weak interest in small limousines and the focus on crossovers.
Nissan Altima – Although popular in the past, its fate is unclear after 2026/2027. The model is expected to be discontinued or replaced by all-electric successor.
Nissan Maxima – Production of the current petrol model has now been discontinued, with the name likely to return only as an electric sports sedan.
Nissan Ariya (current version) – Although a new model, the Ariya will undergo a major transformation or be discontinued in its current form in certain regions to make way for a more efficient second wave of electric vehicles.
Nissan March (Micra) – In many regions, the traditional ICE version is being retired to be replaced by the new electric Micra (based on the Renault 5).
The remaining models on the “blacklist“ are mainly regional cars sold in India, Southeast Asia and Latin America, which are based on old platforms and do not meet new emissions and safety requirements.