Nissan Unveils Bold Restructuring Plan: Global Lineup Slashed to 45 Models

In response to intense global competition and mounting financial pressure, Nissan has officially announced its latest long-term strategic vision. To stem heavy losses and return to sustainable growth, the Japanese automaker will adopt a "leaner" strategy, reducing its global model lineup from 56 to 45 vehicles and reallocating resources to high-potential segments.

Four Core Categories: 80% of Sales from "Hero Products" 

Nissan will now concentrate its product development on four strategic categories.

• Heartbeat: Iconic and performance models that strengthen brand image
• Core: High-volume mainstream models
• Growth: Models tailored for emerging markets
• Partner: Shared-platform vehicles developed within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance

The company has set an ambitious target: 80% of future sales will come from just three "Core Model Families". By focusing resources, Nissan aims to shorten development cycles and increase average per-unit sales volume by more than 30%.

Infiniti's Revival Plan Led by All-New QX65

In the premium segment, Infiniti will play a key role in Nissan's recovery. The all-new 2027 QX65 SUV is scheduled to debut this spring. Infiniti also confirmed plans to launch:

• A mid-sized hybrid SUV
• A V6 performance sedan
• Two body-on-frame hybrid SUVs

Three Pillar Markets: China to Become Global Export Hub

Nissan has identified Japan, the United States, and China as its three core markets.

Japan: Target of 550,000 annual sales by FY2030, with focus on compact cars

United States: Aim to return to the 1 million-unit annual sales club by FY2030

China: Despite sales dropping sharply to around 650,000 units in 2025 (halved from its peak), Nissan plans to transform its China operations into a global export hub, leveraging local R&D capabilities and cost advantages to achieve 1 million units annually by FY2030.

Financial Red Alert: Losses Continue to Widen

According to Nissan's Q3 FY2025 financial report, the company's situation remains critical.

• Net Sales: 8.58 trillion Yen (declined year-on-year)
• Operating Profit: -101 billion Yen (loss-making)
• Net Profit: -250.2 billion Yen
• Global Sales: 2.26 million units (down 5.8% year-on-year)

Nissan attributed the heavy losses to declining sales, restructuring costs from mass layoffs, and the impact of US tariff policies.

Malaysian Perspective: What Does This Mean for Us?

Although Nissan's strategy focuses primarily on China, the US, and Japan, the significant streamlining of its global lineup will inevitably impact the Malaysian market.

Currently, Nissan's Malaysian lineup (distributed by Tan Chong Motor) is relatively limited. As the company shifts its focus toward e-POWER hybrids and electrified vehicles, the introduction of new models in Malaysia will likely depend on the success of its China export strategy. If Nissan can effectively reduce costs for its New Energy Vehicles in China, Malaysian consumers may benefit from more competitively priced electrified Nissans in the coming years.

Nissan is currently undergoing a painful but necessary "survival of the fittest" restructuring. The key question remains: Can this veteran Japanese automaker successfully stage a comeback with a significantly leaner lineup of just 45 models while facing fierce competition from aggressive brands?