Nissan bets on AI driving tech for 90% of cars as turnaround plan cuts 11 models from lineup

Nissan Streamlines Global Car Lineup with AI Focus

Nissan has unveiled an ambitious turnaround plan that positions AI driving technology at the center of its revitalization efforts. The Japanese automaker announced it will streamline its global car lineup from 56 to 45 models, cutting 11 underperforming vehicles to focus resources on profitability and growth1

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. CEO Ivan Espinosa described the move as essential to addressing structural challenges that have accumulated over years of turmoil, noting that "our portfolio aged faster than the market, costs rose faster than volumes"2

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AI-Defined Vehicles Drive Strategic Vision

At the core of Nissan's strategy lies what Espinosa calls "AI-defined vehicles," with the company committing to deploy autonomous driving technology across 90% of its vehicle array over the long term2

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. This aggressive push into self-driving capabilities represents a significant bet on AI as a differentiator in an increasingly competitive automotive landscape. The automaker plans to introduce end-to-end autonomous capability in its new Elgrand minivan, scheduled for launch in Japan this summer, by the end of the 2027 financial year1

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. The fast rollout of autonomous features will play a crucial role in Nissan's efforts to increase sales volume in Japan to 550,000 vehicles annually by 20302

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New Hybrid and Electric Models Target Key Markets

Nissan revealed several new hybrid and electric models as part of its portfolio strategy, including a hybrid version of the Rogue SUV—known as the X-Trail in Japan—and an electric version of the Juke1

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. The hybrid Rogue targets the U.S. market, where the Trump administration has eliminated incentives for electric vehicles, while the electric Juke will be manufactured in Sunderland, England, playing a vital role in electrification plans for Europe2

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. The company aims to produce more vehicles in the U.S. by raising its local production rate to 80% over time from around 60% currently, and plans to rejuvenate its Infiniti luxury brand by introducing new models1

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. Nissan will expand powertrain options across its models and boost investment in electric and hybrid technologies to remain competitive against Chinese manufacturers who have rapidly dominated electric car production2

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Robotaxi Services and Strategic Partnerships

Nissan has partnered with Uber Technologies and British startup Wayve on developing robotaxi services, aiming to roll out a pilot program in Tokyo by late 20261

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. The collaboration with Wayve, which signed its first technology deal with Nissan a year ago, is expected to benefit significantly from the automaker's commitment to deploying self-driving abilities across its fleet2

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. This partnership positions Nissan to compete in the emerging autonomous mobility market while leveraging external expertise in AI development.

Ambitious Sales Targets Amid Ongoing Restructuring

Nissan set aggressive sales targets of 1 million vehicles each in the U.S. market and China market by the 2030 financial year1

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. In China, the company will establish exports as a strategic pillar, shipping its N7 electric sedan to Latin America and ASEAN, and its Frontier Pro pickup truck to the Middle East1

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. Ivan Espinosa emphasized that the timing was right to sharpen the company's long-term vision as it reaches the midpoint of his sweeping turnaround plan, which includes reducing global manufacturing footprint and cutting the workforce by 15%1

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. The automaker, which trails Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki in sales volume, reported a surprise third-quarter profit in February and sharply cut its outlook for a full-year loss, suggesting the revitalization plan may be gaining traction1

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. However, Masahiro Akita, an analyst at Bernstein, cautioned that "amid ongoing macro uncertainty, it remains unclear whether Nissan can deliver sustained top-line growth and achieve a genuine turnaround"2

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