Renault-Nissan plan new electrified line up, US manufacturing operations as combustion engine investment dries up
With plans for 15 all-electric global models, and 23 electric-powertrain models total by 2030, Nissan has a lot of work to do this decade. Plans for EV plants in Sunderland, UK and Mississippi USA will see a massive investment in electric vehicle jobs and manufacturing.
The fully electric Nissan Leaf, Ariya and Townstar.
Nissan’s Ambition 2030 Plan has already called for 15 all-electric global models, and 23 electric-powertrain models total by 2030, and now the automaker has announced that it will not introduce any new pure internal combustion engine-powered passenger cars in Europe from 2023.
Nissan’s new electrified line-up promises “no compromise on excitement and driving pleasure” according to the company, and Nissan expects 75% of its sales mix in the European region to be electrified by FY2026, with the ambition to reach 100% by the end of the decade. It is targeting a mix of 40% electric vehicles in the United States for the same period.
Fully electric models include the Nissan Leaf, just-released Ariya, and Nissan Townstar, a fully electric compact light commercial vehicle.
Nissan hopes its Ariya Crossover will be a global sales success.
Hybrid models planned include the JUKE Hybrid, Qashqai e-POWER and X-Trail e-POWER. Nissan is also working on a comprehensive EV Energy Ecosystem, which explores initiatives to optimise and expand battery energy management capabilities. Nissan's flagship EV manufacturing hub, EV36Zero, based in Sunderland, UK – brings together vehicle and battery production, powered by renewables to set the blueprint for e-mobility manufacturing.
Nissan’s range of battery electric and plug in hybrid electric vehicles. Images: Nissan
Nissan to build two all-electric models in Mississippi
Nissan will also invest US$500 million to transform its Canton, MS assembly into a facility capable of building next-generation Nissan and Infiniti EV models starting in 2025. The partnership with local, county and state governments will preserve and upskill nearly 2,000 jobs according to the automaker.
Nissan has also set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company’s global operations and the life cycle of its products by 2050 by pursuing further innovations in electrification and manufacturing technology.
The 2021 Nissan Chillout hints at the design of a possible Leaf replacement.
“For nearly two decades, Mississippians have kept our state at the forefront of the world’s automotive industry,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The announcement that Nissan Canton is shifting some production to EVs further positions Mississippi as a leader in this crucial economic sector. We are a top state for automotive leaders, and this significant investment by Nissan in the Canton facility lets the world know that we are open for business and our workforce is ready to take on these in-demand jobs of the future.”
While South Carolina is the number one US state for auto and auto parts exports, Mississippi also generates a considerable amount of revenue and employs thousands within its auto industry. Companies such as Toyota, BorgWarner, Yokohama, Continental and Tiffin Motorhomes are based there, and Nissan has had a presence in Canton since 2003.
The highly-anticipated Nissan Ariya crossover is expected to launch in Europe during summer 2022, and Fall in the United States. Australian customers will have to wait until 2023 for a taste of car.
Nissan reveals paint colour palette for upcoming Ariya electric SUV
Nissan has unveiled a palette of ten exterior colours for the Ariya SUV, a pleasing change from the likes of Volkswagen which only offers a greyscale palette plus red or blue on expensive variants of its ID.4. There are four monotone and six two-tone options, and Nissan claims the paint portfolio was crafted to elevate Ariya’s premium look and feel.
Nissan Ariya boasts two bespoke colours, reduced CO2 output during paint process
Two brand-new colours have been developed by Nissan, Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green
Technological innovations in the paint production line reduces carbon dioxide output by 25%
Nissan has unveiled a palette of ten exterior colours for the Ariya SUV, a pleasing change from the likes of Volkswagen which only offers a greyscale palette plus red or blue on expensive variants of its ID.4.
There are four monotone and six two-tone options, and Nissan claims the paint portfolio was crafted to elevate Ariya’s premium look and feel. The colours are applied by a highly advanced, environmentally sustainable paint production technology that reduces carbon dioxide output by 25% according to the company – further reducing the environmental footprint of this zero emission vehicle.
New colours for a new era of electrification
The design team developed Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green especially for the all-electric coupé crossover. “The ingenuity the Nissan Ariya represents inspired us to adopt an entirely new mindset for colour design,” said Lesley Busby, Colour Manager at Nissan Design Europe.
Nissan Ariya in Akatsuki Copper. Images: Nissan
“Ariya is the culmination of Nissan’s electric mobility expertise and a strong statement of intent for the future of EV design. We therefore worked hard to introduce a truly futuristic and technology-driven design language for the colours, analysing them in detail to create the perfect match for Ariya’s innovative personality,” Lesley Busby continued.
Inspired by the Japanese phrase for ‘dawn’, Akatsuki Copper’s striking appearance mimics the brilliance of a sunrise, reflecting the beginning of Nissan’s new brand identity. Its metallic sparkle is enhanced to evoke the conductivity of copper wires, honouring the model’s advanced EV technology.
Aurora Green takes its name from the beautiful ‘Northern Lights’ phenomenon, aurora borealis, commonly seen in the arctic. A sophisticated blend of different tones means the colour may appear green or purple depending on the angle that it is viewed, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue.
Technology innovation in colour
Nissan claims an all-new level of detail and depth to customer-favourite colours, created with state-of-the-art paint production techniques. Lesley Busby commented: “We know that black and white colours are some of the most popular options with vehicle owners in Europe and around the world. With Ariya, we have introduced a new level of richness and a premium veneer for these customer favourites. Combined with the quality and attention to detail seen throughout the colour palette, we’re excited for customers to experience Nissan’s new era of colour design for themselves.”
Sustainable production techniques
Technological innovation has also been employed to enhance the sustainability of the paint production line. Nissan has introduced a water-based paint which allows colours to be applied at a lower temperature, ensuring that each part of the vehicle can be painted together. This streamlines the entire application process, reducing carbon dioxide output by 25%.
The Ariya already has over 29,000 preorders worldwide according to Nissan, and is scheduled for a Japanese launch mid-2021 starting from 5 million yen ($66,700 AUD), and a European, Chinese and North American launch late in 2021.
While Nissan Australia has gone on the record as keen to import the Ariya, no Australian launch timing or pricing has been provided by the company. We’ll keep you updated if and when that changes.
