Nissan Bets on AI, Hybrids, and a Bold Xterra Comeback
Nissan outlined a long-term plan centered on AI Drive Technology to power about 90% of its lineup (first shown in the Japan-market Elgrand with ProPilot updates expected by 2027), and a push into electrification with a 2027 Rogue/X-Trail E-Power hybrid in the US featuring a 42% thermal efficiency. The automaker officially confirms the return of the Xterra in 2028 as a body-on-frame, ‘Heartbeat’ model, possibly skipping a hybrid four-cylinder for a V6, with manual transmission unlikely. Alongside new models, Nissan will shrink its global lineup from over 60 to ~45 models, focusing on core SUVs like the Rogue, and aiming for about 1 million US/Canada sales annually by 2030 and 550,000 in Japan. CEO Ivan Espinosa frames this as a move beyond the Re:Nissan recovery with a focus on mobility intelligence and customer experience.