Japanese legacy automaker Nissan will phase out the popular internal combustion engine-powered vehicle model Maxima as early as this year, The US Sun reports. Notably, the move is a crucial part of the company’s push for electrification.
Plan details
In hindsight, Nissan initially announced plans to halt the production of the Maxima car in Summer 2023. Now, it seems that the plan is fast progressing.
Nonetheless, it is unsurprising because the eight-gen old model’s sales only reached 3,753 units in H1 2023. It indicates a significant drop in demand compared to the Altima, which sold 78,610 units in the same period.
According to Nissan, eliminating the Maxima car is crucial for its plans to start “prioritizing electric vehicles.” Interestingly, it encourages customers to “stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news.”
About the Maxima car
The report noted that Nissan’s Maxima has existed for almost four decades already. It is also apparently a three-time 10Best winner of Car and Driver owing to its remarkable features and performance.
Nissan may be planning to focus on the development of its electric sedan once it kills the Maxima model, Car and Driver suggests.
Unsurprisingly, Nissan Maxima fans were disappointed by the news. They publicly expressed their concerns on the social media platform X.
“Genuinely sad that Nissan discontinued the Maxima. It had so much potential.”
X user @T_Faithh
Other X users were questioning the company’s decision as they worried that Nissan could be making a wrong move.
“Why Nissan discontinuing the most beautiful car they have in the lineup bro? I get it if they discontinued the versa… because…. who willingly buys that? but the MAXIMA? Nissannn bro you making weird decisions.”
X user @AudioGeekProd
Interestingly, some users pointed out the notable trend in the automotive industry where automakers phase out similar models to give way for electric cars.
“Maxima got added to the list of cars being discontinued in 2024 along with Camaros, Challengers, Chargers. Not too many fun vehicles gonna be left on the road soon.”
X user @Bang4UrBuk
Nissan’s electrification strategy
Nissan announced plans in late February to accelerate its electrification strategy. According to the Japanese automaker, it will launch 27 new electric vehicles by 2030.
In addition, the company expects its EV sales to change in the following key markets by 2026:
As you can see, the US is expected to retain its initial 40% EV volume guidance. Meanwhile, Nissan will launch an electric model explicitly developed for Chinese customers to counter the projected 5 percentage points decline in the local market.
See Also:
- Nissan to invest about $663M in Renault’s Ampere
- Nissan advances as the first Japanese automaker to adopt
- Nissan’s Infiniti announces rebranding strategy, presents revolutionary
- Nissan introduces “X-in-1” E-Powertrains to save 30% on costs
- Nissan intensifies its EV strategy after recognizing that consumers prefer EV
Nissan is also among the major automakers to confirm a partnership with Tesla for the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. It will enable Nissan EV owners to access the Musk-led company’s enormous and reliable Supercharging network.
Nissan’s electrification strategy will significantly aid the company’s efforts to catch up in the rapidly growing industry and boost its sales in the coming quarters.
