leaf ev — leaf ev — Nissan Motor has announced a significant cut in its production plan for the new Leaf electric vehicle, reducing output by more than half for the upcoming September to November period. This decision is primarily due to lower-than-expected battery yields at a Nissan affiliate, as reported by the Nikkei business daily.
While specific production figures have not been disclosed, the reductions are expected to amount to several thousand vehicles per month at Nissan’s Tochigi plant in eastern Japan. This facility is crucial as it produces the Leaf for both the Japanese and United States markets.
Despite the challenges, Nissan remains committed to launching the new Leaf by the end of 2025. The company has described the reports regarding its production changes as speculative and has chosen not to provide additional comments. Nevertheless, Nissan maintains that the model is still on schedule for its planned release.
The Leaf was a trailblazer in the electric vehicle market when it debuted in 2010. Now, with the refreshed model, Nissan hopes to regain its competitive edge in this rapidly evolving sector. The company is not new to production hurdles; earlier this year, its Ariya electric SUV faced similar manufacturing issues at the same Tochigi plant, resulting in delays for deliveries.
On the stock market, Nissan shares saw a decline of 0.4 per cent on Tuesday, underperforming against the broader Nikkei benchmark which increased by 0.3 per cent. As Nissan navigates these production challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that the new Leaf meets consumer expectations and re-establishes the brand’s position in the electric vehicle arena.
