Leaf

Make
Nissan
Segment
Hatchback

It's been a difficult year for manufacturers across the globe due to the ongoing semiconductor crisis. Giants such as Nissan have not gotten through this unscathed either. The company CEO, however, insists that the brand's production is on a recovery track. He also goes on to explain how the Nissan Leaf set the foundation for its upcoming EV strategy.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Makoto Uchida confirms that a robust business plan is in place to resolve the semiconductor shortage. It is maintaining this by continuing daily discussions with its suppliers regarding how Nissan can make sure its production plans are achieved.

With a production target of 3.8 million units for 2022, Uchida-san states that Nissan will be closely monitoring all aspects of production throughout the year to ensure that it does not drop the ball. Regardless, he acknowledges that the chip shortage situation remains uncertain. Looking beyond 2022, it's revealed that the company is excited to initiate its $17.5 billion EV strategy.

Uchida-san adds that Nissan has a ten-year jumpstart on the EV sphere with its first-generation Leaf and looks forward to introducing its upcoming electrified range, which could include a revival of the Silvia badge. 23 electrified cars will be launched by the brand by 2030, but the one Uchida-san says Nissan is most excited about is its kei-EV.

This is because of how strong the segment remains in its domestic Japanese market. This was introduced to us as the IMk concept almost three years ago.

While not as exciting as the Z or GT-R, Nissan is certain that this will be the product to watch out for because it will penetrate a market that is likely to attract new customers to its future EV offerings. While success is somewhat certain in its local area, Nissan has been suffering from falling sales in the crucial Chinese market. Does the company's new range have what it takes to change this direction?

Uchida-san says that the true challenge with this region is implementing its electrified lineup alongside its current internal combustion cars. The brand believes that its upcoming solid-state battery, which has been slated for a 2028 launch will be the ace up its sleeve, not only in this region but in the global market.