Update: We reached out to Nissan about this story and they, partially at least, denied the claim, telling us that “Nissan does not comment on details of its future product plans. We have not made any decision to end development of the Skyline model for the Japanese market.”
Speaking at a conference, Asako Hoshino, Executive Vice President of Nissan also touched on the subject, but was more forceful, saying: “There have been reports of the cancellation of the Skyline’s development last weekend and the development of Nissan’s symbolism, but there is no fact that such a decision was made. Nissan will never give up on the Skyline.”
Of course that does not explain what will happen to the other three sedans listed for sale on Nissan’s Japanese dealerships, the Cima, the Fuga, and the Sylphy.
Original story follows below
Nissan will stop the development of all new sedans in its home market of Japan, according to a report from Nikkei Asia. The move would not mean the end of all sedans worldwide but would herald the brand’s focus on SUVs, crossovers, and EVs, though Nissan has denied the rumor.
Major suppliers were warned about the change on Friday according to unnamed sources who spoke to the outlet. The move would affect all four sedans currently sold in Japan. Along with the Skyline, that would include the Cima, the Fuga, and the Sylphy.
Nissan plans to start building the Ariya EV at its Tochigi production plant later this year and may eventually dedicate the factory entirely to EVs.
Read Also: Toyota Remains Committed To Sedans, Insists There Is Still A Market For Them
Like other automakers, Nissan may hope to streamline its development pipeline, allowing it to focus on EVs and SUVs. The move is seemingly being encouraged by the market, which is increasingly fond of crossovers and SUVs and has lost interest in sedans.
Nikkei reports that last year, Nissan’s four sedan models made up just 1% of its sales in Japan and totaled just 5,800 units. Its sedan sales were strong in other markets, though. The brand sold about 950,000 sedans internationally, which will be encouraging to fans of the sedan.
Could we see a Skyline SUV?
For Nissan, the change would pose a bit of a concern, though, when it comes to heritage nameplates. The Skyline is the brand’s oldest surviving vehicle and one of its best-loved.
The report suggests that the name may, therefore, be applied to a crossover or an EV, much like Ford did with the Mustang on the Mach-E. If it does so, Nissan would also share its move away from sedans with Ford and much of the automotive industry.
