PORSCHE

Boxster and Cayman electric, the sports cars Porsche doesn't know how to save

Porsche has had no choice but to start admitting the unthinkable: its ambitious plan for electric cars has not gone as expected. And the first major sign of this course correction could directly affect two of its iconic sports cars.

According to Automotive News, the German brand is considering canceling the launch of the new 718 Boxster and Cayman electric models, which were scheduled to inaugurate a new era of zero emissions for Stuttgart's two-seater models in 2026. This change would represent a significant strategic shift for Porsche.

The decision has not yet been made, but the prestigious publication suggests that this would be one of the first major measures to be taken by the company's new CEO, Michael Leiters, who replaced Oliver Blume to allow the German to focus on the complex restructuring of the Volkswagen Group. Delays in the development of both models and the sharp increase in their costs have reportedly generated concern at the company's top management.

The Boxster and Cayman, in limbo...The possible cancellation of the electric 718 puts the Boxster and Cayman in a particularly precarious position. Both models have already abandoned their combustion engine versions in mass markets and, in Spain, only survive in ultra-exclusive editions such as the 718 Spyder RS ​​and the Cayman GT4 RS.

Their future should involve, without exception, complete electrification starting this year, 2026. Now, however, Porsche faces an unexpected scenario: two of its most iconic sports cars without a clear short-term plan.

This possible turnaround comes shortly after another change announced months ago, when Porsche revealed the development of a new combustion engine model intended to replace the classic Cayenne. An SUV whose definitive leap to electricity seemed inevitable… until the brand decided to leave the door open for a combustion engine.

Porsche's situation cannot be explained solely by its risky venture with electric vehicles. Two main factors also affected their forecasts: the sharp drop in sales in China, the world's largest automotive market, and the tariffs imposed by the United States on European products, another key market for the brand.

This combination of factors forced Porsche to revise its plans and accept that the pace of market electrification is not what was predicted a few years ago. And that, even for a leading brand, correcting course may be the only way to stay on track.

The transition of the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman to electric power has become a defining struggle for the automaker, with the project plagued by, as of early 2026, development delays, ballooning costs, and waning consumer demand for EV sports cars. Initially intended to be fully electric by 2026, the 718 line is now undergoing a massive, expensive U-turn, with Porsche considering re-engineering the platform to include internal combustion engines (ICE) to save the model from a potentially disastrous market reception.

Key challenges in electrifying the 718(below):

-Development "Hell": The 718 EV project has been in development for seven years, facing continuous delays and technical issues, including difficulties with battery supplier Northvolt's bankruptcy and managing weight.

-Weight vs. performance: A core issue is replicating the light, mid-engine handling of the 718 with a heavy, battery-laden electric platform.

-Financial pressures: Reversing the EV-only strategy is estimated to cost Porsche €1.8 billion ($3.2 billion AUD) in 2025, contributing to a 10% decline in overall sales, with significant losses in the Chinese market.

-Weak demand: Consumer appetite for electric sports cars has been lower than anticipated, leading to the discontinuation of the ICE models in 2025 (despite a 15% sales increase that year) being questioned.

The u-turn: returning to combustion...In response to these challenges, Porsche is shifting its strategy:

-ICE return: Porsche is re-engineering the 718 chassis to accommodate internal combustion engines, intending to offer both electric and combustion versions for years.

-Costly redesign: The dedicated "PPE" electric platform must now be adapted to fit a fuel tank, exhaust, and cooling systems, requiring a complete overhaul of the structural floor and rear subframe.

-Potential cancellation: Reports as of February 2026 suggest new CEO Michael Leiters is considering scrapping the 718 EV entirely due to rising costs.

Impact on the brand...The 718, traditionally an accessible entry point to the Porsche brand, risks becoming a "soulless" or "unaffordable" car if the electric version fails to connect with purists. The struggle highlights the difficulty of applying the "value over volume" strategy to entry-level sports cars during an industry-wide, shaky transition to electrification.

Boxster and Cayman electric there is salvation? Autonews responds (autonews1@yahoo.com)...Based on the most recent reports (up to February 2026), the situation is complex:

The challenges (why it may NOT be the direct salvation):

-Strategic retreat: Faced with weak demand for electric vehicles, especially in China, and high costs, Porsche is reconsidering plans for an "all-electric" 718.

-Risk of "soullessness": Market reaction indicates that enthusiasts still prefer combustion engines for convertible and mid-engined sports cars, fearing that the electric version will lose the "essence" of Porsche.

-High costs and low sales: Porsche, under the management of new CEO Michael Leiters, is considering reducing costs, with the possibility of postponing or even canceling the 718 EV due to its high development requirements.

-Competition and weight: The challenge of creating a lightweight car with a sporty "feel" using heavy batteries is significant, with the performance of current electric versions not guaranteeing the same sales success as combustion engine models. A Change of Course (Hybrid "Salvation" May Be the Solution):

-Return of the Combustion Engine: Reports indicate that Porsche may bring back gasoline or hybrid versions for the 718, following a lukewarm reception to the idea of ​​full electrification.

-Strategic Realignment: The brand has retreated from a strictly electric future for the 718 lineup and is instead focusing on a mixed approach (ICE and EV), developing new combustion or hybrid engines to suit market demand.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

Absolute rarity>>>found after 43 years: this abandoned Renault 5 only drove 12 kilometers

One of the most important models in Renault's history was forgotten for 43 years, accumulating dust and dirt in a French garage. In fact, the car was bought new and simply parked in a garage at the end of October 1982, from where it never left.

In an ocean of modern and somewhat impersonal vehicles, popular cars from the past truly surprise us. When a classic like this appears, whether forgotten and abandoned in some dusty garage or barn, it causes a wave of joy in whoever finds it, but also in fans of classic models.

The protagonist of this story is one of the most famous classic compact cars of the 70s and 80s. We are talking about the first generation of the Renault 5, produced between 1972 and 1985, the grandfather of the current Renault 5 E-Tech electric car that you find in dealerships today.

However, the burning question is: how could a car like this have been forgotten for over four decades? According to its creators, the car was bought new in 1982 and simply parked. All these years it remained unused, in an almost eternal state of lethargy.

The car was bought by a French woman who, in 1982, spent all her savings at the Sodirac dealership in Chalon-sur-Saône. The model acquired was a five-door Renault 5, TL version, with a 1,108 cc engine and a four-speed manual transmission, painted in an unusual metallic shade, Bleu Schiste. All this for the modest sum of 40,000 French francs, the equivalent of approximately 6,100 euros.

The car left the dealership with a temporary license plate 9105 WWA 71 (in sticker form), valid for 15 days, until the definitive registration. Furthermore, the delivery took place at the owner's home, as she did not yet have a driver's license.

In fact, the car was parked in a garage at the end of October 1982 and never left. Imagine, the final license plates had already been made and were found in the trunk.

The reason? The owner had a driver's license, but she didn't feel comfortable behind the wheel and never drove the car, which had its odometer reset to zero since the day of delivery, showing only 12 kilometers driven(umage above).

And now? We imagine the car will be completely cleaned and inspected, since it has been announced that it will be auctioned at an event organized by Aguttes, scheduled for March 15th.

Foto: phares_jaunes_et_damiers

AUTONEWS

VR used to help understand how people respond when self-driving taxis go wrong

What would you do if you were in a self-driving taxi and another passenger fell seriously ill? What if a fire broke out, or the vehicle stopped in the wrong place? What would you need to manage the situation with no driver to help?

Researchers at Loughborough University have been using immersive virtual reality (VR) to explore these questions and help the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Government's Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) understand how future self-driving taxis should be designed to keep passengers with different needs safe and supported in emergencies.

Professor Gary Burnett, an expert in digital creativity at Loughborough, and a team of researchers have developed a series of VR simulations that place participants together as avatars inside a self-driving taxi during emergency situations. The team at Loughborough can then directly observe how people respond socially when there is no human driver present in these safety-critical scenarios.

Ninety-one people with a range of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 (including 81 adults and 10 children aged eight to 17) experienced the scenarios wearing VR headsets—and were asked what actions they would take, what information or features they would need to manage the situation, and how safe they felt in each emergency scenario.

"Participants experienced scenarios including a medical emergency involving another passenger, a fire inside the vehicle, flooding on the route, a collision, and a pedestrian attempting to open the taxi door," said Professor Burnett.

"By using VR, researchers were able to safely recreate high-risk situations that would be impossible to test in the real world, while still capturing authentic emotional and behavioral responses."

The research has been published in an online report. The findings highlight that barriers in emergencies are not only practical—such as those due to physical or sensory limitations—but are also shaped by how safe people feel, with gender, age, disability and other protected characteristics influencing how confidently passengers are able to act or seek help.

Project Director Dr. Clare Mutzenich—who has recently joined Loughborough University as a Professor of Human and AI Interaction—said, "Without a human driver to guide or reassure, automated systems will need to take on a more active role in supporting people, particularly in moments of uncertainty or emergency.

"By bringing together voices that are often overlooked in transport planning, including those of disabled people, neurodivergent users, and individuals with gender or faith-related needs, this study helps lay the foundations for self-driving taxis that are not only technically capable, but genuinely inclusive, trusted and safe for everyone."

How everyday activities affect taking back control in self-driving vehicles...Alongside this work, Loughborough researchers have contributed to a second DfT and CCAV-funded project examining which non-driving activities people can safely carry out while a self-driving vehicle is driving itself, without compromising their ability to take back control when required to by the automated system.

The research, carried out in collaboration with University College London, involved 87 participants taking part in controlled driving simulator trials. During periods of self-driving, participants completed everyday non-driving related activities—such as watching videos, reading, completing puzzles, and eating or drinking—before receiving a prompt to take back control of the vehicle.

Take-back control was assessed by examining how quickly and safely participants resumed control of the vehicle, including whether they regained situational awareness by scanning mirrors and the road before starting driving and their steering, braking and lane-keeping performance once they took manual control.

The findings, which have also been published in an online report, show that taking back control quickly does not always mean taking back control safely, with some activities affecting how well participants were able to rebuild awareness of their surroundings before resuming driving.

Dr. Mutzenich said, "We found that some non-driving related activities, such as eating and drinking, were relatively easy for participants to disengage from after a takeover request. Others, however, proved much harder. In some cases, participants continued mobile phone tasks, like watching a film, even after starting manual driving.

"We also observed that very few participants looked in their mirrors before taking control, which is a crucial element of understanding the driving environment.

"Phase 2 of this research is now underway, and the focus is on testing clearer guidance for users-in-charge on what constitutes a safe and effective takeover."

Together, the projects demonstrate how immersive technologies such as VR and driving simulators can help policymakers and designers anticipate human behavior and design safer, more inclusive self-driving transport before such systems are introduced on UK roads.

Provided by Loughborough University

 

AUTONEWS

Nissan Micra vs Renault 5 E-Tech

The Nissan Micra and the Renault 5 E-Tech are, in fact, "sibling" cars that share the same platform and technical components, differing mainly in exterior and interior design and minor details of trim and equipment.

Both models are based on the AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-BEV) of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and are produced in the same factory in France.

The choice between the Nissan Micra E-Tech Electric and the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric depends mainly on preference for style, price and minor equipment details, since both cars are essentially technical "siblings," sharing the same platform and components.

Renault 5 E-Tech Electric: Stands out for its retro and charismatic design, inspired by the original 1970s model, which appeals to nostalgia. Generally, it is the slightly more affordable option, with estimated prices starting around €25,000 in Europe, making it a strong choice if budget is a key factor.

The Nissan Micra E-Tech Electric features a more modern, clean, and conventional look, with its own design elements, such as the round headlights, which evoke previous generations of the Micra. The price is slightly higher than the Renault 5, starting at around €27,000, although top-of-the-range specifications may offer a slight extra in terms of equipment.

The choice between the Nissan Micra E-Tech and the Renault 5 E-Tech will primarily depend on personal preference for style and price. The Renault 5 offers a striking retro look and a slightly lower entry price, while the Nissan Micra opts for a more conventional and modern design, with the bonus of practical energy regeneration levers on the steering wheel.

Verdict...Objectively, the Renault 5 E-Tech is often cited as the better choice due to its lower price, given that the mechanical base and performance are practically identical to the Micra. However, the Nissan Micra E-Tech offers the convenient regenerative braking paddles on the steering wheel and the e-Pedal function, which some drivers may prefer, and a slightly longer warranty in some markets.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to which aesthetics are more appealing and whether the Nissan's unique features justify its extra cost for the individual buyer.

by Autonews

JEEP

Why did Jeep hit the mark and launch the best Compass ever?

Jeep has revealed the third generation of the Compass, one of its most popular models in Europe, produced at the Stellantis group's factory in Melfi, Italy, where the Jeep Renegade is also produced and where a crossover and a premium sedan from DS will be joined later this year, in addition to the Lancia Gamma, the future top-of-the-line model of the Italian brand. The third generation of the Compass has no shortage of advantages, starting with a generous increase in dimensions compared to the previous model, with the new Compass being 14.8 cm longer (4.552 m), 8.5 cm wider (1.904 m), 2.3 cm taller (1.652 m) and, most importantly, enjoying 15.9 cm more in the wheelbase (2.795 m). And because Jeep always has to ensure that its vehicles enjoy a certain off-road capability, the new SUV boasts a ground clearance of 200 mm.

Designed on the STLA Medium platform, the same one used by the Peugeot 3008, the new Jeep SUV displays attractive and modern lines, but without abandoning the typical characteristics of this North American manufacturer from Stellantis, with emphasis on the traditional front grille with seven elements (closed to improve aerodynamics), now slimmer and in conjunction with the new optical groups, which debut a distinct luminous signature. The air intakes at the front, the widened fenders and the vertical rear reinforce the robust look of the model, which abandons the 4×4 transmission, except for the electric version with two motors and more powerful, which will arrive later.

The most affordable Compass will continue to be the e-Hybrid, a mild hybrid that gains power, rising from 130 hp to 145 hp. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine has been replaced by the renewed 1.2 Turbo three-cylinder, which raises the power to 136 hp. Then, the combustion engine is assisted in accelerations and overtaking by a 29 hp 48V electric unit (the previous generation only provided 20 hp), which is powered by a small battery with 0.89 kWh gross (0.43 kWh usable). However, despite the new Compass being more powerful and using a more efficient gearbox (dual-clutch automatic), it still announces slightly higher consumption (5.9 l/100km instead of 5.6) compared to the previous generation.

In February, along with deliveries of the first Compass e-Hybrid units, Jeep will also begin placing the first 100% electric Compass vehicles in the hands of customers. The brand will sell two battery-powered versions of the SUV, with the first to arrive offering front-wheel drive, 231 hp, and an 80 kWh battery (77 kWh usable), which recharges at 160 kW in direct current (DC) and 22 kW in alternating current (AC). This version claims a range of 500 km on a full charge and announces a total weight of 2198 kg. Later, a second electric version will appear, with two motors (one per axle) to ensure all-wheel drive and a total of 375 hp. This version has a larger battery, with a total capacity of 97 kWh, which allows it to claim a range close to 650 km.

Later, another version of the Compass will be introduced, probably one of the most interesting for fleet owners and companies. We are referring to the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which, in this 3rd generation, has a powertrain that delivers 223 hp, extracted from a gasoline engine (a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder) that provides 150 hp, to which is associated an electric unit with 125 hp. The total power places the new PHEV somewhere between the two versions of the 2nd generation Compass, which delivered 190 hp and 239 hp, respectively. However, the great evolution in the PHEV version of the new Compass occurs in terms of battery, which is reflected in the range it ensures when powered exclusively by the electric motor. With a capacity of 17.9 kWh, much larger than the 11.4 kWh of the previous generation's battery, the new SUV announces 90 km of range in electric mode, more than double the 37 km of the Compass PHEV that it has now replaced.

Behind the wheel, the new Compass proved pleasant to drive, both in the 145 hp e-Hybrid version and in the 100% electric version with a single 213 hp motor and a 74 kWh battery. The comfort level is good and it's noticeable that it has been adjusted to please European drivers, as the handling is efficient and doesn't suffer from the increased ground clearance, nor is it hampered by the greater weight in the battery version, which is compensated for by the lower center of gravity due to the battery. The cabin is pleasing in terms of materials and finishes, but the most interesting aspect is the legroom for rear passengers. Inside, there's plenty of space to store small items, and the 541-liter trunk in the back satisfies most needs. The Compass e-Hybrid 145 hp is offered at prices starting from €38,950, while the 100% electric version with 213 hp requires an investment starting at €49,750.

Autonews

AUTONEWS

Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX S, and Land Rover Defender Octa

The Ferrari Purosangue, Aston Martin DBX S, and Land Rover Defender Octa models represent different approaches to luxury and high-performance SUVs, ranging from super sports cars to vehicles focused on extreme off-road capability. The Purosangue and DBX S are direct rivals in the on-road performance segment, while the Defender Octa stands out for its robust proposition and aptitude for difficult terrain.

Design and proposal(below):

Ferrari Purosangue: Ferrari avoids the term "SUV," describing it as a four-door, four-seater sports car (strictly 4 individual seats) with increased ground clearance. It features "suicide" rear doors and a completely new, rigid aluminum chassis. The focus is on a magical and precise driving experience on the road, with advanced active suspension that eliminates the need for conventional anti-roll bars.

Aston Martin DBX S: It is a 5-seater luxury SUV that directly rivals the Purosangue in performance. The S model is a lighter and more powerful version, with the use of optional magnesium wheels and a carbon fiber roof to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity. It maintains a balance between comfort and aggressive, "brutal" driving.

Land Rover Defender Octa: The Defender Octa is the high-performance version of the iconic Defender, but with a focus on extreme off-road capabilities and robustness, unlike its luxury/performance on-road rivals. The aim is to be the most powerful and capable Defender ever made, using advanced technologies for performance on difficult terrain.

Focus and driving experience (below):

Ferrari Purosangue: It's an SUV that tries to look like a sports car, with a low seating position and dynamic handling that "floats over bumps" thanks to its advanced suspension system. The experience is described as "magical," making it feel lighter than it is. It's strictly a four-seater car.

Aston Martin DBX S: Offers a blend of luxury and aggressive performance, being a more traditional SUV in its design than the Purosangue, but with a clear focus on sporty on-road handling.

Land Rover Defender Octa: Maintains the Defender's robust identity, with the addition of a supercharged V8 engine for greater power, but is first and foremost a luxury utility vehicle with exceptional off-road capabilities.

Comfort and interior(below): 

Ferrari Purosangue: Strictly a four-seater vehicle with "suicide" style rear doors for easy access. It features a digital instrument panel, a touchscreen for the passenger, and an optional premium Burmester audio system. The trunk space is 473 liters, expandable with the seats folded down. 

Aston Martin DBX S: Offers a spacious cabin with seating for five and a larger trunk, ranging from 694 to 1530 liters. It includes an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Land Rover Defender Octa: While specific details of the Octa are limited, the overall Defender line is known for its robust yet premium interior, with ample space and a focus on all-terrain functionality.

Price and purpose(below):

Ferrari Purosangue: It is the most expensive of the trio, with prices starting at approximately (398,350 in the US or more). Its exclusivity is a key point, with limited production.

Aston Martin DBX S: With a significantly lower starting price (302,100 in the US), it offers a more affordable high-performance alternative.

Land Rover Defender Octa: The final price and availability of the Octa have not yet been announced, but it is expected to be positioned in the luxury segment, focusing on unparalleled off-road performance for a luxury SUV.

In short, the choice depends on priority: the Purosangue is for those seeking supercar performance and exclusivity, the DBX S is a more versatile and practical high-performance SUV, and the Defender Octa will be the option for those who value extreme off-road capability combined with luxury and power.

by Autonews

 

AUTONEWS

The challenges for Nissan in 2026 after a turbulent 2025

Nissan enters 2026 at a sensitive point in its recent history. After several years of poor results and turbulent leadership, the arrival of a new CEO in 2025, Ivan Espinosa, initiated a global restructuring process that is still underway, but is already showing positive results.

Results that provide motivation to move forward and accelerate. The Japanese manufacturer has chosen the classic response to the squeeze: attack. And it will do so with new products. In the case of the European market, this will be done with three new 100% electric models.

The offensive is based on well-known and recognized names, but with a clear change of direction: Leaf, Micra, and Juke will all play in the same electric field. Three different segments, one basic technology, and a common goal: to regain relevance in a market where electric vehicles are no longer a niche, but represent an increasingly larger share of the total.

The new Nissan Leaf marks an important turning point. The model that helped popularize the electric car in 2010 returns in 2026 with a differentiated positioning: it abandons the compact sedan format and presents itself as a crossover with more robust — and aerodynamic — lines, aligned with current European tastes. It is not, therefore, just another generation, it is an attempt to reposition a historic name in a much more competitive market.

The electric Juke is the last element of the offensive yet to be revealed...The new 100% electric Nissan Juke. Not yet revealed, the electric Juke will have a difficult mission: to replace, in the long term, one of the models that most marked Nissan in Europe this century, now without a combustion engine.

Everything indicates that it will maintain its irreverent visual character, but associated with a dedicated electric base. And we already know what it is: the AmpR Medium that also serves the new Leaf. It is expected that they will share most of the components, including batteries. There are still no confirmed specifications or concrete launch date, beyond the confirmation of its arrival in 2026.

The electric Juke concludes a year for Nissan that will also continue to be marked by the ongoing restructuring process. The manufacturer has been reducing costs, streamlining factories, and reviewing priorities, both in Europe and globally. The logic is simple: less dispersion, more focus on key markets and products with scale.

Nissan will present many more new products — from purely combustion-powered to 100% electric — in other parts of the world in 2026, with more regional than global focus, reflecting the evolution of the automotive industry in recent years, reacting to specific tastes and needs, as well as the geopolitical context.

Stellantis and Nissan...Probably the two automotive groups facing the greatest difficulties at the moment are Stellantis and Nissan. The year 2026 will tell whether or not the newly appointed CEOs (Antonio Filosa at Stellantis and Ivan Espinosa at Nissan) will be able to reverse the negative results recorded in 2025.

For Stellantis, it will be a year of strategic decisions about the future of the group's 14 brands, many of which are in serious trouble. Nissan, in turn, will have to quickly return to profitability to avoid the risk of a possible takeover by a competitor.

In 2026, Nissan faces critical structural, financial, and market challenges, focused on recovering profitability and adapting to electrification, as outlined in its medium-term plan "The Arc". After record losses in 2024/2025, the company seeks to restructure operations, launch new models, and increase competitiveness in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids.

Here are Nissan's main challenges in 2026(below):

1. Financial crisis and restructuring...Profit Recovery: Nissan faces the need to reverse billions of dollars in losses, aiming to improve its operating margin to over 6% by the end of fiscal year 2026.

Job and Capacity Cuts: Part of the strategy involves cutting 9,000 jobs and reducing global production capacity by 20%, including closing the factory in Wuhan, China, by March 2026.

High Debt: Automotive debt has reached high levels, and the company is struggling to maintain positive cash flow in the face of cuts and the need for investment.

2. Competition and Sales in China and the USA...Market loss in China: The rise of local electric vehicle manufacturers has caused a drastic drop in sales, pressuring Nissan to renew 73% of its portfolio in the country by 2026.

Performance in the USA: Limited sales and an outdated portfolio in 2024/2025 require the launch of 7 new models in North America to recover market share.

EV competition: Nissan lost its leadership in EVs in Japan to Toyota (with the bZ4X) and needs to react to fierce competition from BYD and Tesla.

3. Electrification and product development...Launch of Electrified Models: The "The Arc" plan foresees 16 new electrified vehicles by 2026, an expensive and complex endeavor.

EV Cost Reduction: The goal is to reduce the cost of next-generation EVs by 30% to achieve price parity with combustion engine vehicles (ICE) by 2030.

Lack of Hybrids: The initial exclusive focus on pure electric vehicles, neglecting hybrids previously, put Nissan at a disadvantage against competitors that offer both, requiring a rapid course correction.

4. Portfolio Renewal (Brazil and global)...New Kicks 2026/Kait: The launch of the new generation Kicks (called Kait in some contexts) in 2026 aims to compete with modern SUVs (Pulse, Kardian, T-Cross), but the price increase of the new model may drive customers away from the old entry-level segment.

End of Models: The discontinuation of the Versa without a clear successor in 2025/2026 increases the pressure on compact SUVs.

5. Alliance with Renault-Mitsubishi...Adjusted Cooperation: Nissan will intensify the alliance to share platforms (such as the CMF-B used in the new SUV) and reduce development costs, a delicate balance after tensions in the partnership.

In short, 2026 will be the year of the "trial by fire" for CEO Makoto Uchida, who will have just over a year to reverse the trajectory of declining sales and losses, transforming Nissan into a company focused on affordable EVs and competitive hybrids (e-POWER).

Autonews