It is reported that the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, Nissan, has revealed that it will stop developing new internal combustion engines for the Japanese, Chinese and European markets and focus its resources on electric vehicles.
Nikkei, who describes the new development as the first major Japanese carmaker to make such a breakthrough, said the Japanese automobile manufacturer giant has announced that it will stop developing new internal combustion engines for the Japanese, Chinese and European markets.
Nissan has looked at a prospective new set of European emissions rules, claiming that designing a new generation of engines to comply would be too expensive.
The Japanese automaker also has no plans to develop new internal combustion engines for the Japanese or Chinese markets. However, it will continue to upgrade existing engines and develop hybrid powertrains.
Japanese automakers have underestimated the electric vehicle revolution in recent years. Instead, hybrids and even hydrogen have been promoted as superior options. Toyota is the protagonist in this story. But even it has given in and is doing a rapid U-turn.
As a result, it’s unusual to see a Japanese manufacturer make such a pivot. Japan has been sluggish in adopting electric vehicles, while sales in the United States have recently increased. However, it is still a small percentage of total vehicle sales.
So, for the time being, sticking with any type of gas-powered engine is a solid plan. However, be prepared when electrification takes hold and gas-powered vehicles become obsolete.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that Nissan will continue to focus on developing gasoline engines for pickup trucks in the United States. Nissan anticipates some interest from the US market.
It is believed that If the rumors are accurate, Nissan has just confirmed that the electrification of light passenger vehicles will occur more quickly in areas where the government has implemented substantial legislative incentives.
