Nissan Takes Bold Steps Toward the Future

"We are more connected than ever" said the Japanese giant when presenting Ariya, its first 100 percent electric crossover. The new vehicle features Nissan’s redesigned logo. "We created Nissan Ariya as a response to the aspirations and practical needs of our consumers. By combining our strengths in electric vehicles and crossovers, we display Nissan's new excitement and design era," said Makoto Uchida, CEO of Nissan when presenting Ariya in Yokohama, Japan.

It was not only about Ariya but also about how the vehicle was presented. The Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama was designed as an interactive space where the innovations related to Nissan's Intelligent Mobility strategy are to be presented. During the presentation of Ariya, the company also allowed virtual tours at its new 10,000m2 site that will be opened to the public on August 1.

Ariya also features Nissan’s brand-new logo, which is the symbol of the company's vision towards the future. "Inspiration came from advancements in science, technology and connectivity and how these have brought fundamental changes to our consumers," said Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President of Global Design, on a statement. Efforts to change the company's logo began in 2017 under the leadership of Tsutomu Matsuo, Deputy Director of Nissan's Design department. According to Matsuo, the new logo reflects the vision of Nissan's Founder Yoshisuke Aikawa that "a solid belief can penetrate even the sun." 

Ariya presents state-of-the-art technology for EVs, with an estimated autonomy of up to 610km. The vehicle also includes autonomous driving capabilities, assistance technologies such as Alexa and voice-control commends with a lounge-like interior. It also has the option to include a four-wheel traction system (e-4ORCE). Ariya will be offered in Summer 2021 to the Japanese market for Y$5 million (US$46,755). It is expected to reach the Chinese, European and North American markets by the end of 2021.

This new model is part of the company's plan to present 12 new models within 18 months. "Nissan Ariya opens a new chapter in our history as we begin the transformation process of or business, products and culture," said Uchida on a statement. 

As part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the company is also abiding by the joint strategy the three automakers have to secure a financially and sustainable future. The strategy, presented in late May, included the use of each company's strengths under the "leader-follower scheme," which is estimated to reduce model investment up to 40 percent for each new vehicle. Nissan will lead its peers in autonomous driving, electric vehicle powertrain technology, as well as connected vehicle technologies, focusing on the regions where the company performs best, including China, North America and Japan. Renault is expected to focus on Europe, Russia, South America and North Africa, while Mitsubishi will strengthen its present in the ASEAN markets and Oceania.

You can read more about the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance here.