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Nissan has announced the suspension of Ariya electric vehicle production, happening after only three years.

Struggling profits from Japanese-assembled crossovers put Nissan in a tight spot. Prioritizing the affordable Leaf's market launch is now their main focus.

Nissan Halts Production of Ariya Electric Vehicles Following a Short Three-Year Tenure
Nissan Halts Production of Ariya Electric Vehicles Following a Short Three-Year Tenure

Nissan has announced the suspension of Ariya electric vehicle production, happening after only three years.

Nissan Shifts Focus to Next-Gen Leaf as Ariya Production Halts

Nissan, the Japanese automaker, is making significant changes in its lineup, with the new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, leading the charge. One of the most notable changes is the halt in production of the Ariya SUV for the U.S. market in the 2026 model year.

Espinosa, who took over the reins in April 2025, is suspected to be reallocating resources towards launching the next-gen Leaf electric vehicle. The move is aimed at strengthening Nissan's position in the growing electric vehicle market and building on the Leaf's previous success.

The 2026 Nissan Leaf, set to launch in the United States, will have the lowest starting MSRP out of all new EVs currently on sale in the U.S., making it an attractive option for consumers. The U.S. market allocation for the 2026 Leaf will be limited to 500 units per month initially.

While the Ariya will not be available for the 2027 model year, Nissan will continue to support Ariya owners with service, parts, and warranty coverage. The Ariya, which has received generally positive reviews, has been deeply discounted for years.

Nissan is also simplifying its headrest offerings across its lineup as part of its cost-cutting efforts. The company is reportedly halting production of the U.S.-market Ariya crossovers for the 2026 model year due to President Trump's 15% import tariffs.

In other changes, Nissan is gutting its design team as part of its cost-cutting efforts. The U.S. sales and marketing chief, Vinay Shahani, recently resigned. Nissan is waiting for its battery supplier to increase production before increasing production of the 2026 Leaf.

Despite these changes, Nissan is committed to supporting its customers. Leasing an Ariya could be as low as $99 a month with $3,299 down. For those interested in the new Leaf, it has a starting price of $31,485.

As Nissan navigates these changes, it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact the company's future in the automotive industry.

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