logo
Nissan Reveals Next-Gen LEAF with Behind-the-Scenes Videos

Nissan Reveals Next-Gen LEAF with Behind-the-Scenes Videos

The Sun11-06-2025
NISSAN Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled a behind-the-scenes look at the development of its all-new LEAF electric vehicle through a newly released three-part video series. The short films highlight the vision and work of the teams behind the planning, design, and engineering of what is described as a truly third-generation electric vehicle.
Having sold nearly 700,000 units globally since the LEAF's debut in 2010, Nissan has drawn heavily on over a decade of experience and customer feedback in shaping the latest model. Across those years, owners of the pioneering electric vehicle are estimated to have collectively driven close to 28 billion kilometres, providing a rich foundation of data and real-world usage that informed the creation of the next-generation LEAF.
Described by Nissan as one of its core 'heartbeat models,' the LEAF remains a symbol of the company's bold innovation strategy. Since its launch as the first mass-market electric vehicle, it has been a global ambassador of Nissan's commitment to doing what others shy away from, combining technological innovation with practical design to redefine what an EV can be.
The new LEAF has been developed with a clear goal: to provide a genuine and compelling alternative to internal combustion vehicles. According to Richard Candler, Vice President of Global Product Strategy, the intention was not only to appeal to early adopters but to offer a product with broad, everyday appeal. The design had to strike a careful balance—sleek and emotionally resonant, yet grounded in functionality to suit modern families.
Aerodynamic efficiency has been a key focus for the design and engineering teams, who collaborated closely to refine both form and function. The result is a striking, fastback silhouette that achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.26 in markets such as the United States and Japan. European variants, thanks to bespoke wheel and mirror designs, push this figure even lower to 0.25 Cd. This performance is further enhanced by a number of aerodynamic features, including flush-fitting door handles, an active grille shutter, a flat underfloor, and an integrated rear liftback designed to function like an airfoil.
Program Design Director Nobutaka Tase explained that every design decision was made with aerodynamics and energy efficiency in mind. He noted that the panoramic glass roof, which features dimming technology, played a crucial role in reducing the vehicle's height by 12 mm at critical points where airflow detaches from the car's body. This subtle adjustment improves aerodynamic performance while maintaining generous interior headroom.
The glass roof utilises electrochromic technology, enabling drivers to control the transparency of the panel and manage sunlight without the need for traditional sunshades, which can often compromise interior space. A heat-reflective coating provides further protection, helping to maintain cabin comfort in all seasons.
Inside, the adoption of Nissan's CMF-EV platform ensures a spacious, open cabin feel, aided by a flat floor that enhances both comfort and utility for passengers. The result is a bold, forward-looking electric car that does not sacrifice practicality for style.
The all-new LEAF is set for a global reveal later this month. Nissan's video series will continue to provide insights into the development of this important model as anticipation builds ahead of its official debut.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Europe braces for US troop withdrawals amid NATO uncertainty
Europe braces for US troop withdrawals amid NATO uncertainty

The Sun

time11 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Europe braces for US troop withdrawals amid NATO uncertainty

BRUSSELS: After securing NATO's defence spending pledge to appease Donald Trump, Europe now awaits a crucial US decision on troop withdrawals. Washington is reviewing global military deployments, with reductions in Europe expected in the coming months. The move has unnerved allies, particularly amid fears that Russia may target a NATO member if the Ukraine war subsides. However, recent talks have eased tensions, with US officials assuring no sudden disruptions. 'We've agreed to no surprises and no gaps in the strategic framework of Europe,' said Matthew Whitaker, US ambassador to NATO. He expects the review to conclude by late summer or early fall. While past US administrations considered scaling back in Europe to focus on China, Trump has pushed harder for the continent to bolster its own defence. Analysts see withdrawals as inevitable but debate the pace. 'There's every reason to expect a withdrawal from Europe,' said Marta Mucznik from the International Crisis Group. 'The question is not whether it's going to happen, but how fast.' The Pentagon reports nearly 85,000 US troops in Europe, fluctuating since Russia's 2022 invasion. Officials anticipate gradual reductions rather than abrupt cuts, though key capabilities like air defences remain irreplaceable for now. Trump may first withdraw residual forces deployed by Biden after Russia's Ukraine invasion. While manageable, deeper cuts or base closures could trigger alarm. 'The kinds of defence investments by Europe may only be felt in real capability terms over many years,' said Ian Lesser from the German Marshall Fund. 'So the question of timing really does matter.' Despite Trump's tougher stance on Russia, analysts question the timing of any drawdown. Previous attempts to pull troops from Germany failed due to logistical and political hurdles. European diplomats remain cautiously optimistic but acknowledge unpredictability. Trade disputes or shifting priorities could still strain transatlantic ties. 'It seems positive for now,' said one diplomat. 'But what if we are all wrong and a force decrease starts in 2026? To be honest, there isn't much to go on at this stage.' - AFP

Most markets rise, euro boosted after EU strikes US trade deal
Most markets rise, euro boosted after EU strikes US trade deal

The Star

time36 minutes ago

  • The Star

Most markets rise, euro boosted after EU strikes US trade deal

HONG KONG: Most stock markets rose with the euro Monday (July 28) after the European Union and United States hammered out the "biggest-ever" deal to avert a potentially damaging trade war. News of the deal, announced by Donald Trump and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, followed US agreements last week, including with Japan, and comes ahead of a new round of China-US talks. Investors were also gearing up for a busy week of data, central bank decisions and earnings from some of the world's biggest companies. Trump and von der Leyen announced at his golf resort in Scotland that a baseline tariff of 15 per cent would be levied on EU exports to the United States. "We've reached a deal. It's a good deal for everybody. This is probably the biggest deal ever reached in any capacity," Trump said, adding that the levies would apply across the board, including for Europe's crucial automobile sector, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Brussels also agreed to purchase "US$750 billion worth of energy" from the United States, as well as make $600 billion in additional investments. "It's a good deal," von der Leyen said. "It will bring stability. It will bring predictability. That's very important for our businesses on both sides of the Atlantic." The news boosted the euro, which jumped to $1.1779 from Friday's close of $1.1749. And equities built on their recent rally, fanned by relief that countries were reaching deals with Washington. Hong Kong led winners, jumping around one percent, with Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Wellington, Taipei and Jakarta also up, along with European and US futures. Tokyo fell for a second day, having soared about five per cent on Wednesday and Thursday in reaction to Japan's US deal. Singapore and Seoul were also lower. The broad gains came after another record day for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq on Wall Street. "The news flow from both the extension with China and the agreement with the EU is clearly market-friendly, and should put further upside potential into the euro... and should also put renewed upside into EU equities," said Chris Weston at Pepperstone. Traders are gearing up for a packed week, with a delegation including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent holding fresh trade talks with a Chinese team headed by Vice Premier He Lifeng in Stockholm. While both countries in April imposed tariffs on each other's products that reached triple-digit levels, US duties this year have temporarily been lowered to 30 per cent and China's countermeasures slashed to 10 per cent. The 90-day truce, instituted after talks in Geneva in May, is set to expire on August 12. Also on the agenda are earnings from tech titans Amazon, Apple, Meta Microsoft, as well as data on US economic growth and jobs. The Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting is expected to conclude with officials standing pat on interest rates, though investors are keen to see what their views are on the outlook for the rest of the year in light of Trump's tariffs and recent trade deals. The Bank of Japan is also forecast to hold off on any big moves on borrowing costs. - AFP

EU-US tariff deal "unsatisfactory", "imbalanced"
EU-US tariff deal "unsatisfactory", "imbalanced"

New Straits Times

time36 minutes ago

  • New Straits Times

EU-US tariff deal "unsatisfactory", "imbalanced"

BRUSSELS: A senior European lawmaker has strongly criticised a draft trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), warning that it could undermine the bloc's economic stability and job security, reported Xinhua. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, described the proposed framework, which includes a 15 per cent tariff on all EU exports to the US, as "unsatisfactory" and "significantly imbalanced." The tariff rate, he noted, would represent a fourfold increase over current average levels, while the EU would commit to zero tariffs on US goods. "This is a deal with a slant. Concessions have been made that are difficult to bear," Lange said in a statement on Sunday. US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced earlier in the day that the two sides had reached a trade agreement, under which the US would impose a baseline tariff of 15 per cent on EU goods. Although both leaders described the deal as a step toward restoring "trade balance" and promoting more equitable two-way commerce, the agreement allows Washington to levy broad tariffs while securing zero-tariff access for a range of strategic American exports. In contrast, the EU has pledged to purchase US$750 billion worth of American energy and commit an additional US$600 billion in investments in the US. Lange noted that while Trump publicly declared a blanket 15 per cent tariff during remarks following the talks, he had earlier explicitly excluded certain sectors, including steel and pharmaceuticals. He added that increased European purchases of US energy, particularly liquefied natural gas, were anticipated, as the EU continues efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels. However, Lange criticised the US$600 billion in planned additional investments, including increased funding for US military technology, calling such measures contrary to European economic interests. He likened the pressure tactics used in the deal to those Washington employed in recent negotiations with Japan. "Overall, this deal will contribute to weakening the EU's economic development and harming its gross domestic product," he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store