Latest news with #NissanAmerica
Miami Herald
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Nissan makes shocking move to battle tariffs
President Donald Trump faced hecklers last week as he took a victory lap after Congress passed his massive omnibus spending bill. Democrats presented a united front with no member voting for the bill in either house, but the Republican majorities were too much to overcome. There are complaints from both sides of the political aisle. Democrats have made clear they plan to run in 2026 on the healthcare budget cuts that the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates could throw 12 million Americans off insurance rolls. Related: Car buyers have a lot riding on the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Despite the austerity cuts, the bill is also expected to explode the deficit and add $3.3 trillion to the nation's debt obligation, which sits at an astounding $36 trillion, according to the U.S. Treasury. This has drawn criticism from some very powerful conservative voices, including Elon Musk. However, one group has been consistently taken care of by the president: automakers. Even before the bill was passed, the 25% auto tariffs that went into effect earlier this year were a huge bonus for domestic automakers who had a strong first half despite the costs associated with the tariffs. On the other hand, foreign automakers that lack production capacity in the United States are being forced to shift strategies to avoid paying taxes. However, the trade war is global, and now, foreign carmakers in domestic manufacturing are making calls that could cost people jobs. Image source: NurPhoto/Getty Images Japanese automaker Nissan has already suspended production of three vehicles meant for the Canadian market due to reciprocal tariffs between the country and the U.S. Nissan halted production of its Pathfinder and Murano SUVs at its Tennessee plant, and the Frontier pickups bound for Canada at its Mississippi plant, according to reports. Nissan made the move in May after the tariffs went into effect in April. Fellow Japanese manufacturer Mazda also stopped production of vehicles bound for Canada at its Alabama plant. Related: President's latest interview gives US automakers much-needed boost Mazda offset the decrease by increasing production of U.S. models. Nissan America employs about 21,000 people, including about 9,000 hourly workers at three factories in the South. The company offered buyouts to some workers last year after Nissan America reported a 3.1% sales decline to about 237,000 vehicles sold from April to June 2024. The automaker said that buyout packages were offered to white-collar Nissan and Infiniti employees at least 52 years old and employed in certain non-manufacturing roles, as well as those 55 years and over in manufacturing roles. Japanese car companies like Nissan and Toyota have spent billions building their manufacturing footprint in the U.S. But tariffs are still hurting them. In April, Mazda sent a letter to its U.S. dealers informing them that it would not raise its sticker prices or tack on import fees for any vehicles already on dealership lots or that will come into the country before May 1. Mazda makes about 20% of the vehicles it sells in this country domestically. Mitsubishi said it would hold its vehicles in port for the foreseeable future instead of offloading them and being forced to pay duties. "We have sufficient stock on the ground at dealers for the moment to not impact customer choice," the company told Automotive News. Related: Car buyers should shop these brands for the best tariff deal The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
ArabGT
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Infiniti QX50 and QX55 Set for Retirement
The Infiniti QX50 and QX55 luxury crossover SUVs are officially set to be retired, with production scheduled to end soon for both models. The year 2024 proved challenging for Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division, particularly in the United States—the world's second-largest car market—where sales declined by 10.2%. Despite the QX50 being Infiniti's second-best seller in the region, with 10,722 units sold, the decision to retire this luxury crossover has been made. When Will the Infiniti QX50 and QX55 Be Discontinued? Infiniti has informed its dealers that production of the QX50 will conclude in December 2025. This will also mark the end of production for its sportier sibling, the QX55. These changes follow the discontinuation of the Infiniti Q50 sedan in 2024 and the Q60 coupe two years prior. While the sedans and coupes won't receive direct replacements, Infiniti plans to refresh its lineup with new models, including the QX60 and QX65 crossovers. Infiniti's Vision for the Future This reshuffling is part of a broader strategy to elevate Infiniti's position in the luxury market. Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan America's head of product planning, explained that the QX50 and QX55 are beginning to show their age, but replacements are on the horizon. Pandikuthira also acknowledged that Infiniti might lose price-conscious customers, as the new models will be positioned at a higher price point. However, the strategy focuses on selling fewer vehicles with higher profit margins. The upcoming QX60, a three-row SUV, is slated for launch in 2026, alongside the QX65, a two-row coupe SUV. Both models will be priced above the current QX50 and QX55. Pricing Details for 2025 Infiniti Models 2025 Infiniti QX50 : Starting at $43,000 (equivalent to 161,250 Saudi Riyals). : Starting at $43,000 (equivalent to 161,250 Saudi Riyals). 2025 Infiniti QX55: Starting at $50,150 (equivalent to 188,062 Saudi Riyals). Infiniti's Shift to SUVs With the elimination of the Q50 and Q60, Infiniti is now solely an SUV brand, offering four models: the soon-to-be-discontinued QX50 and QX55, along with the all-new 2025 QX60 and the luxurious 2025 QX80, which serves as an upscale counterpart to the Nissan Patrol. This pivot seems to be a response to Infiniti's significant drop in sales last year. With these changes, Infiniti aims to double its sales by 2025 while positioning itself as a more premium, high-margin luxury brand.
