Nissan guns for Tesla in comeback from the dead

After it almost went belly up, embattled motoring giant Nissan has launched a bold new plan, that puts Tesla and Ford in its sights with Australia to be a key battleground.

Having fired its chief executive over a failed merger with Honda, Nissan has outlined its plan to fight back from the brink of disaster, promising new models to rival the likes of Ford’s Ranger and the Tesla Model Y.

The company’s plans for Australia include a fresh Nissan Navara ute set to share hardware with the latest Mitsubishi Triton as part of a technical alliance between the brands.

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Nissan chief executive Ivan Espinosa. Picture: Supplied

That means it should deliver first-class safety features and improved refinement over the previous model – as well as the potential for an electrified hybrid version down the track.

Nissan has also reconfirmed plans to introduce the Ariya electric SUV as a rival to Tesla’s Model Y.

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Nissan has hinted at a next-generation Navara. Picture: Supplied

Originally unveiled in 2019, the Ariya represents a long-awaited alternative to Australia’s best-selling EV.

As we reported last year, a new Nissan Patrol will swap V8 power for a twin turbocharged V6.

The brand is also set to introduce a new Nissan Leaf electric car – this time as a high-riding SUV as opposed to a compact hatchback.

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Nissan is set to introduce a new Leaf electric car. Picture: Supplied

Ivan Espinosa, chief planning officer and soon-to-be Nissan chief executive, said the brand is set to “roll out an impressive line-up”.

“We are committed to investing in products that embody the very best of Nissan,” he said.

“To our passionate fans and loyal owners around the world, I can assure you, this is just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.”

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A new Nissan Patrol is just around the corner. Photo: Supplied

Nissan chief performance officer Guillaume Cartier said Nissan would bring a “redefined market approach and tailored product strategy designed to better meet customer needs and drive top-line growth”.

With Nissan’s proposed merger with Honda no longer a possibility, the brand plans to improve profitability by focusing on core models such as the Patrol and Navara.

The popular X-Trail and Qashqai SUVs will benefit from improved e-Power hybrid systems in the near future.

Originally published as Nissan guns for Tesla in comeback from the dead