Nissan begins its next wave of sedans

Nissan is in product-planning overdrive now to launch eight new battery-powered electric vehicles by March 31, 2023.How many will be sold in North America is not clear. Also not yet revealed is whether some of the EVs will arrive as existing nameplates but redesigned to give buyers a choice between a battery option and an internal-combustion engine.For now, the Altima is taking center stage as Nissan offers a redesign for the 2019 model year in hopes of reclaiming its momentum in the sedan segment. The new Altima begins a cycle of new-generation sedans, with the Sentra, Versa and Versa Note following on its heels starting next year with similar product traits. But that comes at a risky time, as the market is shifting away from cars to crossovers and pickups.The Kicks, an all-new subcompact crossover slotting below the Rogue, hit dealerships in June. Nissan soon will roll out an additional version of the electric Leaf with substantially boosted driving range.Nissan is focused on higher-volume products for the next cycle of redesigns. The polarizing Juke, a sporty hatchback with motorcycle-inspired interior, has been crowded out of the lineup by models with bigger volume potential: the Rogue Sport and Versa Note.Versa: The subcompact Versa gets a full makeover next year.Versa Note: Nissan has no intention of pushing the hatchback Versa Note out of the portfolio to make room for the similarly sized Kicks crossover. The Note is in line for a redesign in 2020. A likely play for the next generation will be introducing Nissan's e-Power range-extender electric powertrain on the U.S. version, a move that already is proving popular on the Japan-market Note.Sentra: Last redesigned in 2012, the compact Sentra likely will emerge next year in its eighth generation. Nissan remains committed to its sedan segments, despite the general market shift away from them. Key to the next makeover will be enhanced safety features, next-generation powertrain technology and fuel economy. The manufacturer is determined to create a Sentra that will take more sales from the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.RELATED CONTENT Future Product: Toyota and Lexus timeline Future Product: Honda and Acura timeline Future Product: Nissan and Infiniti timeline Future Product Pipeline Altima: Redesigned for the 2019 model year and on sale this fall, the Altima midsize sedan takes two bold steps in technology. It will offer all-wheel drive in hopes of separating itself from the import sedan pack. And it will contain Nissan's newly developed variable-compression turbo four-cylinder engine, a powertrain that provides quick acceleration and improved fuel economy.

Nissan begins its next wave of sedans

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