A.Ramos
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- 2011 Xterra
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Interesting insight into why the Xterra wasn't revived earlier.
https://carbuzz.com/nissan-xterra-lives-fuel-economy-regulations-died/
Nissan Xterra Lives Again Because A Bunch Of Fuel Economy Regulations Died
Summary:
The Nissan Xterra is returning to the market, and according to Nissan executives, this revival is primarily due to the relaxation of federal fuel economy standards.
The Role of Regulatory Changes
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa explained that the Xterra was previously sidelined because Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards made such vehicles difficult to produce. Under the old rules, selling a body-on-frame SUV like the Xterra would have required Nissan to sell an additional 200,000 electric vehicles (EVs) just to offset the emissions and remain compliant.
The turning point occurred when these regulations were adjusted. Specifically:
With these regulatory hurdles lowered, Nissan has greenlit several new projects:
While Nissan is taking advantage of the current regulatory environment to bring back rugged SUVs, the company is not abandoning its electric vehicle goals. Espinosa noted that the industry "learned the hard way" not to focus all resources on a single type of powertrain, as government policies can fluctuate. Consequently, Nissan is continuing to develop EVs in secret and recently introduced a new electric Juke for the European market and a hybrid Rogue for the U.S. to ensure they remain prepared for any future shifts in legislation.
https://carbuzz.com/nissan-xterra-lives-fuel-economy-regulations-died/
Nissan Xterra Lives Again Because A Bunch Of Fuel Economy Regulations Died
Summary:
The Nissan Xterra is returning to the market, and according to Nissan executives, this revival is primarily due to the relaxation of federal fuel economy standards.
The Role of Regulatory Changes
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa explained that the Xterra was previously sidelined because Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards made such vehicles difficult to produce. Under the old rules, selling a body-on-frame SUV like the Xterra would have required Nissan to sell an additional 200,000 electric vehicles (EVs) just to offset the emissions and remain compliant.
The turning point occurred when these regulations were adjusted. Specifically:
- 2024 Adjustments: The NHTSA finalized CAFE rules that, while still requiring efficiency improvements, were less aggressive than originally proposed (requiring a 2% annual increase in fleet-wide efficiency through 2031).
- Recent Policy Shifts: The current administration has further eased the path by halting the collection of non-compliance fines and repealing all automotive emissions laws established after 2012.
With these regulatory hurdles lowered, Nissan has greenlit several new projects:
- The New Xterra: Confirmed for production in the United States, the SUV is expected to arrive in late 2028.
- Hybrid Technology: To balance performance with efficiency, the upcoming Xterra will feature a hybrid powertrain.
- Strategic Size: Nissan indicated that its new body-on-frame vehicles will not be "full-size," meaning they will likely be smaller than the current Armada.
While Nissan is taking advantage of the current regulatory environment to bring back rugged SUVs, the company is not abandoning its electric vehicle goals. Espinosa noted that the industry "learned the hard way" not to focus all resources on a single type of powertrain, as government policies can fluctuate. Consequently, Nissan is continuing to develop EVs in secret and recently introduced a new electric Juke for the European market and a hybrid Rogue for the U.S. to ensure they remain prepared for any future shifts in legislation.
