New York Post·2025-09-19 18:48Core Viewpoint - Nissan is discontinuing the Ariya electric SUV from the US market for the 2026 model year, influenced by a new 15% tariff on Japanese-built electric vehicles and a strategic shift towards the 2026 Leaf model [1][4][9]. Group 1: Decision to Halt Ariya - Nissan will stop importing the Ariya to the US, reallocating resources to optimize its electric vehicle portfolio [1]. - The company stated that the Ariya will still be available through existing dealer inventory, and current owners will continue to receive service and warranty coverage [2]. - No decision has been made regarding the potential return of the Ariya for the 2027 model year [2][8]. Group 2: Sales Performance and Tariff Impact - In 2024, Nissan sold fewer than 20,000 units of the Ariya, which was a 47% increase from the previous year, but deemed insufficient to justify its market presence [3][4]. - The Ariya is assembled in Japan, making it subject to the new 15% tariff under the US–Japan trade framework [3][9]. - Analysts suggest that the combination of the tariff, declining EV demand, and Nissan's financial challenges made continuing the Ariya program difficult [4]. Group 3: Broader Context and Future Considerations - Nissan has reduced production of the new Leaf due to battery procurement issues, impacting its overall electric vehicle strategy [7]. - The future of the Ariya may depend on Nissan's financial health and the status of tariffs [8]. - A recent US-Japan agreement includes a baseline 15% tariff on Japanese imports, which could affect future vehicle pricing and sales strategies [9][10].