A BELOVED Nissan model last seen in 2002 could be making a comeback as the struggling automaker gets a new boss.
Nissan has tapped Ivan Espinosa as its new CEO in a bid to turn things around after years of turbulent sales.
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Espinosa, who has been with the company since 2003, will take over on April 1. He will replace Makoto Uchida, who has led Nissan since 2019.
The appointment comes at a critical time, as Nissan’s sales plummeted after a failed merger with Honda, and its credit rating is now junk status.
At a press conference, Uchida acknowledged the challenges, saying he deeply regretted leaving the company in its current state, reported Car and Driver.
Then, Espinosa wasted no time signaling changes ahead, saying he would review Nissan’s entire strategy in North America.
“We’re going to be looking at the whole system,” he told reporters, according to Automotive News.
One potential move that could excite enthusiasts would be the revival of the Nissan Silvia.
While serving as VP of global strategy, Espinosa once called it his dream to bring back the beloved sports coupe.
“It’ll be a challenge,” he said at the time, adding that if he could put the right formula in place, it could work.
The Silvia, also known as the 240SX in the US, developed a cult following before it was discontinued in 2002.
Though Nissan has more pressing financial issues to tackle, the company lacks a true halo model after shutting down orders for the R35 GT-R.
A new Silvia could improve Nissan’s image and bring back excitement for car enthusiasts.
Espinosa’s first priority, however, will be getting the automaker back on stable footing.
His background in planning and strategy could play a key role in reshaping Nissan’s future.
He has worked closely with product development and knows what resonates with customers.
“But it’s my job to find ways to do stuff like this because I think it’ll be great for customers and the brand, and if I can put the right formula in place, we could make it work.”
Ivan Espinosa, Nissan CEO
Still, reviving the Silvia is no small feat and would require a serious financial commitment from the company.
The sports car market isn’t as large as it once was, but brands like Toyota and Mazda have seen success with enthusiast models.
A modern Silvia, if done right, could slot in as a direct rival to the Toyota GR86.
Nissan has yet to confirm any plans for the model, but with Espinosa at the helm, the idea is at least on the table.
The company is expected to lay out its future strategy in the coming months.
Fans of the Silvia will be watching closely to see if Espinosa makes good on his past ambitions.
Cars being discontinued for 2025 and 2026
Dozens of cars won’t make it to the 2025 model year, including sedans, some SUVs, and sports cars.
Cars that are on the chopping block for next year are:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (sedan)
- Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (SUV)
- Audi A4 (sedan)
- Audi A5 Coupe/Cabrio (2-door sedan)
- BMW X3M (SUV)
- BMW M8 Coupe
- Bugatti Chiron
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Ferarri SF90 Stradale
- Ferarri 812 GTS
- Fisker Ocean (EV)
- Ford Escape
- Ford Edge
- Ford Transit Trail
- Infiniti Q50
- Jaguar XE and XF sedans
- Jaguar F-Type
- Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV and E-Pace
- Lamborghini Huracán
- Maserati Ghibli
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Mini Clubman
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan GT-R
- Nissan Titan
- Ram 1500 TRX
- Toyota Supra (4-cylinder)
- Toyota Venza
- Volvo S60
