CARS OF THE WORLD

Nissan Ariya 2024.

The electric new Nissan Ariya 2024 will finally hit the market soon.

The Nissan Ariya, which was introduced in the modern EV crossover segment, has faced production and software problems since its launch two years ago.

However, recent statements by Nissan executives in Japan indicate a positive turn in the Ariya’s production trajectory.

Executives at Nissan’s flagship plant in Tochigi, home of the Ariya, told Automotive News that the current production line was operating at only two-thirds capacity, calling it «underutilized.»

The revelation indicates that the plant has the potential to produce more Ariya crossovers than its current output, marked by innovative production technologies that were initially fraught with difficulties.

One plant manager noted, «This is a completely new plant with completely new processes. We had a lot of obstacles.»

Nissan, while acknowledging past challenges, expresses renewed confidence in addressing these challenges.

Known for its cutting-edge technology, the Tochigi plant is being positioned as a model for future electric vehicle manufacturing facilities, with innovations expected to be transferred to Nissan’s global production sites.

The Tochigi plant is currently introducing new production methods, including several world firsts.

Despite the difficulty of assembling more complex vehicles, these methods reduce production costs by 10% compared to older approaches.

Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of a simultaneous underfloor installation operation during the assembly of power units.

This technology improves efficiency by simultaneously mounting all powertrain components from a removable tray that is lifted into the body and installed by robots.

The versatility of this approach allows for a variety of packaging options, including electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles.

Plant manager Eiji Kikuchi said Nissan is exploring gigacasting, a production technology pioneered by Tesla that involves casting car sections into giant modules, eliminating the need for many individual metal parts.

Gigacasting is considered critical to achieving scale and cost control, factors that have contributed to Tesla’s success.