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A REPORT by Nissan Motor Corporation says younger motorists want sedans, prompting the Japanese auto giant to plan a growing range of all-new four-door models to meet an unexpected demand from this important demographic.

In an unexpected turnaround from accepted wisdom in some major markets that sedans were finished, the research report, released by Nissan in Japan, found 75 per cent of people who currently do not own a sedan would consider buying one now or in the future.

Young people, termed millennials by Nissan’s report, rated higher at 80 per cent.

Nissan markets a total of eight sedans and six hatchbacks in global markets. In Australia, Nissan offers no sedans and only one hatchback, the Leaf EV, along with five SUVs.

Now the car-maker says the sedan segment “retains strong appeal” and is to “introduce a series of new sedan models globally that cater to these potential customers”.

Nissan Motor Corporation’s corporate vice-president of global product strategy and planning, Ivan Espinosa, said in a statement: “Our newest sedans speak directly to the needs of buyers, particularly young people who may be looking to buy their first car.

Nissan Sylphy

“As some of our competitors walk away from sedans, we’re seizing the opportunity.”

Nissan last year introduced a new Altima for global markets – excluding Australia – that comes with the company’s new variable compression-ratio engine.

A new Sylphy sedan (also known as Pulsar) was launched in April this year after being shown at the Shanghai motor show in March, and a new Skyline – continuing the nameplate that is now 60 years old – goes on sale in Japan next month.

Australia dropped its sedan models – Pulsar, Maxima and Altima – in 2017. The Almera light sedan ended in 2014.

However, as GoAuto has reported, the Australian subsidiary is working on a plan to return to mainstream passenger cars, with the sleek new Sylphy a strong contender.

“Nissan cars are offering customers more advanced features than ever,” said Mr Espinosa.

“In the months and years to come, Nissan sedan drivers will enjoy more autonomous technologies, more advanced and electrified powertrains, and more connectivity.”

The Nissan survey of car owners and non-owners was conducted in various global markets and targeted people aged 18 to 65 years.


It found:

  • A top choice: 75 per cent of drivers who do not own a sedan would consider buying one now or in the future.
  • Choice of younger generations: Eight in 10 millennials who do not own a sedan (80%) would consider buying one now or in the future. The same is true for Generation Z: nearly seven in 10 (68%) would consider a sedan as their next car.
  • Driven by passionate explorers: Sedan drivers care about more than the daily commute. Seventy-one per cent said they are passionate about travel and adventure, and 62 per cent said their passions lie in exploring nature and the outdoors.
  • Adored by owners: Forty-two per cent of sedan drivers believe their car has its own personality. More than a quarter (31%) admitted talking to their car or even naming it (31%).

By Neil Dowling

Nissan Altima

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