After introducing the next LEAF and a new minicar in FY2025, Nissan will release the next Elgrand with the third-generation e-POWER in FY2026. Until then, we thought that the current model would continue to be sold in small numbers, but it turns out that its production will be discontinued in August this year. The company has been complying with regulations such as the mandatory installation of auto lights and rear-view cameras, but now the time has come to put an end to the production. Orders for welfare vehicles and specially equipped models are expected to stop first, and then gradually fade out.
Why the discontinuation at this time when the next model has already been announced? One might wonder, however, why the decision was made so quickly and drastically after a change in the executive in charge of the management of Japan and the ASEAN region.
The current third-generation Elgrand was born in 2010, when it was integrated with the Quest minivan for North America in conjunction with the switch to the FF system. Although the radiator grille was enlarged to the largest of any Japanese car in a minor change in 2014, it did not lead to a dramatic increase in sales.
Nevertheless, it was sold for 15 years, and some sales staff lamented that they had no choice but to ask customers to replace their vehicles with the same Elgrand because it would not undergo a model change. Although the disadvantage of the blank period is not small for the sales field, we hope that the next model will appear as soon as possible.
The first-generation Elgrand debuted in 1997 as a minivan with a front nose designed to ensure high collision safety as the successor to the conventional cab-over one-box (Caravan/Homy). The engine was mounted in the front nose, and the vehicle was designed as an FR system driven by the rear wheels (a 4WD system, which was used in the Terrano at that time, was also available). The American atmosphere of the chrome grille with a strong presence was well received, and it was a success, far exceeding the popularity of the Toyota Granvia, which had been introduced earlier as a minivan with a nose.
The second generation Elgrand was introduced in 2002, with the FR system retained and the engine limited to a V6 gasoline engine for a more luxurious feel. In 2004, a 2.5L-V6 model was added and the entry price was lowered.
The day after the release of the second-generation Elgrand, Toyota released the first-generation Alphard as a FF-type luxury minivan. Needless to say, this was the start of Toyota’s counterattack.
Jean Reno, who was used as an image character, came to Japan and attended the press conference of the first generation Alphard
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