Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Nissan Closes Studios in Brazil and the U.S. As Part of Global Cuts. Strategy Follows Chinese Model to Reduce Costs and Accelerate Projects.
Nissan Closes Studios in Brazil and the U.S. to Accelerate Cost Reduction
Nissan confirmed a new round of cuts in its global operation. The automaker will close the design studio The Box in São Paulo and the Nissan Design America (NDA) in San Diego, U.S., by March 2026.
The measure is part of a cost-reduction strategy inspired by the model applied in China to accelerate vehicle development.
According to Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s global design chief, the goal is to reduce working time on new projects by up to 40% and cut about 25% of development costs.
-
A 1953 Fusca that almost no one knows exists can be auctioned for R$ 570,000 in Brazil, and the reason it is worth so much money surprises even experienced collectors.
-
With 1,900 horsepower, 2,300 Nm of torque, and acceleration from 0 to 100 in less than 2 seconds, the Italian electric hypercar Pininfarina Battista costs 2 million euros — and only 150 will be produced worldwide.
-
Costing around R$ 100,000: Chevrolet SUV equipped with a 1.2 turbo engine with 133 hp, six airbags, panoramic sunroof, and ABS brakes with EBD can be a good option for a used car; learn more about the 2020 Chevrolet Tracker Premier.
-
The most common error in blitzes continues to go unnoticed by many drivers, but it can result in an immediate fine, add points to the driver’s license (CNH), and even lead to the retention of the vehicle during inspections.
“We want to follow what the Chinese do,” the executive told Automotive News, highlighting the pursuit of agility and less bureaucracy.
Brazil Loses Reference Creative Center
Opened in 2019, the The Box studio was established in São Paulo to explore mobility solutions and design trends aimed at the Latin American market.
The space functioned as an innovation laboratory but will be closed as part of the global restructuring process.
In the U.S., the closure of the San Diego studio marks the end of a strategic unit for North American design. Responsibility will be transferred to Studio Six in Los Angeles, which will also manage the luxury Infiniti line.
Global Reorganization and Focus on China
After the cuts, Nissan will reorganize its main design hubs. The Atsugi center in Japan will take on global leadership.
In London, Nissan Design Europe will continue to be responsible for projects aimed at Africa, the Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania. Shanghai will remain dedicated exclusively to the Chinese market, considered the most competitive.
Additionally, the Creative Box in Tokyo will remain active with a focus on experimental and lifestyle projects. This redistribution demonstrates the company’s bet on China as a model of efficiency to tackle its challenges.
Plan Re:Nissan: Cuts and Efficiency to Save the Brand
These changes are part of the revitalization plan Re:Nissan, launched by CEO Ivan Espinosa. The goal is to save ¥250 billion (about US$ 1.7 billion) by 2028.
The package includes staff cuts, factory closures, and engineering simplification, which will reduce from 13 to 7 global platforms.
As a result, the development cycle for new models is expected to drop from 52 to 37 months, while updates will decrease from 48 to 30 months.
Nissan Bets on the Future but Faces Risks
The decisions represent a clear attempt to reposition Nissan in an increasingly competitive market. Moreover, the strategy seeks global efficiency; however, it also raises questions about the loss of regional identity, especially after the closure of creative centers in Brazil and the U.S.
Nevertheless, as Albaisa stated, “things will get worse before they get better.” The brand hopes that cost reductions and inspiration from the Chinese model will be enough to regain its global strength.
On the other hand, the big question is whether such cuts will truly yield the expected results or, in the process, further deepen the challenges faced by the company.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!