Nissan Hints at New SUV, But It May Not Be Entirely New | Carscoops

Nissan Hints at New SUV, But It May Not Be Entirely New | Carscoops

      Nissan is committing $540 million to Brazil for the production of two new SUVs, including the Kait.

      Manufactured in Brazil, the Kait may essentially be a revamped version of the previous Kicks Play.

      It is expected to feature the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Kicks Play.

      Nissan intends to produce the Kait and will export it to over 20 markets.

      Nissan's expanding SUV lineup will soon welcome a new entry. During the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the automaker announced plans to create a new model at its Rio de Janeiro factory, designated as the Kait. This model will primarily target the Latin American market but will also be available in numerous other global locations.

      A single teaser image of the new model has been shared, showcasing the Kait's tailgate and providing a look at its LED taillights. Nissan has indicated that this is the second model related to the $540 million investment in Brazil and will be offered alongside other Latin American models like the Magnite, Kicks, X-Trail, and Pathfinder.

      Interestingly, although the Kait's rear design appears distinctive, reports suggest it may not be an entirely new model.

      Speculation indicates that the Kait could simply be a restyled version of the first-generation Kicks, which has been on the market since 2016 and was recently rebranded as the Kicks Play to accommodate the introduction of the second-generation Kicks in Nissan's lineup.

      In certain regions, including Brazil, Nissan markets both the new Kicks and the older Kicks Play, and it seems the Kait will serve as an updated variant of the latter.

      If this is accurate, the Kait will share the same platform with the Kicks Play and is likely to have very similar dimensions, including the identical 103-inch (2,620 mm) wheelbase. The Kait will probably come with the same engine options as the Kicks Play.

      This implies it will be equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine designed to operate on either gasoline or ethanol, which is prevalent in Brazil. This engine will be paired with a CVT that drives the front wheels.

      Nissan has not specified when the Kait will be officially revealed, but it has been confirmed that it will be exported from Brazil to more than 20 countries.

Nissan Hints at New SUV, But It May Not Be Entirely New | Carscoops Nissan Hints at New SUV, But It May Not Be Entirely New | Carscoops Nissan Hints at New SUV, But It May Not Be Entirely New | Carscoops

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Approximately 3,300 blue-collar workers will lose their jobs, though some of these layoffs may be temporary. 

General Motors is implementing significant job cuts across Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee, with Factory Zero facing the largest impact as around 1,200 positions are eliminated. Additionally, battery production is being temporarily halted at two Ultium Cells facilities.

After making a considerable investment in electric vehicles, GM’s workforce is now feeling the effects. Recently in Canada, over a thousand workers were let go due to the discontinuation of BrightDrop vans.

In the U.S., about 1,750 employees will be laid off, with Factory Zero in Michigan experiencing the most substantial losses of around 1,200 jobs. Another 550 layoffs will occur at the Ultium Cells plant in Ohio.

Furthermore, there will be roughly 1,550 temporary layoffs, primarily at the Ultium Cells facilities in Ohio and Tennessee, impacting 700 workers in Tennessee.

In statements, GM indicated that these changes were made “in response to slower near-term EV adoption and an evolving regulatory environment,” which likely refers to the removal of the clean vehicle tax credit and the easing of regulations during the Trump administration.

Factory Zero manufactures the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. Sales of these models were not particularly strong even when a $7,500 federal incentive was available.

Despite these layoffs, GM maintains its commitment to U.S. manufacturing and believes that investments and flexible operations will enhance its resilience and adaptability during times of change.

While it remains uncertain what exactly this entails, the company has stated that “affected employees may be eligible to continue receiving a significant portion of their regular wages or salary, along with benefits.”

The announcement follows closely on the heels of CEO Mary Barra telling investors that the company had “delivered another very good quarter of earnings and free cash flow.” She noted that GM achieved its highest market share in the third quarter since 2017 and was raising its annual guidance.

Despite the positive outlook, Barra signaled potential reductions, stating, “it is now clear that near-term EV adoption will be lower than planned. That is why we are reassessing our EV capacity and manufacturing footprint.” Nevertheless, she emphasized that “electric vehicles remain our North Star,” despite new investments in internal combustion engine vehicles. Approximately 3,300 blue-collar workers will lose their jobs, though some of these layoffs may be temporary. General Motors is implementing significant job cuts across Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee, with Factory Zero facing the largest impact as around 1,200 positions are eliminated. Additionally, battery production is being temporarily halted at two Ultium Cells facilities. After making a considerable investment in electric vehicles, GM’s workforce is now feeling the effects. Recently in Canada, over a thousand workers were let go due to the discontinuation of BrightDrop vans. In the U.S., about 1,750 employees will be laid off, with Factory Zero in Michigan experiencing the most substantial losses of around 1,200 jobs. Another 550 layoffs will occur at the Ultium Cells plant in Ohio. Furthermore, there will be roughly 1,550 temporary layoffs, primarily at the Ultium Cells facilities in Ohio and Tennessee, impacting 700 workers in Tennessee. In statements, GM indicated that these changes were made “in response to slower near-term EV adoption and an evolving regulatory environment,” which likely refers to the removal of the clean vehicle tax credit and the easing of regulations during the Trump administration. Factory Zero manufactures the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, GMC Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. Sales of these models were not particularly strong even when a $7,500 federal incentive was available. Despite these layoffs, GM maintains its commitment to U.S. manufacturing and believes that investments and flexible operations will enhance its resilience and adaptability during times of change. While it remains uncertain what exactly this entails, the company has stated that “affected employees may be eligible to continue receiving a significant portion of their regular wages or salary, along with benefits.” The announcement follows closely on the heels of CEO Mary Barra telling investors that the company had “delivered another very good quarter of earnings and free cash flow.” She noted that GM achieved its highest market share in the third quarter since 2017 and was raising its annual guidance. Despite the positive outlook, Barra signaled potential reductions, stating, “it is now clear that near-term EV adoption will be lower than planned. That is why we are reassessing our EV capacity and manufacturing footprint.” Nevertheless, she emphasized that “electric vehicles remain our North Star,” despite new investments in internal combustion engine vehicles. One of the approximately 40 remaining EV1s recently fetched an impressive $104,000 at sale. Range Rover's Most Sporty Crossover is Set for a Bold Update | Carscoops Range Rover's Most Sporty Crossover is Set for a Bold Update | Carscoops The updated Range Rover Sport SV has been spotted showcasing a redesigned rear, complete with a centrally located dual exhaust system. STI-Badged Electric Vehicle? Subaru Is Still 'Evaluating' It Despite Shift Back to Gasoline Engines. STI-Badged Electric Vehicle? Subaru Is Still 'Evaluating' It Despite Shift Back to Gasoline Engines. The Subaru STI badge may not be gone; it appears to just be hibernating. Joel Feder

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Get ready, because the STI badge isn’t gone; it’s merely resting. When it makes a comeback, it could be on an electric vehicle.

At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show on Tuesday, the Subaru Performance-E STI concept was unveiled. Subaru’s design director, Shin Imai, responded to inquiries about the electric concept being a signal of a future electric car with the STI badge by saying, “I’m considering, yes.”

Imai clarified that the Performance-E STI concept isn’t merely a preview of a production model. However, he mentioned that the design team aimed to incorporate elements from their historical STI vehicles, like the 22B.

Notable features of the 22B include its large round driving lights at the front, usually covered and marked with STI logos. Imai highlighted that the concept embraces this aspect with prominent STI logos on the front lower air dam flaps.

Imai quickly pointed out that with electric vehicles, aerodynamics play a crucial role, but the team wanted to pay tribute to the 22B with gold wheels. The concept’s sizable alloy wheels include a gold aero disc as a nod to Subaru's history. Although the rear hatch does not feature a wing for reducing drag, Imai mentioned that the small aero winglets allude to the 22B’s wing while also offering significant downforce.

“We try to strike a balance between range and performance driving simultaneously,” Imai remarked. While he refrained from commenting on the vehicle's range, he noted that the silhouette is designed in a teardrop shape for optimal aerodynamics.

The proportions of the Performance-E STI concept were influenced by the need to maximize interior space, as Imai stated, “obviously, it’s a Subaru.” The design team aimed to avoid creating just another sports car.

No specific timeline has been established for when Subaru might introduce an electric car bearing the STI badge, but the possibility is now officially recognized.

Have any insights on a future product? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Joel Feder The latest in automotive news and reviews, no nonsense. Subscribe to our free daily newsletter for the important stories delivered straight to you every weekday. Get ready, because the STI badge isn’t gone; it’s merely resting. When it makes a comeback, it could be on an electric vehicle. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show on Tuesday, the Subaru Performance-E STI concept was unveiled. Subaru’s design director, Shin Imai, responded to inquiries about the electric concept being a signal of a future electric car with the STI badge by saying, “I’m considering, yes.” Imai clarified that the Performance-E STI concept isn’t merely a preview of a production model. However, he mentioned that the design team aimed to incorporate elements from their historical STI vehicles, like the 22B. Notable features of the 22B include its large round driving lights at the front, usually covered and marked with STI logos. Imai highlighted that the concept embraces this aspect with prominent STI logos on the front lower air dam flaps. Imai quickly pointed out that with electric vehicles, aerodynamics play a crucial role, but the team wanted to pay tribute to the 22B with gold wheels. The concept’s sizable alloy wheels include a gold aero disc as a nod to Subaru's history. Although the rear hatch does not feature a wing for reducing drag, Imai mentioned that the small aero winglets allude to the 22B’s wing while also offering significant downforce. “We try to strike a balance between range and performance driving simultaneously,” Imai remarked. While he refrained from commenting on the vehicle's range, he noted that the silhouette is designed in a teardrop shape for optimal aerodynamics. The proportions of the Performance-E STI concept were influenced by the need to maximize interior space, as Imai stated, “obviously, it’s a Subaru.” The design team aimed to avoid creating just another sports car. No specific timeline has been established for when Subaru might introduce an electric car bearing the STI badge, but the possibility is now officially recognized. Have any insights on a future product? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Joel Feder The latest in automotive news and reviews, no nonsense. Subscribe to our free daily newsletter for the important stories delivered straight to you every weekday. Get ready, because the STI badge isn’t gone; it’s merely resting. When it makes a comeback, it could be on an electric vehicle. At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show on Tuesday, the Subaru Performance-E STI concept was unveiled. Subaru’s design director, Shin Imai, responded to inquiries about the electric concept being a signal of a future electric car with the STI badge by saying, “I’m considering, yes.” Imai clarified that the Performance-E STI concept isn’t merely a preview of a production model. However, he mentioned that the design team aimed to incorporate elements from their historical STI vehicles, like the 22B. Notable features of the 22B include its large round driving lights at the front, usually covered and marked with STI logos. Imai highlighted that the concept embraces this aspect with prominent STI logos on the front lower air dam flaps. Imai quickly pointed out that with electric vehicles, aerodynamics play a crucial role, but the team wanted to pay tribute to the 22B with gold wheels. The concept’s sizable alloy wheels include a gold aero disc as a nod to Subaru's history. Although the rear hatch does not feature a wing for reducing drag, Imai mentioned that the small aero winglets allude to the 22B’s wing while also offering significant downforce. “We try to strike a balance between range and performance driving simultaneously,” Imai remarked. While he refrained from commenting on the vehicle's range, he noted that the silhouette is designed in a teardrop shape for optimal aerodynamics. The proportions of the Performance-E STI concept were influenced by the need to maximize interior space, as Imai stated, “obviously, it’s a Subaru.” The design team aimed to avoid creating just another sports car. No specific timeline has been established for when Subaru might introduce an electric car bearing the STI badge, but the possibility is now officially recognized. Have any insights on a future product? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected] Truck Drivers Are Now Taking Pop English Tests While Being Recorded | Carscoops Truck Drivers Are Now Taking Pop English Tests While Being Recorded | Carscoops This is reportedly the first documented English proficiency test for a truck driver who was unable to recognize road signs. Mazda's Latest Mini Hatchback Concept Aims to Be Your Companion Mazda's Latest Mini Hatchback Concept Aims to Be Your Companion This idea could be a preview of the upcoming Mazda2. It's rather appealing, but Mazda has not disclosed any specifics.

Nissan Hints at New SUV, But It May Not Be Entirely New | Carscoops

Nissan is committing $540 million in Brazil to create two new SUVs, one of which is the Kait.