Nissan has updated its development strategy, announcing a reduction of its global lineup from 56 to 45 models and the integration of artificial intelligence into 90% of its vehicles.

The primary focus will be on the markets of Japan, the USA, and China, with the product range expanding to include new generations of popular crossovers and the revived Xterra SUV. As part of the presentation, the automaker announced a reallocation of investments toward promising areas and the discontinuation of low-performing models. The entire lineup is now divided into four categories:

• Heartbeat (Innovation)

• Core (Stability)

• Growth (Demand Expansion)

• Partner (Collaboration)

A key technological shift is the large-scale implementation of AI tools, which are already in use in China and will debut in the new Elgrand minivan for the Japanese market this summer.

Upcoming New Releases:

• Nissan X-Trail (Rogue): The next-generation crossover will feature a powerful hybrid setup with the e-Power system and dual electric motors. The premiere is expected by the end of this year.

• Nissan Juke: In its new generation, this model will fully transition into an electric vehicle, primarily targeting the European market.

• Nissan Xterra: The return of the body-on-frame SUV has been confirmed. It will be built on a new platform, likely featuring a V6 engine (possibly as part of a hybrid) and will be the first in a family of frame-based vehicles. Sales in the USA are scheduled for late 2028.

• Nissan Skyline: The new model will likely remain a sedan. It is expected to feature a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine and a manual transmission. The Japanese launch is planned for next year.

Changes will also affect the Infiniti premium brand: by 2028, its range will include a new sedan and a mid-size hybrid crossover, followed later by two large SUVs, one of which will likely be body-on-frame.

Kia will continue to produce its popular Sportage and Sorento models with internal combustion engines (ICE) as long as demand persists.

Paul Philpott, head of the UK division, confirmed the retention of traditional vehicles in the lineup, despite the brand's electric vehicle sales in the UK surpassing the 100,000-unit mark. The rise in popularity of Kia's electric transport began with the e-Niro model: while 7,500 units were sold in 2020, sales volume exceeded 21,900 in 2025. Nevertheless, the company continues to invest in hybrids and classic powertrains.

The next-generation Sportage is expected to launch within the next 12–18 months. The model will retain hybrid modifications, though gasoline versions will be gradually phased out of the range. A similar approach will be applied to the Seltos crossover, which will become exclusively hybrid in the UK market.

It is worth noting that tightening environmental regulations could significantly limit the sale of ICE vehicles by 2029, leading 2026 models to be increasingly equipped with electrified powertrains.

BMW will end production of the 8 Series in April of this year. This was reported by CarBuzz, citing a comment from the company.

The decision is attributed to the model reaching the end of its standard life cycle. Previously, the vehicle disappeared from the configurator on the brand's official website. References to the 8 Series are also missing from BMW websites in the US and Germany. The model received its last update in 2022.

The phase-out of the series occurred gradually. The M versions — Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe — remained on the assembly line the longest. The final modification was the special M850i Edition M Heritage, featuring a unique design.

It was introduced in the middle of last year, with deliveries planned to begin in early 2026. The production run is limited to 500 units, and according to available information, their manufacturing is nearing completion.

There is currently no official information regarding a possible successor to the 8 Series.

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback shows one of the best results in terms of value retention. According to analysts, the model loses about 23% of its price over five years, while the market average reaches approximately 40%.

In practice, the depreciation can be even lower. 2021 models are selling on the used market for approximately $20,000 – $23,000, compared to an original starting price of about $22,800.

Competing models — the Honda Civic and Mazda3 hatchback — lose value noticeably faster, although they also retain their cost better than the market average.

Experts attribute the Corolla's resilience to consistent demand and its reputation as a reliable vehicle. This makes the model highly sought after. As a result, the Corolla remains one of the most cost-effective options for buyers considering a pre-owned vehicle.

In particular, brand CEO Gernot Döllner stated that Audi is capable of creating vehicles in a wide range of segments, including full-size premium SUVs. While there has been no official confirmation of the development yet, there have been no denials either.

It is expected that the future model will feature an electric powertrain and will serve as the company's flagship. This vehicle should strengthen Audi's position in the key US market, where demand for large SUVs is consistently high.

It is possible that the new model will be based on the platform of the new American Scout brand, part of the Volkswagen Group.

Plans were previously announced to use production facilities for similar models in the US, which would simplify logistics and reduce the impact of import duties.

The model will be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show this year. According to available information, the model will be 5,366 mm long, longer than even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. However, the brand's engineers are focusing not only on size but also on innovative technologies. In testing, the car reportedly demonstrated puncture resistance at speeds up to 150 km/h, as well as a smooth ride thanks to the new SkyRide suspension.

A fully electric version with 707 hp and a range of up to 620 km is expected to join the lineup. Hybrid versions are likely to be available in the future, but there is no official confirmation yet.

Construction of the two-story O House residential building, constructed using 3D printing technology, has been completed in the Japanese city of Kizuki. The project was completed by Onocom and Kizuki using a COBOD industrial printer. It is the first two-story building of its kind in Japan to receive official occupancy permits.

The house has a floor area of ​​50 square meters. The foundation is buried 0.5 meters deep, and the building's height above ground reaches 7 meters. The structure is based on a reinforced concrete frame, installed on a strip foundation with piles. The walls, floor, and roof, printed from a cement mixture, are placed within this frame. Some of the elements were manufactured off-site, and the printer was operated by four people.

The house's architecture is inspired by the shape of natural caves: it features curved, arched walls and no vertical windows. Light enters through skylights in the roof. The upper floor houses the kitchen, dining room, and living room, while the lower floor houses a bedroom with a separate bathroom.

The structure complies with strict Japanese earthquake resistance standards. The building was constructed as a demonstration project, with plans to construct similar buildings and use the technology for disaster recovery.

Photos of a camouflaged Mitsubishi electric vehicle, which is actually based on the new Nissan Leaf, have surfaced online. The company previously confirmed that it would introduce a second production electric vehicle based on the Leaf platform this summer.

The prototype's body proportions are similar to those of the Nissan Leaf: the roof shape and overall silhouette are identical. However, the model received its own design, including new headlights with multiple lighting elements, a redesigned front bumper, and unique taillights. It also features three-spoke wheels, typical of Mitsubishi.Three-spoke wheels, typical of Mitsubishi, are also installed.

The technical components are expected to be completely borrowed from the Leaf. In the US, the 2026 Nissan Leaf is equipped with an electric motor producing 214 hp and 354 Nm of torque in S+, SV+, and Platinum+ trims. A 75 kWh battery provides a range of up to 303 miles, or approximately 488 km.

Mitsubishi's new electric vehicle is expected to feature similar specifications and a price tag of around $30,000. The model's name has not yet been revealed. The new model will be part of the brand's updated product strategy and will expand its lineup of city electric vehicles.