Updated July 15th, 2020 at 15:20 IST
Nissan unveils electric crossover vehicle 'Ariya'
Nissan unveiled an electric crossover vehicle on Wednesday, the Japanese automaker's first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn.
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Nissan unveiled an electric crossover vehicle on Wednesday, the Japanese automaker's first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn.
At its global premiere in Yokohama, Japan, the new vehicle, "Ariya" was billed as "a new chapter for Nissan."
The event was held online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida said Ariya symbolizes the company turning over a new leaf in its business, culture and products.
The Ariya is set to go on sale in Japan by the middle of next year, and in Europe, North America and China by the end of 2021.
It will cost about 5 million yen ($46,000) and will be competing against the Tesla Model Y, which now sells for between $43,690 and $53,690 in the US.
In the US, the Ariya will qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit.
The Ariya comes with autonomous driving, so it will park itself and brake on imminent collisions, connect to the net and offer concierge-like services.
It also boasts features associated with electric cars, such as quick acceleration and a roomy interior.
Nissan's profits have tumbled, sinking into a 671.2 billion yen, or $6.2 billion, loss for the fiscal year that ended in March, its first red ink in 11 years.
The Ariya is that one bright spot in recent Nissan news dominated by the dramatic saga of Ghosn's run-in with the law and his escape last year to Lebanon.
Ghosn was arrested in Tokyo in late 2018 and charged with under-reporting future compensation and breach of trust.
Ghosn says he is innocent, arguing the charges were concocted to drive him out of Nissan leadership.
Japanese authorities are now trying to get the US to extradite two Americans suspected of helping him escape while he was out on bail.
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Published July 15th, 2020 at 15:20 IST
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