Production will be shut down later in the year.
Nissan revealed a updated version of its Navara truck for South Africa in November. This effectively ended speculations about the future European truck. This update will not last long as the automaker announced that it will close its Barcelona factory. This basically means that the Navara will soon be retired. At least in Europe.
Nissan claims that the decision is a reflection of the declining truck market on the Old continent, where only 116,280 were registered last year. Both the sister models, the Navara Renault Alaskan and Mercedes X-Class were also made in Barcelona, but were canceled for the same reason.
Nissan released a statement to Automotive News, stating that the production of the current-generation Nissan Navara will cease in Europe when the Barcelona plant closes in 2021. Sales will also cease in 2022. This is due to the decline in pickups in Europe and the switch by many consumers from pickups to modern, efficient vans.
Nissan considered an alternative solution, which was to import the Navara from Thailand into Europe. However, the board of directors had already rejected that option. The Navara was launched for the first time in 1985. It was also manufactured in Greece for local markets. It is still regarded as a major milestone in Europe’s truck market. The 2004 model revolutionized the segment with a more comfortable cabin and new features.
Mercedes tried to steal sales from the leaders in the segment, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. In Europe, the X-Class was also introduced. This was closely linked with the Navara. The Renault Alaskan followed its lead and it was discontinued last May due to slow sales.