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Nissan shipped the Leaf to the U. S. market in 2011 (after being delayed by an earthquake and tsunami). Tesla was spitting out S's, what, eleven years ago? Ther
by mikestew 3y ago
Nissan shipped the Leaf to the U. S. market in 2011 (after being delayed by an earthquake and tsunami). Tesla was spitting out S's, what, eleven years ago? There's "not being first to market", and then there's being caught with your pants down. Excuses can be made, but it appears to me that a long-term strategy of hydrogen was a poor bet, and now in 2023 they just now release a lack-luster SUV that I don't think is going to sell well.
I say this as someone with an almost twenty year old Toyota/Scion in the drive. We got rid of the Leaf, wanted another Toyota, but since Toyota didn't sell EVs, they lost a sale to Hyundai. Either Toyota can "cannibalize" their hybrids, or someone else will be happy to do it for them.
- housemusicfan 3y agoThe Leaf is a glorified golf cart, it is not comparable to a Toyota family car.
- BugsJustFindMe 3y agoThe leaf is actually a quite nice car. It sounds to me like you've never been in one.
- legitster 3y agoHydrogen is a poor bet, but it's more important domestically in Japan where their industrial policy is attempting to steer away from reliance on China as a major supplier (for batteries). And the SUV is really only a compliance vehicle for the state of California - it's not really intended to sell well. Both Leafs and Teslas are examples of cars that depreciate like crazy after purchased. Meanwhile, a hybrid Rav4 or Sienna with 50k miles can be had for... $2000 off of MSRP. If you wanted a new EV Toyota just based off of brand loyalty, and Toyota just sold you a crappy rebadged Leaf, Toyota would not be left with much brand loyalty.