DRIVEN TO THE MAX
Drivers disappointed as popular car brand discontinues model after more than 40 years
A POPULAR car is being discontinued after it first appeared on the roads more than 40 years ago.
Japanese car manufacturer Nissan has taken the decision to end production of the Maxima in the wake of declining sales in recent years.
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The car first went into production in 1980 as the Datsun Maxima, replacing the 810.
It was rebranded as the Nissan Maxima in 1985 when the Datsun brand was phased out.
The vehicle was marketed as an upmarket alternative to the Altima and decked out with a plush interior and a nifty V6 engine.
In its eighth and most recent version, which was unveiled in 2015, it was billed as a "four-door sports car".
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It was given a revamped interior and a slightly improved engine, propelling it from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds.
But Nissan USA has now announced production of the eighth-generation Maxima has ended.
A spokesperson for Nissan previously said: "Maxima is one of the most storied nameplates for Nissan in North America. Today we announced to our employees, suppliers and dealers that the current-generation Maxima will end production in the middle of 2023.
"As part of Nissan’s Ambition 2030 plan, the company is prioritising electric vehicles and advanced technologies, and by 2030, 40% of Nissan vehicle sales will be fully electric, with more to be electrified. Additionally, earlier this year Nissan announced two all-new, all-electric models at the Canton assembly plant in Mississippi.
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"Please stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news as we empower journeys through exciting vehicles and tech innovation.”
MAXED OUT
The Maxima has been hugely popular with motorists over the years but the shine began to fade as it aged.
At its peak, annual sales hit 163,138 in 1994 but by 2022 that had slumped to just 7,110.
In comparison, the manufacturer’s Altima sold 78,610 models in the first half of 2022 alone.
In a 2023 review by , it said: “Nissan’s flagship sedan straddles the line between mainstream and luxury and is a good value - but it’s sport-sedan mojo is long gone.”
Nissan, along with other major manufacturers, has joined in the EV revolution and dropped their less popular petrol-engine vehicles in favour of electric ones.
Nissan is said to be "prioritising electric vehicles" and advises drivers to "stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news."
Car experts said the company is making way to a fully-electric model or a battery-powered Maxima in the next few years.
The Maxima model has run for nearly four decades and is a ; it has been a tried and true staple for many drivers.
Fans of the car have taken to X formerly Twitter, to speak out about their disappointment over the decision to halt production.
One user said: "Genuinely sad that Nissan discontinued the Maxima. It had so much potential.”
Another wrote: “Why Nissan discontinuing the most beautiful car they have in the lineup bro? I get it if they discontinued the versa... because.... who willingly buys that? but the MAXIMA? Nissannn bro you making weird decisions.”
Replying to another post, they added: "That car had so much potential man I’m disappointed. I have an Altima now but now I just want to switch to Honda.”
Someone else said: "Maxima got added to the list of cars being discontinued in 2024 along with Camaros, Challengers, Chargers. Not too many fun vehicles gonna be left on the road soon.”
It comes after BMW announced it was scrapping one of its most iconic cars, beloved by millions of Brits as they launch a new EV.
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Meanwhile, VW brought the curtain down on perhaps its most legendary model which was favoured by big-name celebs and even royalty.
And another major brand was wound up altogether, with all car production coming to a halt as it was absorbed into another company.
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