TOKYO - Nissan Motor Co. launched the redesigned Elgrand minivan in Japan on Thursday, aiming to regain ground in a segment dominated by Toyota Motor Corp.
Marking its first revamp in 16 years, the latest model is driven by Nissan's third-generation e-Power hybrid system, which uses the engine as a generator to produce electricity.
With the starting price set at 6.9 million yen ($43,000), the new Elgrand features a Japanese-inspired design, including a grid-like pattern grill based on a traditional geometrical wooden "kumiko."
The new model offers fuel efficiency of 16.8 kilometers per liter, 70 percent better than the previous one. Nissan plans to install next-generation driving technology powered by artificial intelligence in the Elgrand by the end of fiscal 2027 and broaden its model lineup.
"With the new Elgrand, we aimed to make the time spent traveling richer, more comfortable and more special, rather than simply creating a vehicle for transporting people and luggage," Akira Sugimoto, Nissan's corporate executive responsible for Japan marketing and sales, said at a launch event in Yokohama.
"A smooth driving experience, as if the vehicle is running on rails, will become the value of a new premium minivan," he emphasized.
Japan is one of three key markets that Nissan is focusing on under its long-term vision. The company has received more than 6,000 advance orders since it started accepting them at the end of May.
In Japan's large minivan market, Toyota sold a total of around 120,000 units of the Alphard and Vellfire models in 2025, while sales of Nissan's Elgrand totaled 1,426 vehicles.
