Automotive Industry News & Contents 2026 [Daily Updates]

August 3, 2026

This issue highlights the restructuring of production systems in the U.S. market amid the BEV slowdown and HEV demand expansion, model change forecasts for the North American midsize pickup truck segment, and the balanced supplier network supporting the Mississippi-produced Nissan Frontier.

Updated daily with the latest information for the automotive industry. Coverage (Japanese/English/Chinese) of information directly related to business, including complete vehicles, EVs, automated driving, sales figures, and industry reports.

Table of contents

▶ U.S. Market Analysis: Production Shift Amid BEV Slowdown and HEV Growth

▶ Launch Schedules for the U.S. Pickup Truck Market

▶ Supply chain: Nissan Frontier (USA)

▶ Supply Chain: Exterior

▶ GlobalData Analyst Briefings

▶ Automotive News

U.S. Market Analysis: Production Shift Amid BEV Slowdown and HEV Growth

U.S. Production Shift and EV/HEV Trends

GlobalData Sales Forecast: Around 16 Million Units Despite Weak Demand and Policy Uncertainty

Growth continues, but market momentum slows
HEVs drive the xEV Market
Production shift in response to changing demand
Plant restructuring and electrification initiatives accelerate among major OEMs

USA reports:
https://www.marklines.com/en/report/tag/792/usa?rf=latest-contents

Launch Schedules for the U.S. Pickup Truck Market

U.S. Pickup Truck Market Launch Schedules

In the midsize pickup truck market, next-generation models of the Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator are planned for 2028, with Hyundai and Kia slating their market entry for 2029.

North American Pickup Truck Production by Model (US, Canada, Mexico)
- Jan.–Jun. 2026: https://www.marklines.com/u/714d21c97c?rf=latest-contents
- 2020–2025: https://www.marklines.com/u/90feaa076e?rf=latest-contents
Sales Volume (Full Year 2025 / June 2026 Single Monthly):
- Toyota Tacoma: 310,152 units / 28,350 units
- Ford Ranger: 78,992 units / 7,970 units
- Nissan Frontier: 66,005 units / 6,960 units
- Honda Ridgeline: 50,221 units / 5,378 units
- Jeep Gladiator: 59,262 units / 3,827 units

Forecast by market (up to 2030): https://www.marklines.com/en/modelchange/?rf=latest-contents
Refined search: https://www.marklines.com/en/modelchange/search?rf=latest-contents

Supply chain: Nissan Frontier (USA)

Nissan Frontier Procurement Analysis

The U.S.-produced Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck for the North American market based on the F-Alpha ladder frame. It is manufactured at the Canton plant in Mississippi. Total sales in the U.S. and Canada from January to June 2026 reached 43,200 units, slightly surpassing the Ford Ranger. In July 2026, Nissan announced that it is developing the next-generation Frontier and a new model of its midsize SUV, the "Xterra."

For parts procurement, the company relies heavily on suppliers with close ties to the Nissan Group, such as Highly Marelli (HVAC), JATCO (AT), and Marelli (exhaust). In addition, it procures engine ECUs from Astemo and brake systems from ADVICS. On the other hand, for major components—such as glass from Carlex Glass, axles and propshafts from Dana, and transfers from Magna—it actively sources from leading North American suppliers, striking a good balance between Japanese and European/American suppliers.

Nissan's Suppliers in southern United States (including indirect transactions):
List / Distribution
Production plant for Nissan Frontier (USA):
Nissan North America, Canton Plant
Nissan related plant news