Nissan announced plans to reduce carbon emissions by using low carbon parts made from from green or recycled aluminum in new and current models from fiscal year 2024 onward, with the full transition to be completed by 2030. This supports the automaker’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the entire lifecycle of its vehicles by 2050 — including raw material extraction, manufacturing, use, and the recycling or reuse of end-of-life vehicles.
Green aluminum is produced using non-fossil fuel-derived electricity and can reduce CO2 emissions during production by approximately 50% (compared to aluminum produced using coal-fired electricity). Additionally, recycled aluminum can reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 95%. Aluminum accounts for approximately 10% of the vehicle weight in Nissan’s product line, so switching to low-carbon aluminum significantly reduces the carbon impact of the vehicle.
Nissan has been purchasing low-carbon aluminum sheets for vehicle panels produced in Japan from Kobe Steel, Ltd. and UACJ Corporation. For example, the company implemented a closed-loop recycling system for the 2021 Nissan Rogue, which uses more aluminum than previous versions. Nissan also partnered with Novelis to implement a closed-loop recycling system for the new Qashqai SUV.
Going forward, Nissan will use low emission aluminum for all aluminum parts, including processed components, globally, to further reduce CO2 emissions. For current models, the company aims to start purchasing wheels, chassis parts, axle parts, and harness wires made from green aluminum in Japan, the U.S., and Europe. As a result, by the end of fiscal year 2024, approximately 20% of the primary aluminum Nissan uses for car parts procured in those markets is expected to be replaced with green or recycled aluminum. Starting in fiscal year 2027, low-carbon aluminum will be used for all new models produced.
Nissan’s places sustainability at the core of its business, aiming for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world. The company will continue to accelerate its efforts towards realizing a sustainable society.