The all-new Nissan Qashqai showcases Nissan’s commitment to sustainability and efficient manufacturing with its innovative use of lightweight aluminum panels. This groundbreaking approach makes the Qashqai lighter, more fuel-efficient, and reduces its environmental impact.
Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK is leading the charge in the production of the new Qashqai. The vehicle’s hood, doors, and front fenders are now crafted from aluminum alloy, resulting in a significant weight reduction of 60 kg. This lighter body not only enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions but also allows for the integration of advanced technologies, including the Qashqai’s electrified powertrain options.
The Sunderland facility boasts cutting-edge technology for aluminum production, including a recently launched extra-large press line and a state-of-the-art recycling facility known as the “cyclone.” This innovative system blasts scrap metal at high speeds, processing over seven tons of metal per hour. The cyclone separates different aluminum grades, enabling high-quality scrap to be returned to suppliers for the creation of new aluminum alloy sheets. This closed-loop recycling process significantly minimizes waste and lowers CO2 emissions, contributing to Nissan’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Recycling aluminum requires significantly less energy compared to producing it from raw materials, saving over 90% of the energy needed. This substantial energy saving underscores the environmental benefits of Nissan’s closed-loop system. The Qashqai follows the Nissan Rogue, sold in North America, in utilizing this sustainable manufacturing process. Nissan is actively evaluating the expansion of this closed-loop recycling system to other models and production facilities in the future. This commitment to sustainable practices reinforces Nissan’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and creating more environmentally friendly vehicles.
Nissan’s broader sustainability initiatives, outlined in the Nissan Green Program 2022, aim to incorporate 30% of materials from non-newly mined resources in vehicles by 2022. This involves using recycled materials, developing biomaterials, and implementing recycling programs both internally and with suppliers, further solidifying Nissan’s commitment to a more sustainable future for the automotive industry. The Nissan Qashqai stands as a prime example of how innovative manufacturing processes and the use of lightweight materials can contribute to a greener future for transportation. The company’s ongoing efforts in sustainability demonstrate leadership in the automotive industry’s transition toward a more eco-conscious approach.
