There has been plenty of speculation about whether Nissan plans to keep its “Z” nameplate alive once the 370Z eventually reaches the end of its already-lengthy lifecycle. But now a US executive from the Japanese automaker has insisted that the badge is “not going anywhere”.
Speaking to AutoGuide, Michael Bunce, vice president of product planning at Nissan North America, said that the company was “not going to walk away from the nameplate”.
“It’s certainly something we’re studying and working through right now,” Bunce told the publication.
“It’s always been part of Nissan heritage. And I think it’s fair to say, even if you’re not a car enthusiast and you mention 240 or 370, most people would say ‘Nissan’ or ‘Datsun’ right after that.”
Bunce reiterated that the nameplate was an “important asset”, adding that “it’s not going anywhere”.
“We know that any investment you make in Z does have a payback in terms of its impact to our brand,” he said.
When a new Z car will arrive, however, is anyone’s guess…
