Nissan Restructures, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Canadian Tesla Adventure

Nissan is undergoing a dramatic restructuring after years of declining sales, particularly in China and the U.S., where it's down 7.5% this year. The company is trying to break out of its slump by re-entering the off-road segment with a new Xterra—though it's not a direct revival, but a modernized body-on-frame vehicle—while also shifting away from fleet sales, which have been unprofitable. Nissan is also betting big on electrification, with the Rogue set to become a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, a strategic pivot after being a pioneer with the Leaf but falling behind Tesla and Toyota. Meanwhile, Hyundai is preparing to enter the off-road crossover fray with a body-on-frame Santa Fe competitor, threatening to intensify competition. On the electric front, Robert Colangelo shares a harrowing Tesla road trip to Canada that ended in failure due to a flat tire on a freezing day, highlighting the real-world challenges of EV ownership—especially the lack of jacks, spare tires, and the high cost of repairs. He warns that EVs, due to their weight and instant torque, wear down tires faster, with replacements costing up to $2,000 per set, and urges drivers to use 'Chill Mode' to extend tire life. Despite the setback, the story underscores that EVs still require maintenance and preparation, challenging the myth of zero-maintenance driving.