Next-Generation Nissan Kicks Delayed Because Of... Tool Theft?

Nissan has been forced to push back the launch of the next-generationKickscrossover after a series of unlikely events. The Japanese automaker is facing not just one but two issues with the new Kicks, delaying its debut until June 2024.

According toAutomotive News, production of the next-gen Kicks was initially scheduled to begin in December this year, with deliveries in the US market to follow shortly after. However, Nissan held back on a production greenlight after the vehicle failed to pass crash safety tests, delaying development by about six weeks.

Nissan's headache seems to have gotten worse, though, as a new delay involving the theft of tooling equipment from a supplier in Mexico means production may now only get underway in the middle of next year after a further five-month delay.

The new target for production of the next-gen Kicks in Nissan's Aguascalientes plant in Mexico is June of next year. Sources familiar with the matter did not divulge the supplier's identity and have also not specified which components of the next-gen Kicks are affected.

Nissan Vice President for Communications Brian Brockman confirmed that the launch of the next-gen Kicks is delayed without providing a concrete reason.

"The arrival of the next-generation Kicks is delayed slightly due to an unexpected factor outside the company's control. Until then, we expect to have strong availability of the current model, which continues to be one of the most popular vehicles in its segment," Brockman said.