18:16 26-11-2025

Nissan Z shifts to build-to-order in the U.S., putting personalization first

Nissan is reshaping how it sells the Z in the United States. The sports car will now be offered primarily on a build-to-order basis—tailored to individual requests rather than preset dealer specifications. That shift lets buyers finally choose bold colors and uncommon options that rarely appear on lots. Company representatives say the aim is to keep cars from idling at dealerships and to trim the discounting needed to move low-demand configurations.

Nissan manager Michael Sutter noted that the approach won’t be fully bespoke, but customer orders will take priority over stock units. Dealers will get more freedom—and more responsibility—to spec cars for local tastes. That could bring back vibrant shades like the signature Bayside Blue, which seldom made it into dealer shipments because managers preferred more conservative choices. In practice, it’s the kind of reset the Z has needed: less guesswork, more personalization.

The trade-off is obvious: fewer markdowns and a bigger dependency on dealer execution. Even so, the Nissan Z already outsells its main rival, the Toyota Supra. A more flexible ordering process is likely to boost demand, especially among those seeking not just a sports car but a machine with individuality. With interest in sports cars and 2025-model-year vehicles on the rise, the timing looks right—and if dealers embrace the brief, the Z’s personality should show up on the road more often.