Nissan Taps China JV To Power Philippine EV Push
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With Plug-In Navara And Primera EV
MANILA — Nissan Philippines is anchoring its upcoming electrified vehicle lineup on products developed in China, turning to its joint venture with Dongfeng Motor to bring the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid pickup and Primera EV sedan to the local market on Nov. 6.
The strategy marks a major pivot in Nissan’s regional supply chain. During an executive media briefing earlier this September the company’s leadership framed the two models as the first wave of a global “From China” export initiative that uses China as both a development hub and a production base for international markets.
The Philippines was selected as the lead ASEAN destination because both countries operate on left-hand-drive systems, enabling immediate deployment. The briefing followed the initial public showing of both vehicles at the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last June.
According to Shohei Yamazaki, chair of Nissan’s Management Committee for Japan and ASEAN, developing the models in China addresses shifting domestic production realities. Because demand for traditional pickup trucks and large executive sedans remains low in Japan, Nissan lacks active domestic manufacturing infrastructure for those specific vehicle categories.
Sourcing through the Dongfeng Zhengzhou Nissan joint venture allows the automaker to tap into China’s established supply chains, rapid product development cycles, and cost efficiencies for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid architectures.
Addressing potential market perceptions regarding Chinese manufacturing, Nissan Philippines President Yoshinori Kanazawa emphasized that all models produced under the joint venture adhere strictly to global Nissan engineering blueprints, safety testing, and quality control protocols.
Nissan Navara Pro PHEV
The Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid is adapted from the Dongfeng Z9 architecture, giving it a noticeably larger physical footprint than conventional midsize diesel pickups currently sold in the region. Measuring roughly 5,260 mm in length and 1,960 mm in width with a 3,300 mm wheelbase, the truck approaches full-size proportions while retaining a traditional body-on-frame ladder chassis built for heavy-duty commercial utility.
Its powertrain pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four petrol engine with an electric motor integrated directly into a four-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Total system output reaches 408 horsepower and 800 Newton-meters of torque, sent through a mechanical four-wheel-drive system equipped with an electromechanical rear differential lock.
Energy is supplied by a 32.85 kWh lithium-based battery pack, delivering up to 135 kilometers of pure electric driving range under standard testing conditions. Beyond the mechanical hardware, the exterior pays homage to brand heritage with a distinct three-slot light signature on the front fascia inspired by the classic Nissan D21 Hardbody pickup.
Nissan Primera EV
The Primera EV revives a historic passenger car nameplate as a fully electric midsize executive sedan based on the Dongfeng Nissan N7 platform. Sized to compete directly in the global D-segment, the vehicle measures 4,930 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,484 mm tall, with a generous 2,915 mm wheelbase. The sleek fastback silhouette achieves an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.208 Cd.
The vehicle utilizes a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. In base trim, the motor delivers 218 horsepower (160 kW) and 305 Newton-meters of torque, while higher-tier configurations bump output to 272 horsepower (200 kW).
Two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs will be offered: a 58 kWh unit capable of driving up to 510 kilometers on a single charge, and a larger 73 kWh pack extending range up to 635 kilometers under CLTC standards. The platform supports 400V fast-charging architecture, enabling a 30 to 80 percent charge replenishment in approximately 14 minutes.
Inside, the cabin features a 15.6-inch 2.5K central infotainment display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor, integrated AI adaptive seating, and frameless door construction.
Complementing the e-POWER Lineup
The introduction of the China-built plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models works in tandem with Nissan’s existing e-POWER portfolio in the Philippines, which relies on gas-generated electric drive technology. The brand recently expanded these offerings with major updates to two key subcompact and compact nameplates.
The all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER made its official local commercial debut on Aug. 28 following its initial showcase at PIMS. Featuring a boxier silhouette, updated V-Motion grille, and anti-heat Zero Gravity seating, the subcompact crossover uses a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine solely to charge its onboard battery pack. Its front-mounted electric motor delivers 134 horsepower and 280 Newton-meters of instant torque directly to the driven wheels.
Simultaneously, the Nissan X-Trail (Rogue in the US) e-POWER made its return to the Philippine market as the flagship model for the series-hybrid system, priced at ₱2,290,000 (~$36,700). Powering the midsize SUV is a 1.5-liter variable-compression turbocharged engine functioning as an onboard generator, driving a front electric motor rated at 204 PS (201 hp) and 330 Nm of torque. The setup allows drivers to experience the responsive driving dynamics of an electric vehicle without requiring external grid plug-in charging.
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