With plug-in Navara and Primera EV
MANILA – Nissan Philippines is basing its next line of electrified vehicles on products developed in China, tapping its joint venture with Dongfeng Motor to bring the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid pickup truck and Primera EV sedan to the local market on November 6.
The strategy marks a major shift in Nissan’s regional supply chain. During an executive news conference in early September, company leaders framed the two models as the first wave of a global “From China” export initiative that uses China as a development center and production base for international markets.
The Philippines was selected as the top ASEAN destination because both countries operate left-hand drive systems, allowing for immediate deployment. The briefing came after the initial public unveiling of both vehicles at the 10th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last June.
According to Shohei Yamazaki, chairman of the Nissan Management Committee for Japan and ASEAN, the development of the models in China responds to the changing realities of domestic production. Because demand for traditional pickup trucks and large executive sedans remains low in Japan, Nissan lacks an active domestic manufacturing infrastructure for those specific vehicle categories.
Sourcing through the Dongfeng Zhengzhou Nissan joint venture allows the automaker to take advantage of China’s established supply chains, rapid product development cycles and cost efficiencies for plug-in hybrid and battery-electric architectures.
Addressing possible market perceptions regarding Chinese manufacturing, Nissan Philippines President Yoshinori Kanazawa emphasized that all models produced under the joint venture strictly adhere to Nissan’s global engineering drawings, safety testing and quality control protocols.
Nissan Navara Pro PHEV
The Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid is an adaptation of the Dongfeng Z9 architecture, giving it noticeably more physical space than conventional mid-size diesel pickup trucks currently sold in the region. At approximately 5,260 mm long and 1,960 mm wide 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 use.
Its powertrain combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine with an electric motor integrated directly into a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Total system power reaches 408 horsepower and 800 Newton-meters of torque, sent through a mechanical four-wheel drive system equipped with an electromechanical rear differential lock.
Power is supplied by a 32.85 kWh lithium battery pack, offering up to 135 kilometers of purely electric driving range under standard test conditions. Beyond the mechanical hardware, the exterior pays homage to the brand’s heritage with a distinctive three-slot light signature on the front fascia inspired by the classic Nissan D21 Hardbody pickup truck.
Nissan Primera EV
The Primera EV revives a historic passenger car model as an all-electric midsize executive sedan based on the Dongfeng Nissan N7 platform. Designed to compete directly in the global D-segment, the vehicle measures 4,930 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,484 mm high, with a generous 2,915 mm wheelbase. The elegant fastback silhouette achieves an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.208 Cd.
The vehicle uses a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. In base trim, the engine produces 218 horsepower (160 kW) and 305 Newton-meters of torque, while top-level configurations increase power to 272 horsepower (200 kW).
Two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs will be offered: a 58 kWh unit capable of traveling up to 510 kilometers on a single charge and a larger 73 kWh pack that extends the range up to 635 kilometers according to CLTC standards. The platform supports a 400V fast charging architecture, enabling a 30 to 80 percent charge recharge 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 seats, and frameless doors.
