At Auto China 2026, Nissan unveiled two new NEV SUV concept cars, in its accelerated product rollout. It also highlights China’s role as one of the company’s lead markets and a global innovation and export hub, according to Nissan.
Ivan Espinosa, President and CEO, says China is not only a highly competitive domestic market but also a source of innovation, enabling us to create new value and experiences for customers in China and in the global markets. “Advanced technology must serve a clear purpose and be experienced directly by customers through mobility that is safer, more intuitive, and more accessible.”
Nissan says the Urban SUV PHEV Concept is designed for young Chinese customers. Its design draws from philosophies of the NX8 and Nissan’s future SUV lineup, blending advanced electrification technology with urban daily driving performance.
The Terrano PHEV Concept marks the return of an iconic nameplate. Equipped with the latest plug-in hybrid technology, the Terrano builds on Nissan's off-road heritage while addressing the dual needs of outdoor adventure and urban commuting.
Production versions of both concept cars are scheduled to be unveiled within one year. Nissan also plans to introduce three additional NEV models in China within a year.
Nissan has unveiled its new vision, "Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life". Within this vision, China plays two distinct and important roles as Nissan’s three lead markets, alongside Japan and the United States.
First, China serves as a strong domestic market, delivering clear and compelling value for Chinese customers. Second, it functions as a global innovation and export hub, leveraging China’s innovation and speed to develop competitive technologies and products globally.
Since 2025, Nissan has accelerated its NEV product offensive in China, including the N7, Frontier Pro PHEV, N6, and NX8. Combining Nissan’s global quality standards, China speed, and advanced local technologies, these models have earned strong recognition from Chinese consumers, the Japanese manufacturer claims.
Nissan says the N7 will be exported to Latin America and ASEAN, while the Frontier Pro is planned for export to Latin America, ASEAN, and the Middle East. The NX8 and the production model of the Terrano PHEV Concept are also intended for selected global markets. Nissan aims to achieve one million units in annual sales in China by fiscal year 2030, with exports as a key strategic role.
A dispute over the payload ratings of Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUVs has developed further following weighbridge testing in Gauteng, with the Automobile Association (AA) questioning some of the results and Jetour South Africa maintaining that its revised figures have been independently verified.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
Ford has broadened its Tourneo Custom line-up in South Africa with the introduction of the new Kombi and the flagship Titanium X AWD.
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