Prime Highlights-
- Nissan aims for 80% localization of US manufacturing by the end of the decade, up from about 65% today.
- The Kicks e-Power is headed to the US and Canada, and the Frontier Pro plug-in pickup will launch in Mexico.
Key Facts-
- Nissan will launch the Rogue e-Power hybrid in the US, bringing the technology to American buyers for the first time.
- Nissan wants hybrids to quickly reach 30% to 40% of total US mid-sized car sales.
Background-
Nissan will launch the Rogue e-Power hybrid in the US later this year, aiming for hybrids to quickly make up 30% to 40% of total C-segment mid-sized car sales in that market. Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier shared the plan with reporters at a media briefing at the company’s headquarters in Yokohama.
The Japanese automaker has sold more than 2 million e-Power vehicles worldwide, and the Rogue brings the technology to US buyers for the first time.
Nissan also plans to bring the more compact Kicks e-Power hybrid to the US and Canada as soon as possible. Meunier said the company wants to offer hybrid powertrains in larger SUVs and pickup trucks in the future.
Nissan targets 80% localization of its US manufacturing by the end of the decade. The figure stands at about 65% today, up from 40% before US tariffs took effect. US production of the Rogue e-Power could start within a few years.
Meunier expects the US market to stay closed to Chinese automakers for the next five years, since most automakers back that position to guard against low-priced competition. Nissan is still getting ready for their eventual arrival by shortening vehicle development cycles and cutting costs.
The company also plans to launch the China-made Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid pickup in Mexico and some Latin American markets.
