Nissan’s new plug-in hybrid pickup truck is part of a much bigger China trend. On Thursday, the automaker announced it will bring the midsize Nissan Frontier Pro to global markets like Mexico and Australia. The Frontier Pro is a PHEV built in China, developed by Zhengzhou Nissan, a joint venture between Nissan and Dongfeng. It shows that China’s export boom isn’t just coming from homegrown brands like BYD and Geely.
Global Launch Plans
Nissan’s Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid pickup will debut in Mexico this month, expanding to other Latin American countries later this year. The model will reach Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the Middle East in 2027 under the Navara Pro name. Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor in the transmission, it delivers 402 horsepower. A 33-kilowatt-hour battery supplies energy to the electric system. These specifications apply to the Chinese market, where the Frontier Pro is already available. Nissan has not disclosed technical details for other regions yet.
Made-in-China Cars Abroad
This vehicle reflects a broader industry shift where foreign automakers are selling China-produced cars in overseas markets. Mexico’s Chevrolet lineup, for instance, includes several models that are essentially rebranded Chinese vehicles. The Chevrolet Groove is a renamed version of the Wuling Xingchi, manufactured by GM’s partnership with SAIC and Wuling. Similarly, the Chevrolet Captiva EV is a rebadged Wuling Starlight S. Mazda’s Changan-built EZ-60 electric SUV is gaining traction in Europe and Asia, as is Toyota’s GAC-produced bZ3 crossover. Nissan, too, plans to introduce its N7 electric sedan to non-Chinese markets.
Why The U.S. Won’t See It
The Frontier Pro has virtually no chance of entering the U.S. market due to steep import tariffs on Chinese vehicles and non-domestic trucks. Additionally, since part of its design comes from Nissan’s Chinese joint venture, it may face restrictions under the U.S. ban on connected vehicles from China. However, that doesn’t rule out an electrified Nissan pickup arriving in America eventually.
Recently, Nissan said it wants hybrids to become the dominant powertrain for its lineup in North America by 2030, and the new Rogue Hybrid kicks that off. Maybe that means an electrified Nissan pickup is in the works too. The company is pivoting its strategy toward electrification in North America, which could eventually include a hybrid or fully electric version of its popular pickup for the local market.