Key highlights:
- Nissan is assessing more China-sourced models for Australia
- N7, NX7, NX8 and Terrano PHEV are potential candidates
- Patrol Y63 deliveries and Navara Pro PHEV launch are due here in 2027
Nissan Australia plans to introduce more China-sourced vehicles in the coming years, starting with the Navara Pro PHEV dual-cab ute in 2027, and the company is also assessing several electric and hybrid models developed through its long-running partnership with Chinese automaker Dongfeng.
Potential candidates include the N7 sedan, NX7 and NX8 SUVs, and a production version of the Terrano PHEV concept. Nissan has confirmed more models are under consideration, but not all will necessarily reach Australian showrooms.
Nissan Navara Pro PHEV leads the expansion
The Nissan Navara Pro PHEV is already confirmed for an Australian launch in 2027, but Nissan sees it just as the beginning of a broader expansion of China-developed vehicles. Nissan Oceania boss Steve Milette told CarExpert Australia after the Navara Pro PHEV reveal: “Today is the first of more to come.”
He said Nissan was assessing several models but could not confirm which would arrive next.
He added, “We’re looking at all of them, and they’re all individual business cases. They may not all make it to market, but we are looking at the vast majority of those models to determine whether they fit this market, whether there’s a positive business case, and when we can bring them in.”
Four potential Nissan models for Australia
Nissan is considering four vehicles developed through its joint venture with Dongfeng, and each offers a different powertrain or body style:
1. Nissan N7 electric sedan
The N7 is a large, fully electric sedan already available in China. Nissan Australia has not confirmed whether it will launch locally.
2. Nissan NX7 plug-in hybrid SUV
The NX7 is a plug-in hybrid SUV that is slightly smaller than the NX8, and it is scheduled to go on sale in China later in 2026.
3. Nissan NX8 electrified SUV
The NX8 is an electrified mid-to-large SUV already available in China and remains a potential candidate for the Australian market.
4. Nissan Terrano PHEV off-road SUV
The Terrano PHEV is a large plug-in hybrid off-road SUV comparable to the Denza B8, and no production version has been confirmed for Australia.
The Terrano PHEV has been spotted testing ahead of its expected Chinese launch by April 2027, but Nissan Australia has yet to confirm whether it will reach local showrooms.
Also read: China-made cars grab nearly 40% of new car sales in Australia
Why Nissan is looking to China
Nissan is joining a growing number of established carmakers sourcing vehicles from Chinese partners to compete with emerging brands from the world’s largest automotive market.
| Automaker | China-linked model for Australia | Chinese partner |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Navara Pro PHEV ute + upcoming | Dongfeng |
| Mazda | 6e and CX-6e | Changan Automobile |
| Ford | Bronco Basecamp and Transit City | Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) |
Mazda Australia has recently launched the 6e electric liftback and CX-6e electric SUV, and both models come from its joint venture with China’s Changan Automobile.
Ford Australia has also confirmed the Bronco Basecamp and Transit City for local launches, and both vehicles come from its Chinese partner, Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC).
Other automakers are taking a different approach by moving production of vehicles they developed in-house to China to reduce costs.
The joint venture between Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Group dates back to 2003, and Dongfeng is the smallest of China’s ‘big four’ automakers.
The partnership gives Nissan access to a range of vehicles developed for the Chinese market, but the company must still assess each model’s suitability and commercial prospects in Australia.
Milette said Nissan would evaluate each vehicle individually, considering whether it meets local customer needs, whether the business case stacks up and when it could arrive.
Nissan Patrol and Navara Pro PHEV launches due in 2027
Alongside its China-sourced models, Nissan Australia is preparing to launch the highly anticipated Y63-series Patrol. Deliveries of the large off-road SUV with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine are due to begin in the first quarter of 2027, covering January to March.
The Patrol and Navara Pro PHEV will be important additions to Nissan’s Australian lineup as the company considers bringing more vehicles from China to local showrooms.
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