Nissan hints at upcoming hybrid ute for New Zealand – Auto Trader NZ

Nissan has hinted at a hybrid-powered Navara landing in New Zealand, courtesy of the brand’s joint venture with Dongfeng. 

This was revealed to NZ Autocar by Andrew Humberstone, Nissan Australia’s Managing Director during an interview. 

The ute Humberstone is referencing is likely the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid, which serves as a rival to the BYD Shark in its home market of China.

Nothing was revealed regarding the ute’s timeline, but an announcement is likely coming “within the next two weeks”.

In China, this Frontier Pro is sold with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is paired with an electric motor to produce 320kW/800Nm.

This system is mated to a four-wheel drive system, and is rated to an electric driving range of 135km in CLTC testing. 

It can also reportedly tow up to 3.5-tonnes. 

If Nissan was to bring a plug-in hybrid ute to the New Zealand market, it would be the first Japanese brand to do so. 

It would likely also face stiff competition from the likes of the BYD Shark and the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.