Meet the Nissan Frontier Pro. On Thursday, the automaker said it's bringing this midsize plug-in hybrid pickup to global markets like Mexico and Australia. But it's more than just another electrified vehicle Americans can't have. Developed and made in China, the truck shows that the country's massive export push isn't just coming from homegrown brands like BYD and Geely.
Designed for China by Zhengzhou Nissan, the automaker's joint venture with China's Dongfeng, the Frontier Pro comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and an electric motor mounted in the transmission that produces 402 horsepower. A 33-kilowatt-hour battery feeds that electric motor. Those are the specs for the Chinese market, where the Frontier Pro is already sold. Nissan hasn't shared details for markets outside of China yet.
Nissan said the truck will launch in Mexico this month, followed by other Latin American markets later this year. In 2027, it'll arrive in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the Middle East as the Navara Pro, the company said.
It's part of a trend of non-Chinese automakers exporting their made-in-China cars abroad.
In Mexico, much of Chevrolet’s lineup is actually rebranded Chinese cars. For example, the Chevrolet Groove is a rebadged Wuling Xingchi, a car made by GM’s joint venture with SAIC and Wuling. Same with the Chevrolet Captiva EV, which is a rebranded Wuling Starlight S. Mazda’s Changan-made EZ-60 EV is making inroads in Europe and Asia, and so is Toyota’s GAC-made bZ3 crossover.
Nissan itself also announced its intention to bring the N7 EV sedan to markets outside of China.
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