Nissan Navara Pro PHEV and Primera EV confirmed for the Philippines – based on China’s Frontier Pro and N7

Nissan has announced it will launch the new Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid and Primera EV in the Philippines, with both models currently being showcased at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) that runs from June 4-7.

According to the Japanese automaker, the move is part of its ‘From China’ export strategy where China will play a pivotal role as a global hub for innovation and exports. It adds that the introduction of these models in the Philippines “signals start of a broader rollout of models designed and developed in China for select global markets.”

Being a left-hand drive market like China, it’s not surprising that the Philippines gets these new China-developed cars first. As the images clearly show, the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid and Primera EV are indeed products from Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng,.

The former is a pick-up truck that is known as the Frontier Pro in China, which itself shares a lot in common with Dongfeng’s Z9. Dimensionally larger than the Navara we have in Malaysia, the Navara Pro PHEV is differentiated from the Z9 by its three-slot light signature at the front, which is inspired by the bonnet openings seen on the brand’s D21 Hardbody pick-up truck.

Nissan Navara Pro PHEV and Primera EV confirmed for the Philippines – based on China’s Frontier Pro and N7

Built on a ladder frame chassis, the Navara Pro PHEV features a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine as well as an electric motor integrated into its four-speed DHT transmission. Total system output is 408 PS and 800 Nm of torque, and the electric-only range is as much as 135 km on the NEDC cycle. The pick-up truck also comes with all-wheel drive and an electromechanical rear differential lock.

As for the Primera EV, it is essentially the N7 sold in China but with a name brought back after nearly two decades of dormancy. Sized similar to a Toyota Camry, the Primera EV/N7 is based on Dongfeng’s 007 and features a front electric motor rated at 218 PS (160 kW) and 305 Nm of torque.

In China, the N7 is offered with two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, including a 58-kWh unit good for up to 510 km of range following the CLTC standard. There’s also a 73-kWh battery for up to 635 km, which also sees peak output get bumped up to 272 PS (200 kW).

Exact specifications of both models for the Philippines market will be revealed later on, with a market launch expected to take place around the fourth quarter of 2026, reports Autoindustriya. It remains to be seen if other ASEAN markets will be part of Nissan’s ‘From China’ export strategy, particular those that are right-hand drive. The N7 has already been earmarked for Japan, so the possibility is there.

GALLERY: Nissan Frontier Pro at Auto Shanghai 2025