Nissan will manufacture the Kicks e-Power hybrid SUV for Europe at the Sunderland plant in the UK, marking a significant investment and a shift to local European electrified-vehicle production.

The second-generation Kicks is already produced in Mexico, Brazil, and Japan, while the first-generation remains in Thailand and Taiwan; an updated Kait variant is sold in Brazil alongside the new model.

The Kicks announcement follows Nissan's earlier 2026 update introducing a new A-segment electric car called PIXO, underscoring a broader strategy to offer varied electrified powertrains beyond pure BEVs.

The article does not provide further specifics such as timeline, model name details beyond Kicks, employment impact, or official statements.

Markets currently without Kicks include Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, indicating a limited global rollout for the model.

The move is framed as securing and maintaining jobs at Sunderland amid production at about 50% capacity and pressures from tariffs, Chinese competition, and high energy costs.

Nissan Australia says the Kicks would still play a meaningful role in its lineup if it arrives, while the Juke and petrol Qashqai have been discontinued in Australia; the brand is exploring Chinese partnerships for new models, though no small SUVs built in right-hand drive are planned.

The announcement follows prior European reductions, including a plan to cut around 900 European jobs and partially close a Barcelona warehouse, with some cars imported to Nordic markets.

Sunderland production has been running at roughly half capacity after merging two lines earlier in the year, and no start date has been announced for Kicks production at the site.

Massimiliano Messina signals the project depends on the UK government’s ZEV mandate, with expectations that a lower target (potentially 50% EV sales by 2030) could enable the investment.

A non-binding MoU mentions potential Chery Group manufacturing at Sunderland’s second line, indicating ongoing localization and nearshoring efforts.

Initial European pricing is expected to be above 30,000 euros with E-Power, while a pure gasoline variant could start around 25,000–28,000 euros depending on market and configuration.