Nissan Revives ‘Primera’ Nameplate with China-Developed EV Debut in Philippines

Nissan has officially showcased its latest models, the all-new Primera electric sedan and the Navara Pro plug-in hybrid pickup, at the Philippine International Motor Show. Known in the Chinese market as the Nissan N7 and the Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV respectively, both vehicles were developed and designed by Nissan’s China-based team. This international debut marks a significant milestone in the execution of Nissan’s “In China, For the World” strategy.

The “Primera” nameplate carries a rich heritage, originating from the Nissan models launched in the early 1990s. the original Primera was offered in sedan, hatchback, and wagon body styles. It gained acclaim for its performance, including multiple British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) titles, and was even marketed in the United States as the Infiniti G20. While the new electric Primera shares no mechanical lineage with its internal combustion predecessor, it serves as a symbolic continuation of the nameplate’s history.

During a vision briefing held this past April, Nissan has officially showcased that China would serve as a pivotal global innovation and export hub, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of its product lineup. This strategic shift signals the beginning of a broader rollout for vehicles developed locally in China and tailored for specific overseas markets.

As part of its comprehensive export roadmap, Nissan has finalized plans to introduce several China-produced models to international markets. The N7 is slated for export to Latin America and Southeast Asia, while the Frontier Pro will be distributed across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Furthermore, the company confirmed that the NX8 and other future models are also scheduled for export to select global markets.