Exclusive Look at the All-New Navara Pro PHEV & Primera EV

Nissan leverages its strategic partnership to introduce the all-new Navara Pro PHEV and Primera EV while maintaining Japanese core DNA.

During a recent media preview, Nissan Philippines gave automotive journalists an early look at two major additions heading to local showrooms: the Navara Pro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and the Primera EV executive sedan.

Alongside the reveal, key executives—including Nissan ASEAN President Shohei Yamazaki, ASEAN & Thailand President Masao Tsutsumi, and Nissan Philippines President Yoshinori Kanazawa—tackled an important shift in strategy. For the first time, Nissan is sourcing key electrified models directly from its manufacturing facilities in China for export to the Philippines and broader ASEAN markets.

Why Sourcing from China Makes Sense Right Now?

For years, Filipino car buyers have been used to Nissans built in Japan or Thailand. Sourcing these two new models from China comes down to three practical reasons:

Faster Development Time: China’s EV ecosystem moves at a relentless pace. Tapping into supply chains there lets Nissan bring modern battery tech and updated cabin electronics to market years faster than traditional manufacturing pipelines allow.
Refined in a Tough Market: China is currently the world’s most aggressive battleground for electric vehicles. Vehicles built there are pushed hard on software integration, display quality, and interior finish just to stay competitive.
More Powertrain Options: Tapping Chinese production lets Nissan expand beyond its signature e-POWER system, introducing full EVs and heavy-duty plug-in hybrids to match different driving routines and charging setups.

Holding Onto Nissan’s Japanese DNA

Naturally, moving production brings questions about build quality and brand identity. Nissan’s leadership team was quick to reassure buyers that every car rolling off the line is still “Engineered by Nissan, Inspired by Nissan, with DNA by Nissan.

Global Quality Checks: Production plants in China operate under the same engineering rules, material standards, and quality controls as Nissan’s factories in Japan.
Rugged Truck Roots: The Navara Pro PHEV isn’t a soft crossover in disguise. It keeps its capability built for real work and off-road driving.
Focus on Cabin Comfort: The Primera nameplate stays true to its sedan roots to keep long highway drives comfortable.

By pairing agile Chinese supply chains with strict Japanese engineering standards, Nissan is building a practical bridge into electrification—giving local drivers modern tech without losing the durability the brand is known for.