- Establishing a Joint Export Company Between Nissan and Dongfeng
- Nissan N7 Electric Vehicle: The Flagship Export Model
- Technical and Regulatory Challenges in Exporting
- Expanding the Electric Vehicle Lineup
- Nissan’s Recovery and Growth Strategy
- Target Export Markets
- Significance of This Move for Nissan
Japanese automaker Nissan is planning a new strategy aimed at expanding the sales of its electric vehicles manufactured in China to global markets starting in 2026. This move is part of Nissan’s efforts to strengthen its presence in the growing electric vehicle sector and to leverage the production capacity and competitive costs offered by its Chinese factories.
Establishing a Joint Export Company Between Nissan and Dongfeng
In June 2025, Nissan and its Chinese local partner Dongfeng Motor announced the establishment of a new joint venture dedicated to vehicle exports, with a registered capital of 1 billion yuan (approximately 140 million USD). Nissan owns 60% of the shares, while Dongfeng holds the remaining 40%. This company aims to organize export operations and expand Nissan’s network in overseas markets, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with potential expansion into Europe and Australia.
Nissan N7 Electric Vehicle: The Flagship Export Model
The Nissan N7, a mid-size electric sedan developed by the joint venture in China, is the first model Nissan plans to export. The car was launched in the Chinese market in April 2025 and quickly achieved success with over 10,000 confirmed orders, making it the fastest joint venture brand to reach this milestone in China. The price starts at about 119,900 yuan (approximately 16,450 USD), making it an economical choice compared to other electric models in the market.
Technical and Regulatory Challenges in Exporting
The N7 relies on advanced AI-powered software developed by Chinese companies, which may face regulatory restrictions in some global markets that impose limits on the use of Chinese AI technologies. Therefore, Nissan is investing in a local software development company called IAT Automobile Technology to create a new software package suitable for foreign markets, ensuring the vehicle complies with legal and technical requirements abroad.
Expanding the Electric Vehicle Lineup
In addition to the N7, Nissan plans to export other electric and plug-in hybrid models, including a small electric truck set to launch in the Chinese market by the end of 2025. The company is also developing 10 new clean energy vehicles by mid-2027, reflecting its commitment to expanding its portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Nissan’s Recovery and Growth Strategy
Nissan faces financial and managerial challenges, including delays in launching new models and supply chain complexities. In May 2025, the company announced a recovery plan that includes reducing its workforce by about 20,000 employees and cutting the number of its factories from 17 to 10, aiming to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Nissan is focusing on making electric vehicles central to its future strategy, targeting markets with growing demand for this segment.
Target Export Markets
Nissan is focusing on exporting its China-made electric vehicles to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where it already has after-sales service networks, facilitating market entry and building customer trust. The company is also considering entering the European and Australian markets, where interest in competitively priced Chinese electric vehicles is increasing.
Significance of This Move for Nissan
This initiative comes at a time when the electric vehicle industry is witnessing increasing competition, especially with the rising presence of Chinese companies offering affordable vehicles with acceptable quality. By leveraging local production in China, Nissan can offer competitively priced electric cars, helping it regain market share and achieve sustainable growth.
Through exporting its China-made electric vehicles, Nissan aims to strengthen its global market position by taking advantage of lower costs and advanced technology. With the development of market-appropriate software and an expanding electric vehicle lineup, Nissan positions itself strongly to face market challenges and successfully transition toward a sustainable electric future.
