Nissan has begun selling its first pickup truck fully designed, developed, and manufactured in China – the Frontier Pro. Priced from approximately $23,800 to $35,000, the vehicle will be exported worldwide, marking a significant shift in Nissan’s global production strategy.
New Production Strategy
The Frontier Pro is the first vehicle to come out of Zhengzhou Nissan, a joint venture focused on complete vehicle manufacturing. This means Nissan is no longer relying solely on its traditional production hubs for global distribution. The move comes as Chinese automotive manufacturing rises in quality and efficiency, making it an attractive option for major automakers.
Design and Dimensions
The Frontier Pro comes in both fuel-powered and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, each with a distinct style. The standard model maintains Nissan’s “V-Motion” design, while the PHEV variant sports a more modern, electrified aesthetic.
The truck measures 5.52 meters long, 1.96 meters wide, and 1.95 meters high with a 3.3-meter wheelbase. The cargo bed has dimensions of 1.52 x 1.60 x 0.49 meters, offering ample storage space. Some models include an electric soft-down tailgate for easier loading and unloading.
Interior Features
The cabin is equipped with a digital instrument cluster, a large central touchscreen, and physical buttons for key controls. Nissan included a 12-speaker JLA audio system and soft-touch materials throughout to enhance the passenger experience.
Powertrain Options
The Frontier Pro offers a range of engine choices:
- 2.0T Gasoline Engine: 258 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque
- 2.3T Diesel Engine: 190 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque
- PHEV: A 1.5T engine combined with an electric motor, producing 429 hp and 800 Nm of torque, with a 135 km electric range (CLTC standard).
Both gasoline and diesel models use an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the PHEV version employs a 4-speed DHT transmission.
What This Means
Nissan’s decision to produce a global model entirely in China signifies the growing influence of Chinese automotive manufacturing. This move is driven by cost-effectiveness, supply chain efficiency, and the increasing competitiveness of Chinese automakers. The Frontier Pro’s global availability will test how consumers respond to a Nissan vehicle engineered and built in China.
The Frontier Pro represents a strategic shift for Nissan, leveraging China’s manufacturing capabilities to compete more effectively in the global market.
