Working With China
Nissan’s global strategy has shifted after a tough few years. Keen to bounce back into relevance, the brand has openly said it wants to leverage its partnerships in China to create global models that could return it to profitability.
It all started with the Nissan Frontier Pro (or Navara Pro), which is a plug-in pickup developed in partnership between Nissan and Dongfeng. It’s one of the first models under the Japanese automaker’s new strategy, set to be sold in other key markets outside China to challenge the likes of the BYD Shark. Another model spawning off the Frontier Pro platform is the revived Terrano SUV nameplate, which was recently announced but is apparently already undergoing testing.
Kev Doolan/ Car Spotters Australia
Terrano Goes Terrain Testing
Australian automotive publication Drive just reported that the test mule of the Terrano PHEV SUV was spotted on their home turf somewhere near Arthur’s Seat on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The spy shots came from an eagle-eyed local car spotter, who took clear photos of the camouflaged Terrano doing what appears to be towing tests. The photos also suggest the Nissan was likely doing benchmarking tests, because right behind the Terrano was a GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid.
One unmistakable design cue that is a dead giveaway for the Terrano Concept is the exposed rear-mounted spare wheel with a crossbar to keep it in place. It’s still unclear whether the Terrano will come as a 7-seater SUV or remain a 5-seater, but according to the report, it will replace the recently canceled Pathfinder in the Australian market. A few weeks ago, Instagrammer nissanarabian posted that the Terrano was also spotted testing and under camo in China; this photo collection shows the Terrano up close and even includes an engine shot.
Kev Doolan/ Car Spotters Australia
Who Gets What
As mentioned, Nissan’s new global strategy is to readily make its joint-venture, Chinese-made products available in other regions to stay competitive. The problem is, with a U.S. ban on Chinese-made cars, the chances of the Terrano SUV making its way stateside are virtually zero. However, the Trump administration is slowly saying it could allow Chinese brands to enter the U.S. provided those manufacturers open local production plants and hire local people.
Nissan already has an expansive production footprint in the U.S. and could easily retool it for the Terrano if things swing in favor of allowing Chinese models in. Everything remains up in the air, with pushback still strong within the local U.S. manufacturers.
nissanarabian/Instagram
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