Nissan unveils Terrano PHEV Concept and Urban SUV PHEV Concept at Auto China 2026

At Auto China 2026, Nissan unveiled two new NEV SUV concept models, signaling a faster rollout of electrified vehicles and reinforcing China’s role in its global strategy.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO, said China is both a competitive domestic market and a source of innovation for Nissan. He added that new technologies should focus on practical use, improving safety, usability, and customer accessibility.

That said, Nissan unveiled two concept models, the Urban SUV PHEV Concept and the Terrano PHEV Concept, which made their global debut at the event.

Nissan says the Urban SUV PHEV Concept is aimed at younger buyers in China. It takes design cues from the NX8 and Nissan’s upcoming SUV lineup, combining plug-in hybrid technology with performance suited for daily urban driving.

Meanwhile, the Terrano PHEV Concept revives the Terrano nameplate. It uses the latest plug-in hybrid system and builds on Nissan’s off-road background, while also targeting buyers who need a vehicle for both city use and outdoor travel.

Production versions of both concepts are expected to be revealed within a year. Nissan also plans to introduce three more NEV models in China within the same period as part of its broader electrification push.

The announcements align with Nissan’s new vision, “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life,” where China plays a key role alongside Japan and the United States. The company sees China not only as a major sales market but also as a hub for innovation and exports.

Since 2025, Nissan has been expanding its NEV lineup in China, including the N7, Frontier Pro PHEV, N6, and NX8. These vehicles combine Nissan’s global standards with locally developed technologies and faster development cycles.

Some of these models are also planned for export. The N7 is set to be introduced in Latin America and ASEAN markets, while the Frontier Pro PHEV will be exported to Latin America, ASEAN, and the Middle East. The NX8 and the future production version of the Terrano PHEV are also expected to reach selected global markets.