In a briefing at Nissan’s Yokohama headquarters, Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier confirmed that the Rogue e‑Power hybrid will roll out across the United States in November. The move marks the first time Nissan’s e‑Power technology, which has already sold more than two million units worldwide, will be available to American drivers.
Hybrid sales target and broader product roadmap
Meunier said Nissan is targeting hybrids to represent 30% to 40% of total C‑segment midsize car sales in the United States “very quickly.” The company also outlined a phased rollout plan: after the Rogue, the more compact Kicks e‑Power hybrid will be introduced in the U.S. and Canada “as soon as possible,” with larger SUVs and pickup trucks slated for future hybrid powertrains.
U.S. manufacturing commitment
To support domestic job creation, Nissan disclosed a goal of reaching 80% localisation of U.S. manufacturing by the end of 2030. The current localisation rate sits at roughly 65%, down from 40% before the tariffs imposed in early 2025. Production of the Rogue e‑Power could begin as early as 2028, providing a new source of skilled manufacturing work in American plants.
Preparing for competition from Chinese automakers
Meunier expressed confidence that the U.S. market will not open to Chinese automakers within the next five years, noting strong industry resistance to low‑priced Chinese competition. Nevertheless, Nissan is shortening vehicle‑development cycles and cutting costs to stay ahead of any eventual Chinese entry.
Expansion into Latin America
Beyond North America, Nissan plans to launch its China‑made Frontier Pro plug‑in hybrid pickup in Mexico and select Latin American markets, further extending the company’s hybrid footprint.
What this means for American families
The introduction of a fuel‑efficient hybrid SUV aligns with the priorities of traditional families seeking lower fuel costs and reduced emissions without sacrificing the utility of a midsize vehicle. By increasing domestic parts content, Nissan also supports American workers and supply‑chain resilience, a goal shared by the current administration’s focus on American‑made products.
Looking ahead
Industry observers will watch how quickly Nissan can scale production and whether the Rogue e‑Power can capture a meaningful share of the competitive midsize SUV market. If the company meets its localisation targets, the effort could serve as a model for other automakers seeking to balance innovation, affordability, and American job growth.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
