Nissan has chosen its Sunderland plant in the UK for European production of the Kicks e-POWER, a hybrid SUV aimed at the B segment. The factory is marking its 40th year, as Nissan signals plans to keep building cars in Europe instead of relying on imports. Nissan and Reuters report that Sunderland will be the Kicks e-POWER’s basic production site, with the vehicle set to reach customers in the UK and across Europe, as well as Turkey.
The first official photos show a compact crossover with a distinctive rear. Vertical taillights connect beneath a slim spoiler, while sturdy bumpers and a black roof complete the look. Nissan has released two images so far. The Kicks e-POWER draws on the company’s crossover experience and uses its own hybrid system. The European version will get the third generation of Nissan’s e-POWER technology, a series hybrid in which the gasoline engine generates electricity for the electric motor but does not lead the wheels directly.
Nissan has allocated £170 million to prepare the Sunderland plant for Kicks e-POWER production, strengthening the facility's position as a basic European manufacturing center.
Nissan is investing £170 million in Sunderland to build the Kicks e-POWER. The plant already makes the Qashqai and Juke, along with the Leaf, and has produced more than 12 million vehicles in 40 years. The Kicks will be the tenth model made there. Massimiliano Messina, president of Nissan’s AMIEO region, said the move responds to rising European demand for more electrified vehicles. Nissan has yet to say when production will start or how many cars it plans to build, so the timeline remains unclear.
The Kicks is already established in other markets, with more than 1.8 million sold across over 70 countries, including Japan and Mexico, as well as Brazil. Nissan plans to offer hybrid and electric models, with the Kicks e-POWER part of that strategy. The company describes it as a compact crossover with new technology designed for European drivers. Industry sources see Sunderland’s selection as a sign of confidence in the UK car industry, a view shared by UK business minister Jonathan Reynolds.
The news comes shortly before Nissan is due to reveal a new electric model for the A segment, the Nissan Pixo, next week. Carmakers are stepping up efforts to make smaller, more affordable electric cars and bring city driving within reach of more people. Other brands are also expanding in the hybrid and electric SUV market, targeting families and urban drivers, as reported earlier.
For Europe, the Kicks e-POWER will use a third-generation hybrid system. Its gasoline engine generates electricity for the electric motor instead of driving the wheels directly. Independent automotive reviews identify this setup as a distinctive part of Nissan's electrification strategy.
For European buyers, the Kicks e-POWER reflects carmakers’ investment in local production and electrification. By choosing Sunderland, Nissan is backing the UK’s manufacturing base and signaling a long-term commitment to the region. With its new design and established global sales, the hybrid Kicks is set to compete in a changing European car market, where more drivers are looking for cleaner and more flexible options.
