Nissan will build its Kicks e-Power hybrid SUV for Europe at the Sunderland plant in the UK, marking a major investment in local manufacturing and a new step in the company’s electrification plans for the region.
Nissan has picked its Sunderland plant in the UK to launch European production of the Kicks e-Power, a hybrid SUV aimed at the B segment. The move comes as the factory marks its 40th year, and signals Nissan’s plan to keep building cars in Europe rather than relying on imports. According to Nissan and Reuters, Sunderland will be the main production site for the Kicks e-Power, which is set to reach customers in the UK, Europe, and Turkey.
The first official photos show a compact crossover with a distinctive rear: vertical taillights joined by a slim spoiler, sturdy bumpers, and a black roof. Nissan has only released two images so far, but the design is meant to stand out. The Kicks e-Power draws on Nissan’s experience with crossovers and uses the company’s own hybrid system. The European version will get the third generation of Nissan's e-POWER technology, which works as a series hybrid—the gasoline engine generates electricity for the electric motor but doesn’t drive the wheels directly.
Nissan has allocated £170 million to prepare the Sunderland plant for Kicks e-POWER production, further cementing the facility's role as a key European manufacturing center.
Nissan is investing £170 million in Sunderland for the Kicks e-Power. The plant already builds the Qashqai, Juke, and Leaf, and has produced over 12 million vehicles in 40 years. The Kicks will be the tenth model made there. This isn’t just about adding another car; it’s a response to growing European demand for more electrified vehicles, according to Massimiliano Messina, president of Nissan’s AMIEO region. However, Nissan hasn’t announced when production will start or how many cars it plans to build, so the timeline is still unclear.
The Kicks is already established in other markets, with more than 1.8 million sold in over 70 countries, including Japan, Mexico, and Brazil. Nissan’s plan is to offer both hybrid and electric models, and the Kicks e-Power is part of that approach. 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.
This news comes just before Nissan is set to reveal a new electric model for the A segment, the Nissan Pixo, next week. The push for smaller, more affordable electric cars is picking up speed as carmakers try to make city driving accessible to more people. Other brands are also stepping up efforts in the hybrid and electric SUV market, aiming at families and urban drivers, as reported earlier.
For the European market, the Kicks e-POWER will utilize a third-generation hybrid system, where the gasoline engine does not drive the wheels directly but instead generates electricity for the electric motor. This approach is highlighted in independent automotive reviews as a distinctive feature of Nissan's electrification strategy.
For buyers in Europe, the arrival of the Nissan Kicks e-Power shows how carmakers are investing in local production and electrification. By choosing Sunderland, Nissan is backing the UK’s manufacturing base and showing a long-term commitment to the region. With its new design and established global sales, the hybrid Kicks is set to compete in the changing European car market as more drivers look for cleaner and more flexible options.
