Is Nissan Relaunching the Primera as an Electric Sedan? | Carscoops

      A recent trademark application suggests the revival of the Primera name may be on the horizon, though the specifics remain uncertain.

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       by Thanos Pappas

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Nissan has registered the Primera name in various regions, including Malaysia.

      An electric sedan could enable Nissan to compete with the Tesla Model 3 and VW ID. 7.

      The automaker has committed to launching 30 new models in the coming years.

      

      Currently, Nissan is confronting significant financial difficulties, which recently contributed to the resignation of its CEO. The Japanese firm is working hard to maintain its viability, but a recent trademark application in Southeast Asia hints that the brand might be considering a return of a previously discontinued model.

      The Primera name has resurfaced in recent trademark applications across several markets, including Malaysia. A screenshot of the filing provided by EnhanceCars indicates it was submitted on February 13 and is currently pending.

      More: Mitsubishi Set to Discontinue Nissan Platforms

      While it’s possible that Nissan is merely securing rights to an older name, it may also imply plans to bring back the Primera—an undertaking that would be both bold and intriguing.

      A Look Back at the Primera

      The Nissan Primera was first launched in 1990 as a mid-size sedan targeted at the Japanese and European markets. It saw a second generation in 1996 and a third in 2001. The last version, noted for its distinct design and "futuristic" interior, was manufactured until 2007, when it was discontinued without a direct successor.

      Over its three generations, the Primera was offered in various body styles, such as a four-door sedan, five-door liftback, and wagon. It gained recognition in the late 1990s when a second-generation sedan won the BTCC championship in 1998 and 1999.

      

      

      The Primera was mainly available in Japan, Europe, and the UK, while a sedan variant was sold in North America as the Infiniti G20 from 1990 until 2002, before being succeeded by the G35.

      In Europe, the Primera faced competition from models like the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra, Mazda6, Toyota Avensis, Renault Laguna, and Peugeot 406. However, as SUVs surged in popularity, many of these competitors were phased out, with the Passat remaining a constant presence.

      Should Nissan Bring It Back?

      In March 2024, Nissan announced plans to introduce at least 30 new models by 2026, including 14 combustion-engine vehicles and 16 fully electric ones. A few months later, they mentioned that some launches might be postponed. Still, the teaser image they released hinted at a varied lineup, including SUVs, pickups, hatchbacks, coupes, sedans, and minivans.

      Among these 30 models, six are aimed at the European market and five at Japan. So, if Nissan is truly contemplating the return of the Primera, it could fit into one of these categories.

      More: Nissan GT-R R35 Officially Concluded After 18 Years of Prominence

      Reviving the Primera as a combustion sedan seems unlikely, particularly in Europe, where sedans have lost popularity. Moreover, branding an SUV with the Primera name would not make much sense, especially since Nissan is already occupied with models like the Juke, Qashqai, and X-Trail.

      A Chinese-Based EV?

      However, there is a more intriguing and feasible option: What if Nissan is planning an all-electric Primera to compete with models like the Tesla Model 3, Mazda 6e, or Volkswagen ID.7? It's a possibility. Nissan could significantly reduce costs by sharing platforms, potentially using the Chinese-market Dongfeng Nissan N7 as a foundation.

      This strategy would mirror Mazda's approach with the Mazda 6e, which is based on the Deepal SL03 sedan created by Mazda’s Chinese partner, Changan. The Mazda 6e is set to debut in Europe later this year. Therefore, if Nissan aims to enter the electric sedan segment without starting from scratch, this could be an advantageous route.

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Dongfeng Nissan N7 (China)

      

      

      

      A trademark obtained by Nissan abroad. pic.twitter.com/RXT8FxgovR— 新車情報X (@Enhance_Cars) March 11, 2025

      H/T to @Enhance_Cars