Nissan May Begin Manufacturing Hybrids For Its Major Competitors | Carscoops

      Nissan's hybrid platform associated with the Rogue might be employed by competing automakers, which could provide the company with essential financial support.

      Nissan is negotiating with Ford and Stellantis to create a hybrid variant based on the Rogue model, which will feature Nissan’s e-Power system set to launch in the United States in 2026. This agreement would increase production in Tennessee and signal a resurgence in Nissan's hybrid offerings.

      Nissan's challenges in 2024 have been significant, but the company is actively working on recovery strategies. In addition to rolling out new and revamped vehicles, Nissan is seeking collaborations with other brands, including some notable competitors like Ford and Stellantis. By the end of the decade, Nissan may be producing hybrids for various automakers.

      According to a recent report, the new Rogue could serve as the foundation for these vehicles. This compact SUV incorporates Nissan’s proprietary e-Power hybrid system, which utilizes a gasoline engine to charge an electric battery and motors. The vehicles resulting from these partnerships would be manufactured alongside the Rogue in Smyrna, Tennessee.

      Nissan's e-Power technology has been operational in Japan and Europe for several years but won't make its U.S. debut until late 2026. It promises a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency at highway speeds compared to the current Rogue model.

      This potential gain makes the U.S. manufacturing site an appealing option for Ford and Stellantis, according to Autonews. There's a possibility that Nissan could formalize a partnership with either brand, even in the absence of a confirmed order for rebadged vehicles.

      Nissan spokesperson Brian Brockman stated that the company is “exploring options” to localize both vehicle and powertrain production to align with the increasing demand for hybrids. He noted that Nissan is “open to dialogue” but has “no agreements in place regarding production at our U.S. facilities.”

      Interestingly, potential partners may extend beyond just Ford and Stellantis. Mitsubishi has reportedly shown interest in collaborating on production and might use e-Power engines for the Outlander. Additionally, Foxconn could potentially participate as a contract manufacturer. For Nissan, securing two or three agreements of this nature would represent a significant advancement.

      Having initially led the electric vehicle market with the Leaf, Nissan has since lagged behind numerous competitors in the electrified vehicle segment. As AutoForecast Solutions analyst Sam Fiorani expressed, “They can’t get to market soon enough.”