Full Breakdown
Nissan to Build Second-Generation Kicks Hybrid at Sunderland Plant
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Nissan announced that the second-generation Kicks will be produced at its Sunderland factory in the United Kingdom, equipped with the company’s e-Power hybrid system. The model, previously sold in North America with a conventional 2.0-liter gasoline engine, will receive a hybrid powertrain that uses a small internal-combustion engine solely to generate electricity for two electric motors driving the wheels.
Background & Context
The e-Power system is already employed in Nissan’s Japanese market vehicles, pairing a 1.4-liter engine with electric motors to deliver between 141 hp and 208 hp, depending on the specification. Nissan’s earlier Kicks model, built for the U.S. market, was criticized for modest performance (139 hp) and fuel economy. By introducing the hybrid version to Europe, Nissan aims to align the Kicks with regional emissions standards and consumer demand for more efficient subcompact crossovers.
The Sunderland plant, which celebrated four decades of Nissan production this year, also assembles the Qashqai, Juke and Leaf. Production of the Kicks for North America occurs in Mexico, while other global markets receive units built in Japan or Brazil.
Data & Statistics
- e-Power hybrid system: 1.4-liter gasoline engine + two electric motors.
- Power output range: 141 hp (lower-spec) to 208 hp (top-spec).
- Sunderland plant’s output includes the Qashqai, Juke, Leaf and now the Kicks.
Official Statements & Responses
Nissan indicated that the hybrid Kicks will use the same e-Power configuration deployed in Japan, though detailed specifications for the European version have not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The decision to build this new model in Sunderland is a huge vote of confidence in the UK's manufacturing expertise and automotive future,” — Secretary, of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds
Why It Matters
The move signals Nissan’s strategy to leverage its UK manufacturing base for advanced powertrain technology, potentially strengthening the country’s automotive sector amid broader industry shifts toward electrification. By offering a hybrid Kicks in Europe, Nissan may also create a pathway to introduce the e-Power system to the U.S. market, addressing a segment where few hybrid subcompact crossovers currently exist.
What’s Next
Nissan has signaled that a new city-electric model, the Pixo, will be unveiled in the UK within the coming week. The company has not announced a timeline for when the hybrid Kicks will begin shipping from Sunderland, nor has it confirmed whether the e-Power system will be exported to other markets.