Nissan is to launch a new small crossover, named Kicks, featuring its e-Power hybrid technology, in Europe, writes Brian Byrne. The company is investing £170m to produce it at its Sunderland plant in the UK, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, and the Kicks will join the Qashqai, Juke, and Leaf on the production line.
The Kicks, already built in Japan, Mexico, and Brazil, has sold over 1.8 million units globally. The Sunderland plant, which has produced 12 million vehicles since 1986, will also manufacture the all-electric third-generation Juke next year.
The Kicks will feature the third-generation e-power system, offering improved fuel efficiency and emissions.
