Nissan Considers Exporting Chinese-Made Electric Vehicles to Canada

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. is weighing strategic plans to export electric vehicles (EVs) produced in China to the Canadian market, a move framed by Canada’s policy to open doors to Chinese-made EVs. Christian Meunier, head of Nissan North America, said the company aims to capitalise on demand for low-cost EVs. The cars would be produced through a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group Co. Besides Canada, Nissan is eyeing other potential markets, including Brazil and Mexico. “In Canada, the government is opening the door to certain Chinese products. We are studying this,” Meunier said, though he did not detail specific models or timelines for exports.

Nissan’s strategy signals a major shift in the global automotive industry, with many established carmakers increasingly relying on China’s lower production costs and faster EV development cycles to stay competitive. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa is pursuing a revival of a company burdened by aging vehicle lines, substantial debt and years of management turmoil. The growth plan in China includes:

In January, the Canadian government agreed to lift the de facto ban on Chinese-made EVs and allow quotas of up to 49,000 units per year. This opportunity has attracted many manufacturers, including Tesla Inc., which has begun marketing Shanghai-assembled Model 3 in Canada. To illustrate price competition, the Tesla Model 3 in Canada is now around C$42,132, a substantial reduction from its previous sticker price.

Relying on a production base in China, Nissan hopes to reverse its fortunes and strengthen its position amid intensifying competition in the global EV market. (Bloomberg/I-2)