Nissan has officially commenced production of the new Kicks e-POWER in Thailand, reinforcing the country’s role as a strategic manufacturing and export hub in the ASEAN region. The announcement, released on April 3, 2026, in Bangkok, marks a key milestone in the Japanese car brand’s electrification strategy.
In more detail, the fresh-faced Kicks e-POWER is scheduled to reach Nissan showrooms in Thailand by May 2026. This follows its recent unveiling at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), where it took center stage as a key product in Nissan’s push toward electrified mobility in Thailand.
According to Shohei Yamazaki, Chairperson of the Management Committee for Japan/ASEAN & Affiliate Companies at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., the start of production highlights the company’s long-standing presence in the Thai market, which spans more than 73 years. The executive emphasized that the milestone is the embodiment of Nissan’s continued investment in local manufacturing capabilities and workforce development to meet evolving customer demands.
The updated Nissan Kicks e-POWER features the brand’s in-house-developed electrified powertrain system, in which an electric motor drives the wheels while a gasoline engine acts as a generator. The configuration aims to deliver an EV-like driving experience without requiring external charging.
In addition to its e-POWER electrified drivetrain, the model also introduces Nissan’s ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system to the Thai market. For Nissan, the inclusion of this tech is a step forward in bringing higher levels of safety and convenience features to the compact SUV segment in the legion.
The production launch ceremony was attended by senior Nissan executives, including Toshihiro Fujiki, Corporate Executive for Global Aftersales, along with key representatives from Siam Motors Group, Nissan’s long-standing partner in Thailand. With localized production and an integrated manufacturing line, Nissan aims to strengthen Thailand’s position as a domestic market base and as a potential export hub for the Kicks e-POWER across ASEAN markets.
Autocar’s Take
The news that the 2026 Nissan Kicks e-POWER will be produced in Thailand for its local market and the ASEAN region is something to hold on to, as it could mean another solid reassurance that the refreshed electrified small SUV will soon reach Philippine showrooms. In fact, Nissan Philippines has already laid out something for Filipinos to anticipate as it confirmed the 2026 Kicks e-POWER’s first local appearance at this year’s Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), although it has yet to make a statement on when it will be officially launched to the public after PIMS.
Having said this, Nissan’s latest move with the Kicks e-POWER feels more grounded in how people actually drive and live in the ASEAN region. It’s not trying to rush buyers into full electrification, but instead offers something familiar with a noticeable step forward in everyday use. Our impressions from Bangkok suggest a quieter, more refined drive, along with a more modern cabin and improved tech, which should resonate well locally.
