Peter Smith
⬤ Nissan has kicked off pre-sales for the N6 in China at RMB 106,900 (around $15,000), targeting the country's booming hybrid and electric vehicle market. The N6 combines a 21.1-kWh battery offering 180 km of pure electric range with a 1.5-liter engine in Nissan's "AI Yunqing Hybrid" system. It achieves impressive fuel economy of just 2.79 L/100 km in battery-depleted mode. What's surprising for this price point is the premium tech package: Qualcomm's 8775 chip, Momenta's Flywheel ADAS, and emergency steering assist.
⬤ The launch comes at a tricky time. China is considering tax policy changes that could shake up the automotive industry—adjustments to corporate tax rates, potential restrictions on hybrid incentives, and new rules for tech-heavy manufacturers. If the government shifts subsidies away from hybrids toward full battery EVs, manufacturers relying on hybrid powertrains could face margin pressure or worse. Meanwhile, proposed increases on equity-based compensation might trigger talent drain from automotive and AI-software sectors, driving up labor costs for companies that need skilled engineers for hybrid systems, chip integration, and smart-driving tech.
⬤ The N6 positions itself as a budget-friendly alternative in a segment dominated by Chinese EV makers, offering advanced ADAS and emergency steering at an accessible price. Models with the Qualcomm 8775 chip won't ship until next year, which could affect early demand. With the official launch on December 8, the N6 represents Nissan's bet on competing in China's intensely competitive hybrid market amid shifting regulatory winds.
Peter Smith
