Popular hybrid tech to be shared

Hybrid technology is having its time in the sun as electric vehicle (EV) demand tapers off in certain markets.

As reported by Automotive News, Nissan is in discussions with a number of carmakers to manufacture and supply a version of the X-Trail, known as the Rogue, for the North America market.

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Ford and Stellantis are reportedly looking at partnering with Nissan for this rebadged X-Trail e-Power. With the latter company it’s expected to be for the Chrysler or Dodge brands.

Nissan will reportedly manufacture these rebadged vehicles alongside the Rogue at its production facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Nissan Vice President, Communications, US & Canada Brian Brockman told Automotive News its “exploring options” to localise vehicle and powertrain production to meet the growing hybrid demand in the US.

“[Nissan] remains open to dialogue that delivers strategic, complementary market opportunities to our core model development efforts,” said Brockman.

“At this time, we have no agreements in place regarding production at our U.S. plants.”

Neither Ford or Stellantis commented on the topic when asked by Automotive News.

It’s reported the collaboration between these carmakers could also result in joint electric vehicle (EV) development.

“It’s not a quid pro quo,” said a person to Automotive News, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, adding that a deal could happen even without an EV partnership.

Ford could reportedly be looking to plug gaps in its line-up as it has delayed or canceled several EVs over the last year or so.

The Bronco Sport and Maverick hybrid models made in Mexico are subject to tariffs in the US.

With Stellantis, Jeep has the 4xe plug-in hybrid line-up, while Dodge and Chrysler don’t have many products as they’ve shifted focus to EVs.

Nissan currently doesn’t offer any e-Power model in the US, however, it’ll introduce the third-generation version of the powertrain technology in the Rogue in late 2026.

The third-generation e-Power hybrid technology is set to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2026 in the Qashqai small SUV. At this point the entire Qashqai line-up will become hybrid-only.

Beyond Ford and Stellantis, Mitsubishi is reportedly also looking at introducing e-Power hybrid power to the related Outlander.

Conversely, Nissan is also reportedly looking at adding a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Rogue, which is expected to borrow its powertrain from the related Outlander PHEV.