Nissan Australia to Target Sales Growth in 2027

The automaker plans to refresh its vehicle line-up to recover from its lowest annual sales volume in three decades.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Car Types

Isometric editorial illustration of a metallic automotive chassis on a flat ground, representing corporate automotive product planning and structural growth. — Nissan Australia aims to return to sales growth by 2027, planning to refresh its model lineup and expand its hybrid vehicle portfolio. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust legacy automotive brands to successfully adapt their vehicle lineups to current consumer demand?

Nissan Australia anticipates a return to growth starting in 2027 as it prepares for new model arrivals. This outlook follows a difficult 2026 where sales dropped 33.3 per cent, leaving the brand 15th on the local market charts.

Why it matters

The company struggled throughout 2026 due to runout stock of key models like the X-Trail and Qashqai and a lack of hybrid options to compete with rising brands. Boosting its hybrid portfolio is central to reclaiming market share from rivals including BYD and GWM.

Nissan sold 19,212 vehicles through September 2026 and expects an annual total of 26,000 units, significantly trailing its 2012 peak of 79,747. The brand currently ranks 15th, surpassed by emerging manufacturers such as Geely, MG, Chery, GWM, and BYD.

The players

Nissan Australia

This is the regional subsidiary of the global Japanese automaker responsible for importing and distributing vehicles across the country.

BYD

This is a major Chinese manufacturer that has significantly expanded its market share in Australia by offering a range of electric and hybrid vehicles.

The details

Nissan intends to reinvigorate its presence in Australia by launching the Navara Pro plug-in hybrid in the second half of 2027 and delivering new-generation Patrol vehicles early that year. The company is also planning to refresh the Z, Qashqai, and Navara models while potentially introducing the Chinese-made NX8 mid-size SUV.

2012: Nissan Australia achieved its high watermark for sales.
2022: Nissan Australia recorded 26,491 total sales.
September 2026: Nissan Australia sales reached 19,212 vehicles.
Early 2027: Deliveries of the new-generation Patrol begin.
Second half of 2027: Navara Pro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle arrives.

Roadmap

The transition to electric and hybrid vehicles is reshaping the Australian market as consumer preferences shift away from traditional internal combustion models. Nissan's pivot toward electrified platforms is a necessary tactical adjustment to remain competitive against aggressive international newcomers.

Local drivers can expect a broader selection of hybrid options as Nissan expands its platform offerings to better compete with rivals. These changes should provide buyers with more choices in the mid-size SUV and utility segments when the new models arrive at dealerships.

The takeaway

Nissan's recovery plan hinges on rapidly updating its model line-up to meet the high demand for hybrid technology. Buyers should watch for upcoming local pricing and specifications as these new vehicles enter the Australian market later in 2027.

What happens next

Deliveries of the new-generation Patrol are scheduled to commence in early 2027, followed by the arrival of the Navara Pro plug-in hybrid in the second half of the year.