Nissan N7 Surpasses Buick and Toyota in China’s June Electric Car Sales
In a highly competitive market for new-energy vehicles, the Nissan N7 emerged as the top-selling model from a non-Chinese brand in June. This achievement highlights the growing influence of foreign automakers in China’s electric vehicle sector, where domestic brands continue to dominate.
Nissan, Buick, and Toyota were among the leading contenders, but other international brands lagged significantly behind in sales figures. The N7, despite initial criticism for its resemblance to the Xpeng P7, has won over Chinese consumers with its design and features. Buyers have clearly embraced the model, making it the most popular foreign-brand car in the country last month.
Top-Selling New-Energy Vehicles in June
The competition at the top of the sales charts was incredibly tight. The N7 secured 6,189 sales in June, narrowly edging out the Buick GL8 New Energy minivan, which sold 6,082 units. Toyota’s Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, came in third with 6,030 sales. These numbers indicate that the top three models were closely matched, while the rest of the market struggled to keep up.
Following them was Volkswagen’s ID.3, which recorded 3,950 sales, and the Smart #1, which had 2,324 buyers. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in design to the N7, saw only 2,270 sales, highlighting the strong performance of the N7 compared to its competitors.
A Joint Venture Success
Despite being branded as a Nissan model, the N7 is actually the result of a joint venture between Nissan and Dongfeng, a Chinese automotive company. The vehicle shares components with the Dongfeng eπ 007, which suggests a level of collaboration that may help boost its appeal in the Chinese market.
Priced at 129,900 yuan (approximately $17,800), the base model of the N7, the 510 Pro, comes equipped with a 58 kWh LFP battery that claims a range of 317 miles (510 km) under China’s CLTC testing standards. For those seeking more power and range, the N7 625 Max offers a larger 73 kWh battery and a claimed range of 388 miles (625 km). However, it’s important to note that these figures are based on local testing protocols, so real-world performance may vary.
Demographics and Market Potential
According to data released by Nissan, the N7 appeals to a younger, family-oriented audience. Approximately 68% of buyers are men, 74% are married, and 60% are under the age of 35. This demographic profile suggests that the N7 is not just a vehicle for tech-savvy consumers but also a practical choice for families.
Currently, the N7 is available only in China, but Nissan has indicated that it is exploring opportunities for a global launch. While the model may be rebranded under a different name—potentially reviving the Primera badge—it is unlikely to appear in the U.S. market anytime soon.
Other Notable Models in the Market
Beyond the top three, several other models made appearances in the June sales rankings:
- Volkswagen ID.3: 3,950 sales
- Smart #1: 2,324 sales
- BMW i3: 2,270 sales
- Mini Cooper Electric: 1,658 sales
- Volkswagen ID.4X: 1,546 sales
- Volkswagen ID.4 Crozz: 1,437 sales
- Toyota bZ5: 1,409 sales
These figures illustrate the diverse landscape of the Chinese electric vehicle market, where both domestic and international brands are vying for consumer attention.
Conclusion
The success of the Nissan N7 in June underscores the growing demand for electric vehicles in China and the increasing competitiveness of foreign automakers in this market. With its attractive pricing, strong performance, and appealing design, the N7 has positioned itself as a key player in the industry. As Nissan looks to expand globally, the future of the N7 remains an intriguing development to watch.
