Nissan $540M Brazil SUVs; Xterra Returns 2028

Nissan is investing $540 million in Brazil to build two new SUVs, including the teased Kait shown at the Japan Mobility Show that appears to be a restyled version of the first‑generation Kicks (Kicks Play) slated for export across Latin America and other markets. The Kait is expected to share the Kicks Play platform and 103‑inch wheelbase and will likely retain the same engine choices, including a 1.6‑liter flex gasoline/ethanol four‑cylinder paired with a CVT driving the front wheels. At SEMA, Nissan displayed one‑off truck builds such as the Rapid Runner — a heavily reworked Frontier with custom tubular doors, a Nismo snorkel and intake, a Titan suspension/axle swap and 37‑inch tires — and Nick Scherr’s Project X, a modern Xterra restomod with a V8, manual gearbox, Frontier interior bits, heavy‑duty off‑road suspension and beadlock wheels. Nissan has confirmed it is developing a new‑generation Xterra with a hybrid V6 powertrain, targeting production in 2028 after shelving development of an EV variant. The Brazil investment and the emphasis on rugged prototypes underscore Nissan’s renewed push into versatile, off‑road capable SUVs and trucks for regional and global markets.