Navara is still the bestselling Nissan model in PH despite excise taxes, high diesel prices
The Nissan brand is starting to show signs of recovery, from new hopes with new models and concepts around the world, and a more positive outlook ahead. The same is mirrored in the Philippines where the Japanese automaker has seen steady performance in the first quarter (Q1) of this year.
In total, Nissan Philippines (NPI) was able to sell 4,634 units from January to March 2026, maintaining its ranking in fourth place among Philippine automotive sales, just behind Suzuki Philippines which sold 4,950 units, and ahead of Honda Cars Philippines which sold 3,968 units.
And despite the effects of the implementation of excise taxes on pickup trucks, as well as the spike in diesel prices towards the end of the first quarter, the Navara was still able to top the brand’s sales with 1,268 units sold so far, while its Terra sibling follows at a close second with 1,250 units sold. The Livina ranks third in the brand’s sales with 746 units sold.
The brand’s flagship Patrol full-size SUV also saw a large 270% increase in sales (year-on-year) with 322 units sold, after its March 28 launch last year. The Z, even with its niche status was able to record a whopping 808% growth with 109 units sold, a big figure for its segment.
As for the brand’s lone hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) offering, the Kicks e-Power, NPI reported a 171% sales growth in March 2026, compared to the previous month of February. This is likely attributed to the higher prices of fuel due to conflicts in the Middle East which were felt in that month, resulting in increased sales of electrified vehicles in the country. Do note that sales of NPI’s sole fully electric offering, the Leaf, were not provided, as well as those of the Urvan.
READ: Electrified vehicle sales in PH doubles from February to March 2026
Outside of vehicle sales, NPI has also continued to expand its reach in the country with the opening of new dealerships in Calamba, Laguna and San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. A new Nissan Santa Rosa, Laguna dealership will also be inaugurated soon.
With good performance for the first quarter of the year, here’s to hoping Nissan Philippines sustains it for the whole year, especially with their planned introductions of new electrified models in our market such as the confirmed heavily updated Kicks e-Power, long delayed return of the X-Trail with an e-Power powertrain, and the possible introductions of the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid pickup truck and Primera fully electric midsize sedan.
Photos by Julian Panlilio
