Nissan Unveils Kait, a New Compact SUV Made in Brazil for Markets Across the Americas

Nissan has officially announced that its new compact SUV will be called Kait, with production based in Resende, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The model is part of the Japanese automaker’s R$2.8 billion ($532 million US dollars) investment cycle. The Resende plant will handle both domestic production and exports to more than 20 international markets, reinforcing Nissan’s strategy to refresh its lineup across Latin America.

The announcement was made this week during an internal company event. Kait will be the second SUV introduced under this financial initiative, following the launch of the New Kicks in July 2025.

The automaker plans to invest R$2.8 billion ($532 million US dollars) in the Resende plant by 2026. The funds will expand production capacity and modernize assembly lines. More than 2,000 employees currently work at the facility, which has been in operation since 2014 and has produced over 500,000 vehicles to date.

Kait was designed specifically with Latin American customers in mind, with significant contributions from Brazilian engineers. It shares the CMF-B platform with the updated Kicks, offering more interior space and enhanced core functionality.

The SUV will be exported to countries across South and Central America as well as the Caribbean, with Argentina and Mexico among the first confirmed markets. This move further establishes Brazil as Nissan’s export hub in the region, with more than 40% of local production already destined for international markets.

Mass production of Kait is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with the first units arriving at Brazilian dealerships around the same time. Full technical specifications will be released closer to the launch, while pre-sales are expected to start three months before the official arrival.

Key features expected include:

• CMF-B platform shared with the Kicks
• Turbocharged engines, likely 1.6L and possibly 1.0L
• Next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Comprehensive driver assistance package (ADAS)
• New-generation NissanConnect connectivity

In an official statement, Nissan highlighted its long-term commitment to the region. Guy Rodrigues, President of Nissan Latin America, said Kait reflects the brand’s confidence in Brazil and Latin America’s potential to develop globally competitive vehicles with a distinct local identity.