Dongfeng Nissan unveils Viwa electric concept at Shanghai
The Viwa Concept, presented by Dongfeng Nissan at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, previews the Venucia brand’s approach to accessible electric mobility for the Chinese market.
Dongfeng Nissan revealed its Viwa Concept at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, offering the first public look at an electric city car designed for the Chinese market under the Venucia brand. The Viwa Concept was presented as part of the joint venture’s strategy to expand its local line-up with accessible electric vehicles.
Venucia’s electric push for China
The Viwa Concept marks an early step for Venucia, a sub-brand created by Dongfeng Nissan to target local Chinese buyers with models tailored to domestic tastes and regulations. The concept’s compact proportions and upright hatchback styling suggest a focus on urban mobility, with a design reminiscent of global city cars such as the Chevrolet Spark. Dongfeng Nissan described the Viwa as prioritising efficiency, accessibility, practicality and reliability, qualities aimed at appealing to first-time buyers and city commuters.
While the Viwa Concept’s exterior was shown at Shanghai, Dongfeng Nissan did not release technical details about the powertrain, battery or performance. The company positioned the concept as a preview of its intentions for Venucia’s electric vehicle strategy, rather than a near-production prototype. At launch, the Viwa was said to preview one of five new Venucia models planned for production by the end of 2015, reflecting the joint venture’s commitment to growing its presence in China’s rapidly developing new energy vehicle segment.
Position in the Chinese market
Venucia’s focus on affordable electric vehicles aligns with government policies encouraging domestic EV development and sales. By introducing the Viwa Concept, Dongfeng Nissan signalled its intent to compete in the entry-level segment, where demand for small, efficient cars is strongest in China’s cities. The concept’s unveiling at Shanghai placed it alongside other global and local efforts to address urban mobility and emissions targets, including concepts from rival manufacturers such as the Chevrolet FNR and Ford Escort, also shown at the event.
- Dongfeng Nissan Viwa Concept (electric city car, Venucia brand)
- Chevrolet FNR Concept (futuristic EV, Shanghai 2015)
- Ford Escort Concept (compact saloon, Shanghai 2013)
Venucia’s future plans
At the time of the Viwa Concept’s debut, Dongfeng Nissan confirmed that Venucia would launch five production models by the end of 2015. The Viwa was positioned as a statement of intent for the brand’s electric ambitions, though it was not clear whether a direct production version would follow. Subsequent years saw Venucia introduce several models aimed at the budget and new energy segments, reflecting the direction previewed by the Viwa Concept.
For more on Nissan’s concept strategy in China, seeNissan and Dongfeng Launch Qi Chen Brand for China
