Nissan to launch new Kicks hybrid in Japan to boost sluggish domestic sales

Nissan Motor Co. said Wednesday it is set to launch a new compact sport utility vehicle featuring its latest hybrid system, in a bid to boost its sluggish domestic sales.The launch of the Kicks, scheduled for Thursday in Japan, will mark the vehicle's first full model change since its debut in the country in 2020.The car's starting price will be set at below 3 million yen ($18,700), roughly in line with rival models, including Toyota Motor Corp.'s Carolla Cross and Honda Motor Co.'s Vezel, as competition in the compact SUV market continues to intensify.Nissan posted a 13.5 percent drop in d…READ FULL ARTICLE