News Nissan and Daniel Sanders Take Partnership to New Heights

• Nissan Australia renews partnership with Dakar Champion, Daniel Sanders 
• Sanders’ early starts and late finishes reflect the everyday grit of Navara owners 
• New 2026 Navara delivers capability and confidence, built for those who get the job done

21 APRIL 2026, AUCKLAND – Following a grueling 2026 Dakar Rally campaign, where he pushed through injury and adversity to finish in the top five, 2025 Dakar Rally Champion, Daniel “Chucky” Sanders, will continue his journey with Nissan Australia, renewing his ambassador role for a fourth consecutive year as the partnership accelerates into a new chapter alongside the new 2026 Navara PRO-4X.

Known for tackling some of the world’s toughest terrain with a distinctly Australian spirit, Sanders and Navara owners share a mindset defined by resilience, grit, and capability. Both embody a practical approach, facing challenges head-on, whether on remote tracks, or in everyday life, and are driven by a shared passion for adventure.

“For me, this partnership has always made sense,” said Sanders. “Nissan builds vehicles that can handle the same conditions we face competing, as well as those on the farm. The Navara is tough, reliable and ready for anything, which is exactly what you need when you’re chasing big goals.”

While the world sees the podium finishes, the real story starts long before race day. Early mornings, late nights, and countless hours of fine tuning behind the scenes are what define Sanders’ journey, representing a mindset shared by many Navara owners, those who put in the work when no one’s watching. 

Off the track, Sanders doesn’t switch off. Growing up in regional Australia and remaining closely connected to life on the land, he understands the importance of reliability and it’s here where the parallels with Navara owners are strongest: people who rely on their vehicles day in, day out, to get the job done.

Nissan Oceania Managing Director, Steve Milette said of the continued relationship, “We love working with Daniel because he truly embodies the Nissan brand, hardworking, honest and driven. We share a belief in overcoming challenges with a positive attitude and always striving to achieve our goals.” 

“Daniel represents the kind of grit we see in Navara owners every day,” said Milette. “It’s not just about performing when things are going well and pushing through tough conditions. Getting the job done when people are counting on you. That’s what Daniel does, and it’s exactly what Navara is built for.” 

The new Navara is now on sale in Nissan dealers across the country, marking 40 years of Navara sales since December 1986. The new Navara offers go-anywhere capability, underpinned by locally tuned suspension developed and tested by engineering partner Premcar for Australian and New Zealand conditions. Its design balances rugged heritage with modern sophistication, while advanced technology, safety features and premium equipment position the new, fifth-generation Navara range firmly in a new era.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the collaboration promises even bigger adventures and plenty of dust-covered kilometres as Sanders and the Navara continue to get the job done. With three years of partnership now under their belts, one thing remains clear: when a Dakar champion and one of Nissan’s long-standing nameplates join forces, the road ahead is always worth the ride.

For more information on the 2026 Nissan Navara visit: https://navara.nissan.co.nz/

Contacts:

Nissan New Zealand

Ed Finn
General Manager - AmpedPR
Email: ed@ampedpr.co.nz
Mobile: +64 29 978 3620

Nissan Oceania

Steve Coughlan
Head of Communications Oceania
Nissan Motor Co. Australia 
Email: Steve_coughlan@nissan.com.au
Mobile: 0459 845 294

Angus Thompson
Senior Manager Corporate Communications 
Nissan Motor Co. Australia
Email: Angus_Thompson@nissan.com.au
Mobile: 0483 014 406