Nissan Navara Pickup to be manufactured at Mitsubishi Motors' Plant in Thailand

2011 Nissan Navara

YOKOHAMA/TOKYO : July 13, 2011 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced that the two companies have agreed to manufacture the current generation Nissan Navara, a one-ton pickup truck, at Mitsubishi Motors' plant in the Laem Chabang Industrial Estate in Thailand. The production under this agreement is scheduled to commence in 2012.

This new production is part of an agreement signed in December 2010 to expand the scope of cooperation between the two companies. It follows a prior announcement in June 2011 regarding the establishment of the joint venture NMKV Co., Ltd, to develop both companies' minicar business in Japan. This new production agreement is expected to enhance the competitiveness of both companies.

[Source : NISSAN]

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Nissan begins global proving tests for NV200 based electric vehicles

Japan Post - Nissan e-NV200 Test Car

YOKOHAMA, Japan : July 5, 2011 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will begin global proving tests starting July 2011 of an electric vehicle (EV) based on the compact commercial vehicle NV200.


For the first phase, the Japan Post Service Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Shinichi Nabekura) will carry out a test in Japan starting July. One test vehicle will be provided to carry out postal collection and delivery tasks for approximately two months in the city of Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture, to evaluate the vehicle's capabilities under a customer's normal usage conditions. Later, similar proving tests will be carried out both in Japan and Europe, where similar evaluations will be carried out with other companies.

Japan Post Service Co., Ltd's Test Car

"The role that can be played by zero emissions vehicles in promoting a balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the realm of logistics is large" said Nissan Corporate Vice President Hideto Murakami, responsible for the Global LCV Business Unit. "We will certainly reflect the customer feedback gained from these proving tests in our future product development, and I expect that our commercial electric vehicles based on the NV200 will contribute to our customers' business and to the development of a sustainable society."

The NV200 was recently chosen as the next generation New York taxi. It is a model aimed for customers around the world, the next-generation compact commercial vehicle suited for a wide variety of situations including business, daily use, or leisure. The NV200 is available in Japan and Europe since FY2009 and China and Singapore from FY2010, and future launches are planned for the U.S. and India. In total, the NV200 is sold in approximately 40 countries throughout the world, and has received positive feedback from customers for its spacious interior, fuel economy, excellent driving performance, and attractive design. At the end of 2009 it was awarded "International Van of the Year 2010" that was based on the selection of journalists from 20 European countries. In March 2011, it was awarded the "Universal Design Award," one of the most authoritative awards in universal design, and the "Universal Design Consumer's Favorite Award," marking the first time in automotive industry to be awarded both awards.

Nissan is aiming to become the leader in zero emissions, and in addition to carrying out the development of electric vehicles, Nissan is also engaged in comprehensive efforts to spread the use of electric vehicles and promote sustainable mobility. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has already concluded more than 90 partnerships related to zero emission mobility with national and local governments and corporations throughout the world (as of June 2011). Nissan is also engaged in related efforts such as the production of lithium ion batteries, developing charging infrastructure, the development of internal speed charging equipment, and the recycling and reuse of batteries.

[Source : NISSAN]

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Nissan released All-New Lafesta Highway STAR Minivan in Japan

Nissan Lafesta Highway STAR launch event

YOKOHAMA, Japan : Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of the all-new Nissan Lafesta Highway STAR minivan, which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers throughout Japan.

The redesigned Lafesta Highway STAR is a new minivan featuring stylish design, high functionality and strong environmental performance.

Its exterior features a horizontal chrome grille on the front and striking aerodynamic design - expressing sportiness and a bold presence - characteristic of the Nissan Highway STAR series. Enhanced features and equipment include the adoption of dual power sliding rear doors for easy entry/exit and easily operable, versatile seat configurations. The Lafesta Highway STAR is also equipped with Idling Stop, which helps it to realize best-in-class^*1 fuel economy of 16.0km/L under Japan's 10-15 mode ^*2 testing cycle for emission certification and fuel economy performance.

Every new Lafesta Highway STAR grade achieves super-low emissions vehicle (SU-LEV) certification by emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards. Since the two-wheel drive (2WD) grades achieve improved fuel efficiency by adopting a direct injection engine, many of them qualify for the tax exemption for environmentally friendly vehicles^*3, with automobile acquisition and weight taxes reduced by either 75 percent, or 50 percent, depending on the grade and options.

In 2010, Nissan introduced its two-pillar strategy to reduce CO2 emissions: "zero emissions" and "PURE DRIVE." PURE DRIVE vehicles are designed to achieve best-in-class fuel economy for mass-production models by equipping them with optimal next-generation eco-technologies such as Idling Stop, clean diesel and hybrid systems. In Japan, the new Lafesta Highway STAR^*4 is the sixth in the series of PURE DRIVE vehicles with the idling stop system to be introduced. The new Lafesta Highway Star will only be offered for sale in the Japanese domestic market.

Key features of the new Lafesta Highway STAR include:
1. Stylish Highway STAR design
2. Excellent functionality that responds to various customer needs
3. High levels of driving and environmental performance

Nissan Lafesta Highway STAR Overview

Design

Exterior

The sporty Highway STAR design projects a strong presence with its signature horizontal chrome grille, which is widely adopted in Highway STAR models. Additionally, a front aero bumper, side sill protector and rear bumper color that matches the body, all help to emphasize the vehicle's wide stance and low center of gravity. The side panels combine strong character lines and surfaces flowing from the nose to the side, while the rear license finisher is mounted on a chrome horizontal bar embossed with the vehicle name. The new Lafesta Highway STAR is available in five exterior colors, including Sparkling Black (P) that highlights its sportiness.

Interior

Extensive use of black in the refined interior design provides a sense of elegance and sportiness.
With the edge of the meter hood as the starting point, the instrument panel is designed to embrace the driver, for a cockpit-like feel. Use of chrome-plated and silver-colored finishers accentuate the sportiness of the interior. The available black jacquard seat cloth with brown piping and stitching adds to the interior's quality feel (Highway STAR G).

Packaging, Seating and Sliding Doors

Packaging

The Lafesta Highway STAR's refined interior features theater-like seating, where each row of seats is slightly elevated so that each passenger's hip point gets gradually higher from the front seat to the third-row seat. This helps to improve visibility for all occupants. Although it provides the ample interior space of a three-series grade vehicle (according to the Japanese taxation classification system) its small minimum turning radius of 5.3 meters is equal to that of a five-series grade car.

Seating

Flexible seating has been adopted, with captain seats that can quickly be turned into a bench seat by placing a seating surface (retracted into the underseat tray of the second-row passenger side seat when not in use) in between the second-row seats. Versatile seating configurations are available, depending on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage, with the use of flexible seating features and the third-row, 50/50 split seat. The third row seats can also be reclined. A special seat cloth with a cleanable feature - both fluids and oily stains can easily be removed - is adopted for the Highway STAR G.

Dual Power Sliding Doors

Spacious dual power sliding doors, with an opening width of 686 millimeters, offers more convenience when getting in and out of the Highway STAR in small parking spaces or for those accompanied by small children or infants. The power sliding doors can be easily operated with the Intelligent Key, or the switch on the instrument panel (standard on Highway STAR G, factory-installed option for other grades). A touch sensitive, auto-retract function has been adopted for the power sliding doors to help prevent anything from getting caught in the door.

Driving and Environmental Performance

Engine

An advanced 2.0-liter direct injection engine is offered with 2WD grades, combining strong driving performance with high fuel efficiency while delivering high torque. Fuel economy is rated as best-in-class. For 4WD grades a 2.0L engine is adopted, which provides agile and smooth driving.

An electronic five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is adopted for 2WD grades, while four-wheel drive (4WD) grades feature an electronic four-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension

The Lafesta Highway STAR utilizes a four-wheel independent multilink rear suspension, providing sporty drivability and secure straight-line stability at higher speeds. High body rigidity also assists with stability and comfort for passengers.

Idling Stop System

Standard on Highway STAR G (2WD) and Highway STAR (2WD) grades is the idling stop system. The idling stop system automatically stops the engine when the car is stationary, such as when waiting at a traffic light, for improved fuel efficiency. When the car is not moving when driving on a gentle slope while the idling stop system is in operation, the Idling Stop Start Assist function prevents the car from moving backward, even if the driver takes his or her foot off the brake.
While Idling Stop is engaged, the air conditioner works only as a ventilator. If it detects an increase in cabin temperature, the engine restarts and the air conditioner comes on again to ensure a comfortable cabin space.

Other Key Safety and Environmental Technologies

• Automatic headlight system (Standard on Highway STAR G, factory-installed option on other grades)
• Halogen headlights (projector type with low beam/manual-control)
• Xenon headlights (projector type with low beam/auto-control) (Factory-installed option)
• Halogen foglight-equipped front bumper (Standard on Highway STAR G)
• LED High-Mount Stop Lamp
• VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) with Traction Control system (TCS) functionality included (Standard on Highway STAR 2WD and Highway STAR G 2WD)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), Brake Assist
• Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat SRS side airbag system (Factory-installed option on Highway STAR and Highway STAR G)
• SRS airbag system for driver and front passenger seats
• Body construction for pedestrian protection
• Every grade achieves SU-LEV certification, emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards
• ECO Indicator installed on the instrument panel, which feeds the driver information for improved fuel-efficient driving, judged by how much the accelerator is pressed and the vehicle speed

The new Lafesta Highway STAR is supplied to Nissan by Mazda Motor Corporation on an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) basis. Lafesta JOY X, which has been popular for its complete range of equipment and affordable pricing, will continue to be available and produced at Nissan's Kyushu Plant. With the Lafesta Highway STAR and Lafesta JOY, Nissan strives to provide attractive minivans to meet a wide range of our customers' needs.

Sales Target 1,200 units/month
Price Range 1,991,850 yen to 2,483,250 yen, including consumption tax
Sales launch events Sat., June 18 - Sun., June 19 and Sat., June 25 - Sun., June 26, 2011

1. *1: 2.0L gasoline engine class minivan for seven passengers (As of Mar. 2011, Nissan internal figures)
2. *2: Fuel economy of Highway STAR (2WD)
3. *3: By achieving both SU-LEV certification by emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards and 25% improvement in fuel economy over 2010 standards, the automobile acquisition tax for new vehicles that are registered by March 31, 2012, will receive a 75% reduction. Automobile weight tax for new vehicles registered by April 30, 2012, will receive a 75% reduction.

By achieving both SU-LEV certification by emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards and 20% or 15% improvement in fuel economy over 2010 standards, the automobile acquisition tax for new vehicles that are registered by March 31, 2012, will receive a 50% reduction. The automobile weight tax for new vehicles that are registered by April 30, 2012, will receive a 50% reduction.
4. *4: Highway STAR G (2WD) and Highway STAR (2WD)

Images : 2011 Nissan Lafesta - Highway Star

[Source : NISSAN]

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100% Electric Nissan Leaf to challenge Pikes Peak Hill Climb

Nissan LEAF - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

FRANKLIN, Tenn. : June 1, 2011 - On June 26, a 100 percent electric Nissan LEAF will compete in the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with veteran Nissan off-road truck racing champion Chad Hord behind the wheel. The Nissan LEAF will compete in the Production Class for electric vehicles and, other than the removal of some interior parts like seats and carpets to make room for safety equipment, such as a roll cage, racing seats and safety harnesses, the LEAF will be very close to the way it left the factory.


Like every production Nissan LEAF, the Pikes Peak LEAF will be powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. However, unlike most of the other vehicles competing at Pikes Peak, the LEAF will have no tailpipe, no emission of greenhouse gases and will make the climb in near silence.

“This is another innovative way to showcase the fun-to-drive nature of the Nissan LEAF and highlight that 100 percent electric vehicles perform very well in demanding situations like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Ron Stukenberg, senior manager, Marketing Communications, Motorsports. “The instant torque available from the electric motor makes the LEAF a fun car to drive and the abundance of corners on the hill climb will give Chad a chance to take advantage of that torque.”

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb will be the motorsports competition debut for the Nissan LEAF, but Nissan recently showcased the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC at the New York Auto Show. The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and driver-adjustable rear wing. The powertrain is straight from a production LEAF and repackaged to provide a mid-ship placement for the motor, inverter and battery pack as well as rear wheel drive.

The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will likely make a series demonstration runs later this summer at various motorsports venues around the world.

“Nissan is committed to taking an innovative approach to showcasing the Nissan LEAF and Pikes Peak is an excellent venue to do just that,” added Stukenberg. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero-emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world, and we’re proud to be one of the first on the grid.”

[Source : NISSAN]

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Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors sign contract for establishment of joint venture for minicar business

YOKOHAMA/TOKYO : May 20, 2011 - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced that the two companies signed a contract for the establishment of a joint venture related to their minicar business in the Japanese market. The establishment of the joint venture was part of an agreement signed in December 2010 to expand the scope of cooperation between the two companies. The two companies will strengthen their competitiveness in the minicar business through this joint venture.


[Outline of New Joint Venture]

• Date contract agreement : May 19, 2011
• Date of establishment : June 1, 2011 (Planned date)
• Capital : 10 million yen

Capital structure:

• Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. : 50%
• Mitsubishi Motors Corporation : 50%
• Business description : Product planning and engineering of minicars for the Japanese market

Main board members:

• CEO (Chief Executive Officer): Junichi Endo
• COO (Chief Operating Officer): Shinichi Kurihara

[Source : NISSAN, MITSUBISHI]

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2011 Nissan GT-R

Nissan Motor Co. has launched a sports car Nissan GT-R 2011 on sale in Japan mid November. Nissan improvements in the machinery sector. Now, a more powerful engine, more torque and EFIS. Handling is also improved to comply with a more powerful engine performance.

Outer side knows the changes that impact on improving the aerodynamics. Interior alloy wheels and tires are also strengthened. Nissan makes this great change in the context of efforts to improve technology, design and performance GT-R began in December 2007.

Nissan has made ​​a series of changes such as boost is increased, adjust the valve timing of new and re-calibrating the ECU to encourage maximum energy of 523hp and 451 pounds-feet of torque, a significant increase from the previous 485hp and 424 pounds-feet machines has also received glowing red cover, which contrasted with the previous machine. Plus a reinforcing strut that connects the two upper front suspension.

Re-formulated suspension system and now the end is 20inch alloy wheel disc brakes are difficult to hide a new, more durable and resistant to wear. This year, Nissan adds a new option for the circuit with a special variant edition of the Track Club and a very exclusive version that can dikustom EGOIST accordance with the demands of each individual customer.

With the addition of a variant of that, now the GT-R offers six versions of the Pure Edition, Black Edition, Premium Edition, Spec V, athletic club and selfish. This helps consumers choose the desired level of performance and style dynamic demand. GT-R 2011 will be released in North America, Europe and other regions after February 2011. Nissan plans to provide EGOIST in Europe and the Middle East.

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