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FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Jan. 27, 2009) – Nissan is realigning some of its North American operations to ensure long-term competitiveness in the U.S. market. The actions include a restructuring of the Nissan North America (NNA) sales and marketing operations and the integration of Nissan Design America (NDA).

NNA is restructuring its sales and marketing field operations to be better positioned to serve dealers and consumers. Specific actions include transitioning from a field structure based on 11 regional sales offices to a new structure with seven regional sales offices and 23 satellite offices in 18 locations across the United States. This shift involves the closure of four regional sales offices: Nissan Mid-Atlantic in Herndon, Va.; Nissan Northwest in Pleasanton, Calif.; Infiniti Central in Aurora, Ill.; and Infiniti South in Atlanta.

Additional enhancements to the sales and marketing organization include expanded personnel assigned to support each dealer and the creation of a dedicated electric vehicle project team.

NDA is integrating its operations into its San Diego studio beginning April 1. This action is being taken to strengthen NDA’s role in Nissan’s global design organization by increasing the level of participation in the exploratory and advanced phases of North American and global design projects. This integration will result in the redeployment of the design facility in Farmington Hills, Mich., for use by other functions of the company. This does not impact the research and development operations at Nissan Technical Center North America, which has facilities in Farmington Hills and in Stanfield, Ariz.

Taken together, these actions will eliminate approximately 110 positions. Nissan intends to achieve the majority of these reductions through a voluntary transition plan.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.NissanUSA.com and http://www.InfinitiUSA.com

Contact Info: beaner

UPDATED NISSAN GT-R FOR EUROPE

* Engine power increase – up to 485PS (+5PS)
* Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres confirmed as standard fit
* 'Storm White' (Pearl) replaces original pearl white exterior colour
* Gun Metal RAYS Alloy wheels now fitted to GT-R and Premium editions
* Black RAYS alloy wheels for Black Edition
* Price now increased for all new orders (from 8 December 2008)

As production of the European specification Nissan GT-R begins in its Tochigi plant in Japan this month, a raft of small but significant changes have been made to the car as part of its kaizen – continuous improvement – philosophy.

The GT-R's hand-built 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine has gained 5PS thanks to some fine tuning of its electronics, taking power output to 485PS, while torque remains unchanged at 588Nm. Additionally, Dunlop SP Sport 600 DSST tyres will be fitted as standard. The tyre was developed specifically for the GT-R and it combines grip and durability, as demonstrated during its 'time-attack' lap of the Nurburgring, which yielded a time of 7 minutes 29 seconds. And, just to improve the ride performance even further a modification has been carried out to the suspension spring rate settings.

Another update sees the introduction of the Gun Metal grey coloured Rays seven-spoke alloy wheel design for the standard and Premium Edition GT-Rs, while the Black Edition will be fitted with the same design but, appropriately, in black. Additionally, customers can now choose a new pearl white called 'Storm' as an exterior colour – an eye-catching, deep white replacing the original pearl white which had a slightly darker shade.

For customers ordering now, the price of the GT-R will start from £56,795 on the road with an increase of £1300 for the Premium Edition (£58,095) and another £1300 for the Black Edition (£59,395). This represents an increase of 3.8 percent.

Deliveries of the GT-R will begin in April through a network of Nissan High Performance Centres, where customers will have contact with highly-trained staff who share their enthusiasm for the GT-R's unique blend of accessible performance, striking design and state-of-the-art technology.

To date, Nissan has taken in excess of 2500 customer orders in Europe with 1200 coming from the UK. Any new customer orders should expect delivery in mid 2010.

Contact Info: Matt

Revised Marketing Tagline “SHIFT_the way you move” Also Revealed

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) gets an early start on the new year with the announcement of pricing of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe and a revised marketing tagline. The new Zâ goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* starting at $29,930 for the 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and $31,230 with the new 7-speed automatic transmission. The new Zâ is also offered in a 370Z Coupe Touring model, which is priced at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual and $35,760 with the 7-speed automatic transmission.

Two option packages are offered: the Sport Package, priced at just $3,000, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoiler, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, priced at $1,850, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Interface System for iPodÒ.

As the most powerful Zâ ever produced, the new 370Z hits dead center in the sports car “sweet spot” of performance, design and value – with less weight, more power and enhanced handling, quality and style. With a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, choice of two advanced transmissions and a full array of driver-oriented interior features, the new 370Z is designed to be one of the top performance values in the world.

Also today Nissan announced the rollout of a revised marketing tagline: SHIFT_the way you move. Previously, SHIFT_ was used with multiple complement words, which varied by product or media application. The move to one set phrase “the way you move” reflects alignment of the direction Nissan is taking to meet changing consumer needs and wants.

“SHIFT_ has always been the core of Nissan’s DNA. It is rethinking the ordinary, changing your point of view, and being original, forward thinking and challenging,” said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. “Our commitment to the philosophy of SHIFT_ has become even more critical as we look to the future and the pressures of economic and environmental change that are affecting consumer behavior in how they interact with and impact the world.”

All Nissan national marketing materials will include the new SHIFT_the way you move tagline beginning in January.

About the 2009 Nissan 370Z

The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Zâ since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style and value. Nearly every piece and component of the 370Z has been rethought or redesigned (compared to the previous 350Z) – a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, larger engine with 26 more horsepower, a new 7-speed automatic transmission, an available world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching 6-speed manual transmission, a new high quality interior design and new available technology features.

The 370Z’s new aerodynamic body is more compact and offers a more aggressive stance. Attention to details such as the new “boomerang” headlights and taillights increases its dynamic presence, elevating the overall styling to much higher quality and emotional levels. The dramatic new interior utilizes a driver-centric three-layer design which groups items by how a driver sees information, operates the controls and is held in place – so drivers feel completely connected and engaged whenever and wherever they drive.

Performance has been enhanced with a more rigid body structure, better power-to-weight ratio and a new 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). Crisp handling is provided by a refined 4-wheel independent suspension, while steering and braking systems, including available Nissan Sport Brakes, have also been upgraded. Available technology features include Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTrafficâ with Real-Time Traffic Information (XMâ subscription required, sold separately) and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and a Bluetoothâ Hands-free Phone System.

The new Zâ is offered in two models: 370Z and 370Z Touring. In addition to the 370Z’s long list of standard equipment, the 370Z Touring adds heated leather-appointed power seats, HomeLinkÒ Universal Transceiver, BluetoothÒ Hands-free Phone System, 8-speaker BoseÒ audio system, XMÒ Satellite Radio (XMÒ subscription, sold separately) cargo cover and aluminum pedals to the long list of standard ZÒ features and equipment. Also available is a premium paint color, Chicane Yellow.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com.

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* MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

Contact Info: Matt

January 2009