July 2008

Nissan’s “Denki Cube” Electric Vehicle Concept Brings Distinctive Spirit Into Play in New York Auto Show Debut Saturday, July 19, 2008

Posted by: Matt

03.19.2008 , Nashville, Tenn. Nissan’s “Denki Cube” Electric Vehicle Concept Brings Distinctive Spirit Into Play in New York Auto Show Debut New York City is about to get a lesson in what happens when geography meets geometry – specifically, when the world, which is round, meets the Nissan Cube, which is essentially square. The occasion is the world debut of the Nissan Denki (Japanese for “electric”) Cube Concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube electric vehicle concept, which will be on public display at the Nissan exhibit at Jacob Javits Convention Center from March 21 through March 30, was created to draw attention to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s (NML) global environmental efforts. It also serves as a preview of Nissan’s future small car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009. “The Denki Cube Concept is a fun way to expose American buyers to one of Nissan’s most popular home market cars at a time when fuel economy and packaging efficiency are on a lot of people’s minds,” said Al Castignetti, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “Like the production Cube on which it is based, the Denki Cube Concept is boxy yet charming, fashionable and functional, and completely tuned in to today’s needs for enjoyable efficiency.” About the Denki Cube Concept In creating the Denki Cube Concept, the designers started with a well-defined canvas, the current-generation Nissan Cube. The iconic Cube has always been the antithesis of traditional automotive style – square, minimalist, asymmetrical and humble – yet also warm, relaxing, practical and undeniably charming. To this solid foundation, the Denki Cube adds a new EV powertrain and unique exterior and interior treatments. The Denki Cube Concept’s exterior features fresh front and rear styling treatments, including a new “electric themed” front grille design with an AC power charging port, a radical “lightning” headlight design and new bumpers and turn signal lamps. In the rear, the signature Cube asymmetrical rear quarter area (with wraparound glass on one side) has been enhanced by a new bumper with hidden taillights. The roof sheet metal has been replaced with a full fixed glass panel that enhances the interior’s sense of wide-open space. The Denki Cube Concept exterior also features new door mirrors and unique 16-inch wheel covers. The finishing touch is provided by a special white pearl paint and graphics. Inside, the Denki Cube Concept reflects the designers’ intention of creating a relaxing, moving social hub, like a favorite room in an owner’s house. Though the production Cube offers three rows of seating, the Denki Cube Concept offers only two rows and the wheelbase has been stretched 9.4 inches in order to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery cells. The newly designed front and second row seats are joined by a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new door panel and cargo area trim. The biggest transformation from production Cube to Denki Cube Concept is one that isn’t visible – the replacement of the standard 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries. Nissan’s compact lithium-ion battery technology, one of the company’s traditional strengths, provides batteries with twice as much energy compared with a conventional cylindrical battery of the same type and safer operation due to the use of chemically stable spine-structured manganese for the electrode material. In order to better leverage Nissan’s lithium-ion battery capabilities, a new company, Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), was jointly established with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp. – with the goal of dramatically enhancing future battery performance and reducing battery costs. “Nissan first had an electric vehicle in the road in 1947 and has been field-testing lithium-ion batteries for more than ten years,” said Castignetti. “Our ongoing goal is to dramatically enhance future battery performance while reducing battery costs.” About Nissan Green Program 2010 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s (NML) mid-term environmental action plan, Nissan Green Program 2010 (NGP 2010), is designed to fulfill Nissan’s environmental philosophy of “symbiosis of people, vehicles and nature” and contribute to a sustainable mobile society. NGP 2010 is specifically focused on reducing CO2 emissions both from Nissan products as well as from day-to-day corporate activities. Nissan is focused on three core areas related to the environment: reducing CO2 emissions; reducing exhaust emissions; and accelerating recycling efforts. Highlights of Nissan Green Program 2010 include: Incorporating CO2 reduction as one of the key management performance indicators. Launch a “three-liter car” with a target of 2010; a gasoline-fueled car that runs 100 kilometers on three liters of fuel. Expand availability of Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) within the next three years. Launch a Nissan electric vehicle early in the next decade. Develop an original Nissan hybrid vehicle targeted for launch in FY2010. Accelerate development of plug-in hybrid technology. By 2010, reduce CO2 emissions from global manufacturing plants by 7% (per unit) compared to 2005. “The Nissan Green Program 2010 provides a transparent view of Nissan’s future commitments to all aspects of environmental management,” said Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer, NML. “Nissan Green Program 2010 has been designed to address immediate challenges as well as creating the foundation towards a long-term sustainable business model.”

Contact Info: Matt

Nissan Announces 2009 Maxima Pricing Saturday, July 19, 2008

Posted by: Matt

06.24.2008 , Nashville, Tenn. Nissan Announces 2009 Maxima Pricing The "base" 2009 Maxima 3.5 S offers more standard equipment than its predecessor, coming in at $400 less than a comparably equipped 2008 3.5 SE. Despite the increase in standard equipment, horsepower, design, and fuel economy, the 2009 Maxima 3.5 S still comes in at under $30,000 including destination & handling charges. Nissan North America, Inc. announced pricing on the all-new, flagship 2009 Nissan Maxima, which on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The seventh generation Maxima returns to its heritage as “The 4-Door Sports Car,” combining thrilling performance with premium sedan comfort, quality and amenities. It features all-new sports styling, a driver-oriented interior and an enhanced 290-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine – offering 35 more horsepower than the previous generation Maxima and better fuel economy (EPA estimated 19 mpg City/26 mpg Highway versus 19/25 mpg for the 2008 Maxima). The 2009 Maxima is offered in two well-equipped models, Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, each equipped with standard 3.5-liter V6 and intelligent Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission). Prices start at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $29,290 for the Maxima 3.5 S and $31,990 for the Maxima 3.5 SV. “The 2009 Maxima 3.5 S features an increase in standard equipment, horsepower and style, combined with better fuel economy, yet remains very competitively priced with nearly $400 more value than the 2008 Maxima 3.5 SE,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “As the flagship of Nissan’s exciting 2009 lineup, this new Maxima sets the standard in every category, including value.” The 2009 Maxima is also available with several new option packages, including the Sport Package (3.5 SV), with sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, premium leather-appointed seats, paddle shifters and more; and the Premium Package (3.5 SV), with dual panel moonroof, 7-inch color monitor with RearView Monitor, Eucalyptus wood-tone trim and more. About the 2009 Nissan Maxima Designed as a commanding four-door sports car, Maxima is unique in both appearance and driving feel. High targets were established for the development of the new Maxima, including the goal of creating “the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive car in the world,” along with the goals of class-leading acceleration, braking, handling, craftsmanship and cockpit design. The breakthrough exterior design of the new Maxima imparts a feeling of “liquid motion,” which combines an aggressive stance and powerful fender design – not unlike many exotic sports cars on the market today. Maxima’s new stance comes, in part, from a slight reduction in wheelbase and overall length, along with a wider front and rear track. The new Maxima’s interior design team developed an interior concept of “Super Cockpit” – imparting the feeling of sports car with controls ergonomically close, yet with ample roominess and comfort for both driver and passengers. The interior includes a special driver’s sport seat, available leather-appointed seating, offset shifter lever that is closer to the driver, “Daylight Illumination” gauges and a wide range of available technology, including a Bose® audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic® real-time traffic information (active XM® subscription required, sold separately), Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive. The 2009 Maxima comes equipped with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ-series V6 engine, rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. The new Maxima’s standard intelligent Xtronic CVT™ is tuned specifically for the car’s sporty driving character. It includes a manual mode, new “Ds mode” (drive sport) and available paddle shifters. 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.

Contact Info: Matt

First U.S.-Spec Nissan GT-R Supercar Delivered To California Customer at 12:01 A.M. Saturday, July 19, 2008

Posted by: Matt

– 70% of Available GT-Rs Already Spoken For on First Day of Sales – Nissan North America, Inc. saved a few fireworks for the morning after the Independence Day holiday, delivering the first Nissan GT-R supercar in the United States at 12:01 a.m. PDT today to a Southern California customer. The exotic, all-new 2009 Nissan GT-R, long coveted by American buyers who previously could experience the legendary GT-R only through electronic video games, officially goes on sale today at a select number of GT-R Certified Nissan dealers across the country. Daryl Alison of Costa Mesa, Calif., one of the first customers to order a new GT-R through a pre-sale program launched last January, couldn’t wait for normal business hours to take possession of his new Black Obsidian GT-R Premium model. Through special arrangement with Universal City Nissan, Los Angeles, Alison was handed the keys by dealer representative Mike Sage moments after midnight. “I’ve followed the history of the GT-R since inception and, after years of anticipation, it’s great to see the ‘Godzilla of supercars’ finally coming to the U.S.,” said Alison. “I’ve owned a number of Nissan 350Z sports cars and other exotics and muscle cars, but more than any other vehicle I can’t wait to get this new GT-R out on the road. Now it’s America’s time to get in and play.” More than 1,700 of the exotic 480-horsepower Nissan GT-R supercars, or approximately 70 percent of the first year allocation for the United States market, have already been spoken for, with deliveries of those initial orders expected to continue throughout the coming months. “It’s a very exciting time for Nissan and auto enthusiasts who have waited a long time for the GT-R to become available in the U.S.,” said Sage. “Demand for the GT-R has been overwhelming, with more people wanting them than cars available. We’re pleased to deliver the very first GT-R to an enthusiast who will really appreciate its extraordinary performance abilities.” Joining the midnight delivery ceremony was Steve Millen, long-time Nissan race driver and the winningest driver in IMSA GT race series history. Millen recently participated in high-performance racetrack test sessions in the Nissan GT-R for a leading automotive enthusiast magazine and has assisted with GT-R dealer orientation and training programs. The GT-R is available only through officially certified Nissan dealers that have met a number of strict sales, service and facilities commitments, including dedicating a master technician to GT-R service. A searchable listing of the GT-R Certified Nissan dealers is available to consumers on nissanusa.com. The 2009 Nissan GT-R has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $69,850 for the GT-R and $71,900 for the GT-R Premium model. The 2009 Nissan GT-R features a 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 producing 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, backed by an all-new, paddle-shifted, dual clutch sequential 6-speed rear transaxle. It features the use of a world’s first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, optimizing weight distribution and maximizing handling capability. The Nissan GT-R’s hybrid body construction combines steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum and has a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, while achieving high front and rear downforce. GT-R’s four-passenger cabin features a sloping “aero blade canopy” roofline and curved C-pillar “sword edge,” as well as GT-R’s hallmark four-ring taillights, functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips. Inside, GT-R’s interior includes sculpted performance bucket seats for an optimal driving position, a cockpit-style instrument panel with a large center-mounted tachometer and a multi-function display – which includes mechanical and driving information, as well as an on-board driving recorder. A 2009 Nissan GT-R recently set a lap time of 7 minutes 29 seconds at the famed Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the fastest times achieved by a production-spec vehicle to date, and has been timed in independent magazine tests at 0 – 60 miles per hour in under 3.5 seconds. 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.

Contact Info: Matt