Noting its exceptional fuel economy and affordable starting price, AAA (formerly the American Automobile Association) recently recognized the Nissan Versa Sedan as “Best Green Car Value” in its 2015 Green Car Guide.
Now in its fifth year, the Green Car Guide closely examined more than 80 new vehicles in 13 different categories including: braking, fuel economy, emissions, handling, ride comfort and others. Each vehicle was awarded up to 10 points in each category. The total score was then divided by its “as-tested” price to determine cost per point. Standing out as the best value in the test, the Nissan Versa Sedan took the top honor with a better cost-per-point score than any other vehicle in the field. Its hatchback stablemate, the Nissan Versa Note, finished a close second.
“The center (Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center) has a long-term interest in helping motorists cut their fuel bills and clean the air,” said Automotive Research Center Manager Megan McKernan. “Green vehicles offer motorists a way to reduce emissions and save fuel and, depending on the choice of green vehicle, can help motorists save cash, especially when gas prices are high.”
Since its debut 10 years ago, the Nissan Versa continues to excel in the sub-compact segment by offering customers an extremely fuel-efficient vehicle at a low starting price. Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder, and when equipped with an Xtronic transmission, highway fuel efficiency is rated at 40 mpg. This configuration receives a 31 mpg rating in the city and 35 mpg combined rating by the EPA.
“With a starting price of $11,990, the Nissan Versa Sedan is one of best values on the market today and even more economical with up to 40 highway miles per gallon*,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. ”It’s an honor to be recognized by the AAA as ‘Best Green Car Values’ for Versa Sedan and Versa Note.”
The 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan is offered in four trim levels - S, S Plus, SV and SL – and three transmission options including a 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual and Xtronic transmissions. The companion vehicle to the popular Versa sedan, Versa Note celebrates the unique qualities of its 5-door hatchback design. It shares its advanced platform and drivetrain with the Versa sedan, yet Versa Note has its own distinctive look and feel inside and out.
Nissan was named most fuel-efficient full-line automaker by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2014. With an average fuel economy of 26.2 mpg among its 2013 lineup, Nissan soared to the top, besting the runner-up by more than one mpg.
The fuel-sipping Versa – along with other efficient vehicles in the Nissan lineup – helped secure that accolade, which Nissan hopes to be in contention for again this year.
The comprehensive 160-page 2015 Green Car Guide can be downloaded via the AAA Magazine app in the Apple App Store or on the AAA web site and will also be available to members at AAA branches. Visitwww.AAA.com/greencar for more information.
The sixth chapter of Nissan's "TITAN TRUCKUMENTARY" delves into the relationship between Nissan and Cummins, Inc., the storied engine manufacturer that has played a pivotal role in bringing the 2016 TITAN XD to life.
Cummins – based in Columbus, Indiana a few hours up I-65 from Nissan's Tennessee-based North American Headquarters – has collaborated closely with Nissan on the next-generation TITAN XD, developing this engine specifically with Nissan's next-generation pickup in mind. Watch (and listen to the exhaust note) as many of the key players at both Cummins and Nissan chronicle the process by which the 5.0-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel V8 was mated to the TITAN XD.
Nearly a year after it was officially unveiled, good news continues to roll in for the all-new 2015 Nissan Murano. WardsAuto World named the Murano to its annual "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list for 2015. The Murano will be honored at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference on Wednesday, May 13, at the Cobo Center in Detroit.
To select "Ward's 10 Best Interiors," editors spent two months evaluating 42 vehicles during their routine commutes in and around metro Detroit. Editors then submitted score sheets ranking the entries on features such as ergonomics, driver information, fit-and-finish, materials, value, safety, comfort and design harmony.
"First time I saw the new Murano interior, I was blown away by the pearlescent film that's used to lovely effect on the doors, instrument panel, center console and armrest," said Tom Murphy, executive editor,WardsAuto World. "The rest of the interior is brilliantly executed as well, from the smooth, flowing lines of the instrument panel to the ample cargo hold. Beige interiors often are perceived as boring, but this one is stylish and contemporary while achieving a serenity uncommon among midsize CUVs."
The all-new third-generation Murano features modern styling, premium interior and advanced, purposeful technology. The breakthrough exterior design projects a sense of refined intensity, creating an immediate "wow" response, while delivering a low 0.31 drag coefficient. The breakthrough exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined instrument panel, low center console, advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.
"The 2015 Murano has been a great success for Nissan on many levels," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. "We are truly honored to receive this recognition from WardsAuto."
Premium features and driver assistance technologies abound in the 2015 Murano, including available NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps, 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, rear USB port with smartphone interface, Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, 11-speaker Bose® premium audio system, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Driver Attention Alert (DAA)* and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Every 2015 Murano comes with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Fuel economy has increased 20 percent (over the previous generation) for combined mpg and is rated at 21/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models.
The 2015 Murano is offered in four trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum – and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* for the Murano S FWD is $29,560 USD, while the top-of-the-line Murano Platinum AWD is priced at $40,600 USD (full pricing is available at NissanNews.com).
For two weeks beginning April 27, the Murano and other winners will be profiled on WardsAuto.com. To view the complete "Ward's 10 Best Interiors" list, please visit http://wardsauto.com/2015-wards-10-best-interiors
Nissan is highlighting the fact that its new Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system is available on two of its most attention-getting vehicles – the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover and the upcoming 2016 Nissan Maxima sedan.
The issue of drowsy and inattentive driving has been the subject of recent studies by the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) and AAA* (formerly the American Automobile Association). Results of a November 2014 AAA survey, for example, suggest that drowsy drivers are involved in approximately 300,000 crashes each year – 6,400 of them fatal.
Nissan's Driver Attention Alert system, which is standard in the 2015 Murano SL and Platinum grades and the 2016 Maxima Platinum, is intended to address potential driver fatigue and inattention. The system adapts to each individual driver, monitoring steering input patterns (using steering angle sensors) during a period of driving to establish a baseline. It continuously compares subsequent driving patterns to a baseline using a statistical analysis of steering correction errors.
If it detects driving behavior consistent with a drowsy driver, the system uses an audible chime sound and displays an amber coffee cup with a message reading, "Take a break?" in the vehicle's information display.
The DAA includes logic to help address false detection, road curvatures, lane changes, braking and even poor road conditions. The system automatically resets when the engine is turned off. It can also be turned off by the driver if desired. It is the driver's responsibility to remain alert at all times. DAA is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation.
The totally redesigned 2016 Nissan Maxima is on public display this week at the New York International Auto Show at New York's Jacob Javits Center. It is scheduled to go on sale this summer. The new 2015 Nissan Murano is available now at Nissan dealers nationwide.
Along with the Maxima and Murano's suites of available safety and driving aids, both stand out from other vehicles in their respective segments due to their futuristic styling – featuring new Nissan signature design language including V-Motion front end, boomerang lighting and unique floating roof appearance.
Full information and photos of the 2016 Nissan Maxima and 2015 Murano are available atwww.NissanNews.com.
Nissan unveiled the all-new Nissan Maxima during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show. Making the presentation was Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn, who addressed a range of topics including Nissan's $10.1 billion investment in the U.S. in the past three decades.
The dramatically styled 2016 Maxima, created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts, looks like nothing else on the road today – and drives like nothing in the segment. It not only resets Maxima's iconic "4-Door Sports Car" positioning, it sets a new standard for style, performance and technology in the large sedan segment.
Maxima's styling showcases Nissan's new design language –including V-Motion front end, signature boomerang lights, kick-up C-pillars and unique floating roof appearance. Inside, Maxima's premium class-above, bespoke interior is anchored by a driver's cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles.
The new Maxima's 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 percent new parts (compared to the previous generation 3.5-liter V6). With 300 horsepower, Maxima has a high specific output of 85.7 horsepower/liter. The revised engine helps Maxima achieve an anticipated 15 percent increase in highway fuel economy to an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon**.
Complementing the revised powerplant is a new, performance-oriented Xtronic transmission featuring a wider ratio range, which allows for stronger acceleration from a standing start and an all-new D-Step shifting logic that provides rapid shifts at high throttle openings.
Maxima's next-generation technology features include a standard NissanConnectSM with navigation, featuring an 8.0-inch touch-screen display, along with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link™ applications (Sirius XM subscription required, sold separately), Online Search with Google® and other connectivity features. The NissanConnect system is paired with a standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD) within the instrument cluster.
The new Maxima also offers an extensive range of safety, security and driving aids, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW). These features are available on Maxima SL, SR and Platinum grades. Maxima also offers an available Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system***, which monitors steering input patterns to establish a baseline and helps alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected (Maxima Platinum only).
The all-new Maxima, now offered in five grade levels including new SL, SR and Platinum grades, goes on sale in early summer 2015 with a $32,410 starting MSRP* – including standard NissanConnect with navigation, 8.0-inch touch-screen display, Remote Engine Start, RearView Monitor and more.
Public days for the 2015 New York International Auto Show, which is held at New York City's Jacob Javits Center, are April 3 – 12, 2015.
For photography and additional information about the 2016 Nissan Maxima, along with the complete lineup of 2015 Nissan vehicles, please visit www.NissanNews.com.
Contrasting the clinical procedures and mild climates seen in Chapter 4 of Nissan "TITAN Truckumentary," the latest episode of this behind-the-scenes truck development series tracks engineers performing cold weather testing on the next-generation TITAN.
Filming took place in late 2014 and early 2015 in and around Durango, Colorado; Fairbanks, Alaska; and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
These tests covered a variety of cold weather concerns and complement the durability procedures seen in the previous "TITAN Truckumentary" episode. Engineer Craig Pike notes the significance of the tests in illuminating the "kinds of things . . . we could never simulate on the track in Arizona."
The importance of real-world engineering tests is encapsulated in a quote from TITAN senior product planning manager Carl Phillips: "There is a lot that our engineers can do behind the computer screen and in the laboratory or in the proving grounds. But you can never replicate what goes on in the real world."
The video and accompanying photos can be accessed via Nissan's online newsroom atNissanNews.com/TITAN. The video can also be viewed on Nissan's YouTube channel.
Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com has named the 2015 Nissan Rogue one of the "10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $25,000." KBB.com editors selected the Rogue due to its available third row seat and "attractive feature set," including the "very helpful" Around View Monitor, heated seats and NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps.
"In what has been a brutal 2014 to 2015 winter for many across the country, the importance of having a reliable all-wheel drive vehicle is as high as ever," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. "Featuring Advanced Ride Control, Active Trace Control* and Active Engine Braking among many other features, with a premium look and feel, Rogue is a solid entry in the marketplace. We are ecstatic that the Rogue has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book."
Nissan Rogue's robust exterior styling is designed to stand out in its class. The bold, sharp lines offer a sporty and confident appearance. Exterior highlights include signature LED daytime running lights, muscular front fenders and hood, body-color outside mirrors with standard integrated turn signals and rear spoiler. Also available are LED headlights, fog lights, privacy glass, roof rails, heated outside mirrors, power panoramic moonroof and a power rear liftgate.
The premium look and feel continues inside, with the interior designed to make everyday activities a little easier. Rogue's ample interior roominess offers available seven-passenger seating with the optional stadium-style, flat-fold third-row 50/50-split bench seat. The reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat offers second row legroom of 37.9 inches and 9.0 inches of fore/aft adjustability with the EZ Flex® Seating System.
Rogue also offers the advanced Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System providing 18 adjustable variations between the cargo and occupant areas (two-row models). With the second-row seat folded down, the innovative, class-exclusive** Divide-N-Hide® Cargo System creates a flat cargo area. When more space is needed for carrying taller or bulkier items, lowering the floorboard creates a deeper cargo well.
Fuel economy is 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg city, with a combined EPA rating of 28 mpg (front-wheel drive models).
The 2015 Rogue also features a suite of confidence-inspiring dynamic technologies – with Active Trace Control, Active Engine Braking and Active Ride Control. A four-wheel independent suspension, Electric Power-assisted Steering and four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today awarded the 2015 Nissan Sentra a “Top Safety Pick” vehicle safety rating. The Institute’s “Top Safety Pick” award recognizes passenger vehicles that excel in protecting passengers in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and also achieve a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the small overlap frontal test. The 2015 Sentra scored “Good” in all five of the “Top Safety Pick” categories.
“Nissan is committed to safety and innovation, and Nissan is proud to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating for the 2015 Sentra,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America. “As a compact sedan, Sentra is a critically important vehicle in Nissan’s lineup and with its standard safety features we're bringing a high level of safety and security to a growing consumer segment.”
Safety and security features standard on all 2015 Sentras include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; three-point front and rear seatbelts, front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Every Sentra comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS); Zone Body construction featuring front and rear crumple zones and occupant zones; Energy absorbing steering column; Child safety rear door locks; Nissan Immobilizer system and anti-theft alarm system; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with position monitoring and Bluetooth Hands-free phone System. Sentra SV, SR and SL also come standard with Nissan's innovative and class-exclusive Easy Fill Tire Alert, which sounds the car horn to notify a person filling a tire with air when the recommended tire pressure has been reached.
Visit the IIHS website to read the complete report.
For a second straight year, the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the “Best Family Cars” according to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. KBB.com editors recently selected the 2015 Pathfinder to the list due to its roominess, ease of access, refinement and handling, among other features.
Kelley Blue Book’s annual Best Family Cars list was created to outline how well America’s top family vehicles withstand their daily routines. This year, KBB.com editors rigorously tested 23 of the “latest and greatest vehicles” to determine the 15 Best Family Cars. The 2015 Pathfinder was one of only two midsize SUVs to make the list.
“Completely redesigned just two years ago, 2015 Pathfinder retains its core values of fun, utility and fresh style while also adding a number of exciting enhancements beneficial for the whole family,” said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. “With plenty of cargo space and interior room, and a smooth ride with solid handling, the 2015 Pathfinder is a classic ‘family-first’ vehicle, and we’re elated to once again be included among Kelley Blue Book’s Best Family Cars.”
Along with a number of enhancements for 2015 – including available Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as a Family Entertainment Package – what remains unchanged is Pathfinder’s core values of fun, utility and fresh style – along with the most standard towing capability in class* (5,000 lbs.), best-in-class passenger volume* and best-in-class mpg** of 27 mpg highway for 2WD models. Pathfinder is also the only vehicle in class* with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. Pathfinder comes equipped with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with unique 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels offered with the Platinum model.
Inside, Pathfinder’s attractive interior design includes comfortable seating for seven, along with an innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, an industry first 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat still installed. A range of available features is also offered, including Nissan Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, leather-appointed seating, Around View® Monitor and 13-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system.
An available 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of the Nissan Navigation System, along with a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings. A range of available features is also offered, starting with the class-exclusive Around View® Monitor*** and two rows of leather-appointed seating.
Also available are heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, programmable Nissan Intelligent Key®, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Traffic and NavWeather (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, RearView Monitor, Remote Engine Start****, Tri-Zone Entertainment System, Dual Panorama Moonroof and Easy Fill Tire Alert.
EV pioneer Nissan is first manufacturer to partner with similarly innovative inventor to create paint that uses UV energy absorbed during daylight to glow at night
Increasing numbers of LEAF owners expanding sustainability efforts by installing solar panels to their homes
Nissan in Europe has become the first manufacturer to apply glow-in-the-dark car paint to showcase how its market-leading, all-electric LEAF is helping more and more people convert to solar energy at home.
The manufacturer worked with inventor, Hamish Scott, creator of STARPATH, which is a spray-applied coating that absorbs UV energy during the day so that it glows for between eight and 10 hours when the sun goes down.
While glowing car paint is already available, as are glow-in-the-dark car wraps, the bespoke, ultraviolet-energized paint created especially for Nissan is unique thanks to its secret formula made up of entirely organic materials. It contains a very rare natural earth product called Strontium Aluminate, which is solid, odorless and chemically and biologically inert.
Various third-party companies have applied non-organic glow-in-the-dark paint to vehicles before, but Nissan is the first car maker to directly apply such technology. Nissan's unique paint, if made commercially available, would last for 25 years.
With running costs of just two pence* or less per mile to run, the UK's 7,500 plus Nissan LEAF owners have reported significant savings and are using the money they save on a wide variety of items; among the more popular of these are solar panels for the home, which decreases the household carbon footprint and means owners are also effectively charging their vehicle for free.
Research revealed recently by Nissan showed that 89 percent of LEAF owners charge their cars at home overnight. Although solar panels do not store energy or provide it outside of daylight, any leftover power generated during the day is fed back into the national grid and homeowners can get a Government payment for it, meaning that the overnight charge is already paid for.
LEAF owner Ian Finch is one of those who has combined the savings offered by running an all-electric vehicle with solar panels to power his home.
"Running the Nissan LEAF costs a sixth of the amount we'd pay to run a diesel or petrol car," he said. "Overall, we are probably using 25 percent less electricity thanks to our solar panels and it's a fantastic experience to be able to drive the LEAF using electricity that's been produced completely for free."
Nissan announced that its next-generation Maxima sports sedan was the product that made a cameo appearance at the end of its popular "With Dad" Super Bowl XLIX commercial. The 2016 Nissan Maxima, the brand's flagship product and signature "4-Door Sports Car," will make its official world debut at the New York International Auto Show in April.
The Maxima's dramatic styling features Nissan's new design elements – including the V-motion front end and unique "floating" roof – that first appeared on the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover.
Nissan back as Super Bowl advertiser after nearly two decades
Releases first 10 seconds of its ad as a teaser
Announces the in-game commercial has been lengthened to 90 seconds
Story will depict the struggle of work-life balance facing many American families
Iconic song "Cats in the Cradle" by the late Harry Chapin featured
Two surprise products to make cameo appearance
Nissan, which has been teasing its Super Bowl plans through a one-of-a-kind social media campaign using YouTube "content creator" videos and the hashtag #withdad, is giving the first hint of its in-game commercial by releasing a short preview of the spot today.
Nissan previously announced it would feature a 60-second spot in the Super Bowl. The company has increased its stake in the game to a 90-second ad, which it says will tell a unique family story while maintaining a strong Nissan brand connection.
Nissan released the first 10 seconds of its commercial, which depicts a couple having a baby and images of the dad working as a race car driver mixed to a soundtrack of Harry Chapin's iconic song, "Cat's In the Cradle."
"We can't wait to share this emotional story with the Super Bowl audience and we hope seeing the first few seconds will whet America's appetite to watch the spot during the game," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America. "We think we've captured and told a touching story about a family's struggles with work-life balance in our 90 seconds during the game. But what we really want is to start a conversation about family that lasts well beyond the game."
While many advertisers release their commercials on YouTube in the weeks before the game, Nissan is keeping its full ad quiet until its debut during Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Nissan is encouraging those interested in learning more to go to www.withdad.com orwww.NissanUSA.com to view its #withdad YouTube videos and share stories about their families. The teaser video is available to media at Nissan's online newsroom www.NissanNews.com.
"The teaser gives a hint at an emotional story set to the beat of a very emotional and iconic piece of music," said Diaz. "You'll also see two surprise products that will make cameo appearances in the full story on Sunday."
Next-generation Nissan TITAN created as a powerful, precision tool
Stays true to Nissan design language – but on a big scale
Design influenced by the power and dimensions of new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel
Emphasis on fit-and-finish, attention-to-detail built into design from the start
The new Nissan TITAN is designed to be a warrior for "warriors" – both in look and in performance. That's according to the team at Nissan Design America (NDA) in San Diego, Calif. that played a major role in its creation. Nissan Design America explored the ancient roots of the name 'TITAN' in creating this vehicle, and both the front end and logo were inspired by the warrior helmets of antiquity.
The stance of TITAN is also very warrior-like, with influence from the latest technological advancements, as well as its very powerful engine. The engine, of course, is not just any engine. It's the new TITAN XD's available Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel, producing 310 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. Powerful gasoline V8 and V6 engines will also be available in the TITAN lineup.
A Commanding Front End, High-Utility Bed For the TITAN XD model, the design team formed the sheet metal around the volume of the engine bay – creating a design with a scale and honesty to honor the Cummins power and real work heritage.
With the available Cummins diesel engine and rugged fully-boxed ladder frame as its foundation, the designers knew that the new TITAN would have to be more grown up, more serious and more imposing in scale than the first-generation Nissan Titan.
The front end of the new TITAN sets the tone for the entire design as a powerful, precision tool with its imposing stance, large dramatic light treatment, and on TITAN XD, a combination of TITAN and Cummins badging. The lights, grille, hood, fenders and bumper are intended to project a somewhat technical feel, like the pieces of an interlocking puzzle or even a hint of armor.
Rather than emulating any of the full-size pickups on the market today, including the current Titan, the designers wanted to new TITAN to reflect Nissan's design language – but on a much larger scale than done before. The resulting design is more anatomical, rather than architectural. The front looks like a mask and the sides are shaped, not slabs, with the whole presence anchored by an emphasis on the very large and mechanical-looking wheels, which were inspired by big box-end wrenches.
While the TITAN XD, with its available Cummins diesel under the high, bold hood, is the first of a range of new TITANs to be shown, the same work-truck qualities will carry through to the rest of the future TITAN lineup, which will include Crew Cab, King Cab and standard cab configurations, two frame sizes and several bed lengths.
Special attention in the design process was also paid to projecting a visual sense of the new TITAN's high quality and attention to detail. For example, where the current generation TITAN uses a three-piece front bumper, the new TITAN uses an integrated single-piece design. The bumper is flush with the fascia, the wiper arms and windshield washer nozzles are hidden from sight. Even the rear license plate lamps are inset into the bumper.
Like the original, the new TITAN is also designed to move the full-size truck segment forward in terms of pickup bed utility. TITAN is building on its history of innovative bed storage with the spray-on bedliner and cargo tie-down systems, by adding features such as LED bed rail lighting and a more flexible storage box design.
The original Titan's bedside storage compartment was rethought, with consideration of how real truck users need more space and flexibility. So the storage boxes were moved into the bed and made more practical for use with camper shells or tonneau covers. The design is waterproof, drainable, lockable, removable when needed, and less obvious to outside eyes – all things owners will really appreciate.
Other key exterior design elements include improved aerodynamics (versus the previous-generation Titan) through use of items such as rear tire wind deflectors, bed seals (between the cab and bed) and integrated spoilers for the front, roof and tailgate.
The Inside Story The design of the new Nissan TITAN's interior both mirrors the exterior's bold, powerful work truck image and departs from it, with a masculine yet premium quality. The combination of durability and comfort is found throughout the spacious interior, along with a marriage of quality materials and attention to detail.
While the amenities and features are targeted at work customers, there is also a sense of sportsman style, such as the available black-and-tan quilted leather appointments that were inspired by the quilting inside of a premium hunting jacket.
The wide range of available interior features includes a new ergonomic 4-spoke, steering wheel design, front and rear NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats, chrome finishers and premium stitched trim and work-scaled knobs with ergonomic grips. The large center console is designed to serve as a mobile workstation, and the previous-generation Titan's gated center shift lever has been moved to the column to free up additional storage space.
The wide instrument panel offers a high-tech look and feel with the use of both analog and digital displays. The TITAN's LCD message center display includes a comprehensive list of available text messages to help monitor critical engine temperature and pressure levels while hauling and towing.
Thoughtful utility features are also found throughout the TITAN cabin, including a lockable storage compartment under the rear seat for securing small items, even when the truck doors are unlocked. There's also a convenient fold-out rear floor panel, available when the rear seat is folded up, for carrying and securing large items.
Using the innovative first-generation Titan as the starting point, the design team really thought through all of the little things that make living with a truck every day more enjoyable. For example, the bottle holders in the doors can hold 20-once cups, the console can hold 32-ounce sports drink bottles and the overhead sunglasses bin now holds a much wider range of sports-styled sunglasses.
Second-generation TITAN debuts at 2015 North American International Auto Show with tough and rugged design, new configurations and powerful Cummins® 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel
Nissan has proudly proclaimed that "TITAN is back!" with the world debut of the next-generation Nissan TITAN full-size pickup at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Nissan is investing in the TITAN brand with an all-new tough and rugged design with a focus on true work truck capabilities and premium materials and quality.
The first of the new TITAN models, the 2016 TITAN XD Crew Cab, is projected to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in late 2015. The TITAN XD creates a new class of pickup with the effortless towing and hauling of the larger, more expensive heavy-duty trucks – including an available maximum towing capacity of more than 12,000 pounds* and maximum payload of 2,000 pounds* (when properly equipped) – yet has the fuel-efficiency* and affordability of half-ton pickups. It is powered by the new Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel rated at 310 horsepower and hefty 555 lb-ft of torque.
2016 Nissan Titan XD
The second-generation TITAN will also be offered in additional cab, bed, powertrain and model configurations, increasing TITAN's market segment coverage. Along with the TITAN Crew Cab shown in the Detroit preview, the new TITAN will be available in King Cab and standard cab versions and with 4x4 and 4x2 drivetrains. Future engine options will include a new gasoline V8 and an advanced gasoline V6. More details on the full TITAN lineup will be announced at a later date.
"The full-size pickup segment in North America is a market where Nissan sees an unmet need – the towing and hauling power of a heavy-duty with the drivability and comfort of a light-duty," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. "Nissan is coming back into the market full-force with this new TITAN XD, which does just that. We think that full-size truck buyers are going to take notice."
The all-new TITAN, like the first-generation Titan, was developed with core Nissan planning, design, engineering and manufacturing teams contributing from Tennessee, California, Michigan, Arizona and Mississippi.
Designed as a "powerful precision tool," the new TITAN features available cutting-edge towing, utility features and convenience aids – including RearView Monitor with Trailer Guides, Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) and a Trailer Light Check system that allows one-person hook-up operation – including checking turn signals, brake lights and running/clearance lights from outside the vehicle. Also available are Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and a Front and Rear Sonar System. TITAN XD includes an integrated gooseneck hitch engineered into the frame and easily accessible in the bed.
"The new TITAN XD is a work-place warrior, ready to haul, pull, tow and tackle whatever a job site throws at it – yet with the style and comfort for everyday use," added Diaz.
The new TITAN's exterior and interior were created at Nissan Design America in San Diego, Calif., which also created the innovative original TITAN, which broke new ground in terms of smart cabin and bed utility. The TITAN exterior provides a bold, commanding presence with a fresh, modern technical feel.
The front end of the new TITAN sets the tone for the entire design with its imposing stance, large dramatic light treatment, and prominent TITAN badging. The lights, grille, hood, fenders and bumper are intended to project a somewhat technical feel, like the pieces of an interlocking puzzle or even a hint of armor. Aerodynamics also played a role in the exterior design, which is improved by around 10 percent from the previous TITAN and incorporates roof and tailgate spoilers. Available exterior features include LED headlights and taillights, signature Daytime Running Lights and step rails for cabin and bed entry/exit.
TITAN's industry-first Utili-track™ Bed Channel System continues with the new design, and while the previous TITAN offered a bedside storage compartment in the lower outside fender panels, the new TITAN features dual lockable in-bed storage boxes that are accessible from inside the bed without having to remove a camper top or tonneau cover. The boxes are watertight (and drainable) and can be used as a cooler for picnics or tailgating. They are also removable for times when extra bed capacity is required.
Other TITAN bed features include the popular spray-on bedliner, flush-mounted LED bedrail lighting, cargo and tailgate lamps, 120-volt in-bed access and a damped tailgate that is light to lift and smoothly damped when lowering.
The new TITAN's interior both mirrors the exterior's bold, powerful work truck image and departs from it, with a masculine yet premium quality. The combination of durability and comfort is found throughout the spacious interior, along with a marriage of quality materials and attention to detail.
The wide range of available interior features includes a new ergonomic 4-spoke, steering wheel design, front and rear NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats, chrome finishers and premium stitched trim and work-scaled knobs with ergonomic grips. The large center console is designed to serve as a mobile workstation, and the previous generation Titan's gated center shift lever has been moved to the column to free up additional storage space.
The next-generation Nissan TITAN will be assembled in Canton, Mississippi, with engines assembled in Indiana and Tennessee (5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel and gasoline V8 and V6 respectively).
*Estimated figures, final figures to be available closer to production date.
2014 Nissan Altima - KBB.com's 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30k
A consumer favorite and Nissan’s top-selling model in the U.S., the Nissan Altima continues to impress with its premium exterior and interior design and functionality. This week, the 2014 Altima was named one of the “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. The Altima finished sixth on the list, with KBB.com editors specifically citing its “notably comfortable” NASA-inspired “Zero Gravity” front seats as a selling-point.
To create the “10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000” list, KBB.com editors selected cars offering comfort-oriented features that “debuted upmarket just a few years ago.” Each of the 10 vehicles start below $30,000 according to Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price (FPP), a tool designed to show shoppers what others are paying for a specific new car. The 2014 Altima’s current FPP is $21,223 USD, among the top three most affordable on the list.
“In addition to its advanced ‘Zero Gravity’ front seats, the 2014 Altima features soft-touch armrests as well as noise absorption materials to help reduce cabin noise and improve the overall experience inside the vehicle,“ said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “Coupled with its innovative, stylish design and wide range of available technology features, the Altima is the perfect home-away-from-home. This honor from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com further reaffirms our commitment to comfortable, quality products and the needs of our customers.”
With a starting MSRP of only $22,170*, the Nissan Altima is the centerpiece of the Nissan lineup. One of the top selling cars in the U.S., it offers a premium exterior and interior and driver-focused technology. Its many attributes include outstanding fuel economy of 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine only) and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and a fun-to-drive demeanor. Altima is offered in five well-equipped models to meet a wide range of needs and budgets – and with a choice of a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are matched with a smooth, efficient Xtronic transmission.
Aug. 6, 2014 – Bismarck Motor Company, a Kupper Automotive dealership, is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony next week to mark the end of the predevelopment phase of all-new Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen facilities.
“There’s so much activity and expansion in North Bismarck,” states owner, Bob Kupper. “We’re excited to be part of Bismarck/Mandan’s growth as well as bring all-new state-of-the art import dealerships to Western N.D.”
Bismarck’s exclusive Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen franchises’ new locations will be at the property located at the corner of 57th Ave. NW and HWY 83, directly north of Furniture Row. The three brands will have their own separate facilities; Honda being the largest at 24,000 sq. ft., Nissan 15,000 sq. ft. and Volkswagen 12,000 sq. ft.
“By having three separate facilities, we will be able to focus more on each brand and the customers they serve,” says Chris Schneider, General Manager. “The expansion will help us better serve both our customers and our employees.”
The commencement will be held on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. at the new construction site to celebrate the beginning of a much needed dealership expansion of Bismarck Motor Company sales, service and parts operations. The dealership’s hopes are to increase business by 50 percent as well as expand its staff by 50 employees.
Brandon Curry, sales and leasing consultant at B.M.C.
Bismarck Motor Company has added a new member to it's sales and leasing staff. Brandon Curry started at the dealership in June, respectively. Curry, a native of Fargo, ND, graduated from Fargo North High school. His previous employment includes working for Burger Time for a total of 10 years. In his free time Curry enjoys hunting, fishing, paint-balling, and riding motorcycles.
Nissan is announcing America’s best commercial van warranty* on its Light Commercial Vehicles, increasing basic limited warranty coverage from 3 years/36,000 miles to 5 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain limited warranty has also been extended from 5 years/60,000 miles to 5 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
The specific models covered by this new bumper-to-bumper warranty include the 2014 NV Cargo Van, NV Passenger Van and the NV200 Compact Cargo.**
“While we’re relatively new to the world of commercial vehicles in the U.S., we’ve already proven our mettle with vehicles that endure harsh conditions that passenger cars will never see,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. “This warranty reaffirms our confidence in the quality of our vehicles, as some of the NV 2500 and 3500 models have already accrued 550,000-plus miles of real-world use.”
The improved warranty retroactively covers all 2014 model year Nissan Commercial Vehicles. Nissan has been selling LCVs in the U.S. since spring 2011 with the introduction of the NV Cargo and NV Passenger vans. The NV200 Compact Cargo was released to acclaim in April 2013 and is also the base for the Chevrolet City Express, General Motors’ upcoming entry into the segment.
“As Nissan Commercial Vehicles have established a reputation for ruggedness and durability in the field, we’re gaining sales traction and customer acceptance of our work vehicles,” Diaz added. “We’re in the commercial vehicle game for the long haul, and this warranty will further help our customers to have greater confidence in their vehicles.”
Nissan’s new Light Commercial Vehicle warranty was inspired in part by the stories of Nissan Commercial Vehicles experiencing remarkable longevity under real-world work circumstances with businesses such as Above and Beyond Delivery. The company operates a fleet of 18-20 Nissan NV 3500 cargo vans out of Chandler, Ariz., supporting the mining, pharmaceuticals and food services industries. Above and Beyond began working with Nissan back in 2011, when an NV Cargo was lent to the company for its operations in the mining industry.
The initial vehicle used by Above and Beyond accrued more than 550,000 miles on its odometer with few repairs or downtime in the course of its service – the most major being an alternator replacement at 382,000 miles.
“Our drivers operate in the extreme weather of Arizona in challenging conditions, such as the Morenci Mine, which is one of the world’s largest copper mines. Service failures are not an option for us. If a vehicle is down, it is not making money, so the reliability of the Nissan NVs is a massive advantage,” said James Bowman, president, Above and Beyond Delivery.
“We have been very impressed at how good the Nissan NV lineup has gotten – especially with our half-million-mile experience with a single NV Cargo hauling large rock samples – so we are in the process of transitioning all of our light-duty delivery vehicles to Nissan NVs. We have 25 vehicles on order at present.”
Year-to-date, Nissan has sold more than 10,700 commercial vehicles in the U.S., an 88 percent increase over this time period in 2013.
All Nissan Commercial Vehicles sold in the U.S. are assembled in North America, with the NV Cargo and NV Passenger assembled in Canton, Miss., and the NV200 assembled in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
