Embargo: 07:45 CET
Nissan at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show
· World debut of NV200 passenger version of new compact LCV
· NV200 European production confirmed for Barcelona plant
· World debut of Qazana concept car
· Confirmation of Qazana-inspired small crossover production in UK
· Reinforced commitment to European zero emissions leadership
Geneva, Switzerland (March 3, 2009) - today at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show, Nissan presented the NV200, an all-new vehicle that will compete in global small van and people carrier markets. The passenger version is designed to offer accessible, practical family transportation, thanks to three rows and sliding side doors for easy access to the rear. The interior can be configured differently to accommodate up to seven occupants. Van and Combi versions will be introduced at a later date.
And Nissan confirmed that the NV200 will be manufactured for Europe at its plant in Barcelona, Spain from the end of this year.
Additionally, it was confirmed that a future Nissan vehicle based on the Qazana concept car will be manufactured at its Sunderland plant in the UK from 2010. Qazana is a small Crossover and has been conceived to challenge conventional wisdom about what buyers of small five-door cars should expect.
Speaking of a future model for Europe inspired by Qazana, Mr Tavares confirmed: “I am pleased to announce that the production version of Qazana will be made in Europe at our world-class manufacturing facility in Sunderland, United Kingdom in 2010.”
Qazana will reinforce Nissan’s position as a pioneer of Crossovers, building on the success of the Murano – now in its second generation - the Qashqai and recently introduced Qashqai+2.
Nissan also used Geneva Motor Show to reiterate its commitment to zero emissions mobility. Speaking at the press conference, Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, said: “Zero emissions mobility has incredible momentum. Nissan is ensuring it will become part of our everyday lives in Europe, sooner than you think.”
“ In 2011, we will deliver zero emission mobility to Europe, powered by our own battery technology. Zero emission mobility is not a solitary venture. We have enjoyed an enthusiastic display of support, having forged strategic partnerships with organisations worldwide.”
As well as the NV200 and Qazana, Nissan also showed for the first time in Europe, its all new 370Z sports car. Power comes from a 3.7-litre V6 engine, producing 331PS, and driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, which is available with the world’s first synchronized down/up shift rev control system for smoother, faster gearchanges, or an all-new paddle-operated seven-speed automatic.
The 370Z is more agile than it predecessor the 350Z, thanks to a shorter wheelbase and overall length, as well as being lighter by 32kg. Interior comfort, quality and refinement have been improved, but the uniquely fun, adventurous driving characteristics of the Z remain. Customer deliveries start in July.
Already an icon in its home market of Japan, the all new Cube will be introduced for the first time in Europe in 2010, where its unique, friendly design will appeal to European car-buyers who are looking for something genuinely new and different.
Its large, open and airy interior will win the hearts of city-dwellers who are not traditional car ‘fans’, but who will find Cube appealing as it is an extension of their personality – creative, fun and distinctive. In Europe, the Cube will come with both a 106PS DPF-equipped 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol, producing 111PS.
With European consumers demanding more value for money, combined with low emissions and fuel consumption, the time is right for Pixo to join Nissan’s line-up. Powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, it produces just 103 g/km CO2 and delivers fuel economy of 4.4 l/100km (64.2 mpg) on the combined cycle. These figures will position PIXO among the most affordable eco-cars in the small city car category. To further add to its appeal, Pixo will be one of the most affordable cars available on the market with an automatic gearbox. Customer deliveries start in June.
Also on display will be the new X-TRAIL Platinum, which reinforces the X-TRAIL's natural strengths of comfort, practicality and dynamic performance.
Externally, X-TRAIL is now available with Scratch Shield Paint, giving the exterior a degree of protection from light stone chips and damage typically sustained in a car wash. More visibly, the top X-TRAIL Platinum will be fitted with new 18” alloy wheels, adding presence and style to the vehicle’s appearance.
The X-TRAIL Platinum provides added appeal thanks to the availability of a bespoke eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. An auxiliary input plug has been added to all X-TRAILs in the central armrest storage compartment, allowing occupants to connect their MP3 player, while also leaving it hidden when they leave the vehicle. Customer deliveries begin in March.
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Photos of all the new products displayed at Geneva Motor Show can be downloaded from: