FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
22 December 1998
NISSAN LAUNCHES NEW DUAL-MARKET MPV PROJECT
Nissan has confirmed the first stage of a major new dual-market MPV project with the launch of the six-seater “Tino” for the domestic Japanese market.
The second stage of the project is the development of a totally European ’sister’ of the new MPV, to be manufactured at Nissan’s facilities in Spain and marketed throughout Europe in spring 2000. This derivative, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, is also to be called “Almera Tino”.
The Tino project – an all-new C-segment MPV – aims to meet the expanding demand for flexible family transport both in Europe and Japan. Unusually, separate engineering and development teams have been working in Japan and Europe to ensure that utility, versatility and practicality exactly match the requirements of each market.
The Almera Tino will be manufactured at Nissan Motor Iberica SA, in Barcelona and will share the platform of the next generation Almera, which is to be manufactured at Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited in Sunderland in 2000. Both these models will use Nissan’s new state-of-the-art MS (for medium/small) platform, the first of five leading-edge platforms to be introduced by 2005. All 25 current platforms are to be discontinued as part of Nissan’s global move to improve efficiency and flexibility and slash costs.
The Almera Tino will make its debut on the European market in the first half of 2000 and is one of 10 new image-building cars Nissan will launch in Europe in the coming four years. The Almera Tino, which is now in the advanced stages of development at Nissan’s European Technology Centres in the UK and Spain, will feature a dedicated engine line-up and interior treatment specifically targeting European customers.
Nissan has been the best selling Japanese auto brand in Europe since 1975. Nissan’s European operations include styling, design and development, manufacturing, sales, finance and industrial machinery. More than 15,000 people are directly employed in operations, with additional jobs created in over 4,000 Nissan dealerships across Europe.
ends…
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Daniel Ward Corporate Affairs Director 01923 899930
E-mail: daniel.ward@nissan.co.uk
Linda Robinson Product Press Officer 01923 899930
E-mail: linda.robinson@nissan.co.uk
Note to Editors:
No pictures of the Almera Tino will be released at this time.
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