UK DEBUT FOR NEW UK-BUILT NISSAN ALMERA AT THE

LONDON MOTOR SHOW

Nissan’s new UK-built Almera will make its UK debut at the 1999 London Motor Show. The new Almera, which goes on sale in spring 2000, represents a multi-million Euro investment in Nissan’s European facilities – design, development and manufacturing, and confirms Nissan’s strategy to raise industry standards in the ever-competitive C-segment.

Highlights at a glance:

· Nissan’s all-new Almera launched in the UK at the London Motor Show

· New Almera to go on sale in March 2000

· Designed and developed at Nissan facilities at Cranfield, UK and Munich, Germany

· First Nissan model to use all-new global MS platform

· Confirms importance of European C-segment

· Manufactured at NMUK, Sunderland – Europe’s most productive plant

· Features new surf-tail roofline and sporty exterior styling

· Available in three engine sizes – all-new 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre petrol and 2.2-litre direct injection diesel

· Features state-of-the-art diesel technology

· Offers first in class Active Head Restraint safety feature

· Will boast application of world’s most advanced satellite navigation system - BirdviewÔ - to be available mid 2000

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The new Almera is the first European model to use an all-new global Nissan platform. Designed specifically for the European market, Japan and North America will develop dedicated versions of the vehicle based around the same ‘MS’ platform. Nissan’s European Technology Centre (NETC) in Cranfield was responsible for key areas of the design, engineering and development of the new Almera.

In addition, the new Almera is the third model to be manufactured at Nissan’s award-winning plant in Sunderland – Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd (NMUK) has been independently rated as Europe’s most efficient and productive plant for the last three years running.

The new Almera will introduce a host of innovations to the UK market including three-dimensional satellite navigation, active anti-whiplash head restraints and advanced 16-valve petrol and diesel engines that already better strict EU emission targets.

Styling

Recognising the need for bolder styling, the new Almera reflects extensive research within key European countries and the input of Nissan’s design centres in the UK and Germany. The result is an advanced, sporty exterior with distinctive aerodynamically efficient ‘surf-tail’ roofline. The waistline is significantly higher than on its predecessor, giving the new Almera a robust and powerful sporting stance.

From the front, the new Almera displays a strong Nissan corporate identity with the radiator grille radically raked back, flowing into the bonnet and headlamps. The rear view displays the twin, distinctive rear lamp assemblies, while the bumper is formed from a single strong curve, in sympathy with the design of the whole vehicle.

Engines

Power comes from a new range of environment-friendly multi-valve engines (1.5-litre and 1.8-litre and 2.2-litre). The 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre

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petrol units are assembled at NMUK in Sunderland, while the new Di 2.2-litre direct injection turbo-diesel is built at Nissan’s Cuatro Vientos engine plant in Madrid.

This engine is Nissan’s first application of direct injection diesel technology in a European passenger car. The relatively large displacement engine (2.2-litre) includes the first applications of Nissan’s M-Fire modulated kinetics combustion technology for reduced soot and nitrous oxide emissions, improved performance and reduced noise.

Higher combustion temperatures stimulate production of NOx in diesel engines. However lowering the combustion temperature by igniting the fuel before it is fully vaporised leads to the formation of soot. The Nissan M-Fire system allows NOx-efficient pre-mixed combustion to occur at lower temperatures.

Two petrol engines are available for the new Almera, both DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engines designed to exceed E IV regulations which are not due to come into force until 2005.

The QG18DE (1.8-litre) made its debut earlier this year in the new Primera and features both Nissan Valve Timing Control System (NVCS) and Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS). It is among the first petrol engines in the world to also feature a swirl-control valve designed to enhance combustion. Governing its operation, and that of the new electronically-controlled exhaust gas re-circulation system and all other engine functions, is a powerful new 32-bit engine management system with full on-board diagnostics in-line with CED III emissions regulations.

The smallest of the new Almera’s engines – the brand new QG15DE (1.5-litre) shares all of the 1.8-litre emissions, construction and NVH-reducing technologies with the exception of NVCS variable inlet valve timing.

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New technologies - BirdviewÔ

BirdviewÔ navigation is exclusive to Nissan and uniquely displays an easy-to-understand three-dimensional route map. All other systems use a traditional 2-D plan. BirdviewÔ sees the world from a human perspective, from about 300 metres in the air and about 400 metres behind the car, giving a panoramic view of the road ahead to the horizon, including all recognisable landmarks on the way.

BirdviewÔ is the most advanced satellite navigation system in the world and the new Almera marks its introduction to the C-segment. The BirdviewÔ monitor is integrated into the top of the central part of the fascia, close to the natural line of vision. In addition, the system boasts a vertical split-screen function capable of displaying both a detailed map of the route and a more general map showing landmarks. Birdview’s voice guidance option allows the driver full concentration on the road at all times.

New technologies – Active Head Restraints

The new Almera is the first car in its class to offer an ‘Active Head Restraint’ (AHR) system to reduce neck injuries caused when another vehicle impacts from the rear.

Whiplash injuries are caused when the body of the driver/passenger moves backwards within the seat followed moments later by the head. Then the whole body is thrown forwards against the safety belt. In the new Almera, the pressure of the driver/passenger pressing deep into the seat back activates a mechanism that moves the head restraint upwards and forwards, preventing whiplash.

The movement of the head restraints is governed by the amount of pressure exerted on the back-rest. This in turn is dependent on the severity of the impact. The system is designed to operate even in moderate accidents, which could still cause severe neck injuries. Nissan’s AHR system is only available in conjunction with head and thorax side airbags.

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The new Almera also features full-size driver and passenger airbags and head and thorax system side airbags incorporated into the front seats.

The new Almera, the highlight on Nissan’s stand at Earls Court this year, offers a unique combination of Nissan driver-focussed technology and engineering, unmatched Nissan build and design quality and celebrated Nissan driving pleasure.

ends…

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andrew Roberts Manager, Product Affairs 01923 899930

e-mail: andrew.roberts@nissan.co.uk

Linda Robinson Press Officer, Product Affairs 01923 899930

e-mail: linda.robinson@nissan.co.uk