FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 August 2001
CARLOS GHOSN TO INAUGURATE NEW PHASE FOR NISSAN AT FRANKFURT SHOW - WITH THREE WORLD PREMIÈRES
The 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show will be the stage on which Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Company, will introduce a new phase for Nissan in Europe. Ghosn will begin with the launch of the all-new Primera and will follow with the première of the mm.e and Crossbow concept cars. These concepts offer a glimpse into Nissan’s future product and design direction.
The five-door hatchback Primera will make its world première at Frankfurt alongside the saloon and estate versions, launched in Japan in January 2001. Accompanying the new generation Primera, the mm.e and Crossbow concepts will showcase Nissan’s future vision in two of the company’s established fields of excellence: the small car and the 4x4. Nissan’s 4x4 expertise is further represented by a specially designed Pickup, and the first public appearance in Europe of the Nissan X-TRAIL marking the official start of sales.
Primera
Following the debut of the Primera Concept vehicle at the Paris show last October, Nissan’s product-led revival takes a significant step forward with the debut of the production version of the new generation Primera for Europe. Combining futuristic styling with a hi-tech central command system and superior balance between ride and handling, the European styled and British built Primera – all versions will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant - will be the cornerstone of the new Nissan in Europe.
Carlos Ghosn to inaugurate new phase for Nissan…2
For the production version of the new generation Primera, Nissan’s designers have maintained the monosilhouette shape introduced with the Primera Concept last October at the Paris Motor Show; this innovative approach aimed at breaking with the orthodox, ‘three box’ approach to sedan styling. The interior, too, has remained faithful to the original concept. The advanced layout is a blend of high quality surfaces punctuated with an array of technology features with centrally located dials.
Sitting below the instrument panel is a unique and ergonomically located central concentration switch, which is linked to a large, high graphics centre display. This arrangement is the result of extensive research into optimising interaction between man and machine through intelligent use of technology and feature layout.
This unique approach allows all of the audio, driver information, communication, DVD navigation and climate controls to be packaged into one electronically managed keyboard; while all of the information is displayed on the screen: hi-technology made easy. This seven-inch screen is also used to display images of the rear of the vehicle from closed circuit TV camera mounted above the rear licence plate. The camera is automatically activated when reverse gear is engaged to provide the ultimate parking aid.
The high technology package is also extended to include Adaptive Cruise Control – a D-segment first. This intelligent version of cruise control uses laser radar beams in combination with the engine management and ABS systems to maintain a set distance from the car in front – making motorway driving safer and more relaxing.
Nissan’s engineers gave themselves a very
challenging objective for the dynamic abilities of the new generation Primera:
to provide the best balance between ride and handling. The all round multi link
suspension
Carlos Ghosn to inaugurate new phase for Nissan…3
combined with a stiffer chassis retains Primera’s traditionally top of class handling qualities while significantly increasing ride comfort. The dynamic package is further topped off with an Electronic Stability Program to ensure safety and stability in even the most extreme driving conditions.
mm.e
A year ago the Primera Concept set the agenda for a new generation of Nissan cars to follow. mm.e, to be unveiled for the first time at the Frankfurt show is a concept for a compact, three-door hatchback and is the first obvious disciple of Primera Concept.
The mm.e concept is a strong indication of how Nissan will meet the needs and desires of young, free-thinking, style conscious individuals.
The compact exterior is styled to be pure, chic and elegant, but still friendly looking and engaging with the curvaceous exterior and the high positioned headlights reinforcing mm.e’s emotional appeal. mm.e’s clean and sculpted surfaces are characterised by large and distinct volumes which both emphasise the spacious interior and give a feeling of solidity, safety and security. The upper volume surrounds the occupants in a large, ‘cocoon’-like cabin which in turn sits upon a second, lower volume which provides protective ‘shoulders’ running from front to rear, incorporating the wheel arches into one fluid mass.
As a future generation concept car, mm.e displays the advanced technology for young people with a ‘fast forward’ mindset. While mm.e’s technology is advanced it is still designed to be easy to use, in line with Nissan’s philosophy of providing high levels of utility and practicality. The internet and communications technology, advanced navigation and audio systems are all integrated into a computer controlled centre display which can be commanded directly or through a remote control mounted on the steering wheel.
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In response to emerging trends in this segment, which show a need for increased levels of perceived quality and in car comfort and enjoyment, mm.e features some innovative interior materials to meet the discerning touch of the modern consumer.
Crossbow
The Crossbow 4x4 concept which will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show is a design exercise aimed at extending Nissan’s definition of passion: following 50 years’ experience in building off-roaders, Nissan has created a rugged, imposing, muscular 4x4 with a modern, assertive, self-confident style and a host of ‘easy to use’ technologies for a total car experience.
Following in the footsteps of Nissan’s icon 4x4, the Patrol, the Crossbow is aimed at individuals who seek a strong, powerful vehicle whose design is eye-catching yet perfectly suited to its function.
Much of the inspiration for Crossbow’s styling is derived from architectural influences. The angled, strut grille and the simple iconic architecture of the vehicle identify Crossbow as a true Nissan 4x4. Accentuated with authentic off-road features such as an integrated winch, side step, practically located tow hooks and external refill points for lubricants and coolants, Crossbow is as practical as it appears, as tough as it looks.
The rugged looking exterior is contrasted by the luxurious and refined interior. Packed with innovative storage solutions and purposeful technology the cabin is ‘capsular’, giving a feeling of insulation from hostile environments. The elevated, four-seat layout is spacious and comfortable to match Crossbow’s powerful abilities with cabin refinement.
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The calm environment inside Crossbow is typified by the seamless blend of natural and authentic materials, such as olive wood with hi-tech looking silver and silicone features, the olive tan coloured dashboard is contrasted with square, silver edges, and a high graphics screen – this large, vertical T-shaped screen mounted in the centre console integrates enhanced GPS navigation, audio and climate controls with advanced IT functionality and is flanked by high strength, high quality silver control buttons located in front of the ‘aeroplane throttle’ transmission levers. The instruments also include features specially developed for off-road use, such as large scale mapping for the navigation system and information on road surface, traction levels, gradient and altitude. It can also be controlled by the easy-to-use ‘multi controller’ on the centre console or directly from the steering wheel.
ends…
Note:
Mr. Carlos Ghosn, President
and CEO of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., will open the Nissan Press Conference at the
(IAA) Frankfurt Motor Show, at
14:00 hours, 11 September 2001. The
Nissan stand will be located in Hall 3.1.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Wayne Bruce Head of PR 01923 899930
E-mail: wayne.bruce@nissan.co.uk
Linda Robinson Senior Press Officer, Product Affairs 01923 899932
E-mail: linda.robinson@nissan.co.uk
Gloria Maydew Press Officer, Product Affairs 01923 899938
E-mail: gloria.maydew@nissan.co.uk
All Nissan news releases and pictures can be downloaded from the Newspress website at http://www.newspress.co.uk
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