FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 March 2007
QASHQAI SETS “SALE” FOR JAPAN
Today (Friday 2nd March) Nissan’s Sunderland Plant will begin shipping one of its models back to Japan for the first time in over a decade.
The QASHQAI, re-named Dualis for the Japanese market, went into production at Sunderland in December last year, and already more than 20,000 have rolled off the line.
The last Sunderland-built car to be exported to Japan was the 1996 model Primera, making today’s announcement a proud one for the 4,300 workforce.
Neil Calvert, who works on the QASHQAI line in Trim & Chassis said: “It’s been a long time since we shipped our cars back to Japan, so I’m pleased the QASHQAI is on its way.
“When our plant began building cars in 1986, we were assembling Bluebirds sent from Japan in kit form. So, sending one of our cars back there shows how far we’ve come.”
Japanese motorists will be able to choose between a two or four-wheel drive 2.0 litre petrol engine (European QASHQAIs come with the added option of a 1.6 petrol and a 1.5 or 2.0 diesel).
QASHQAI sets “sale” for Japan…2
All Japanese QASHQAIs will come equipped with Nissan’s CVT automatic transmission (continuous variable transmission). As well as providing computer controlled ‘stepless’ gear shifts, CVT boasts lower exhaust emissions and better fuel economy than the manual.
The Japanese cars will also have an overtaking mirror (to comply with traffic laws in Japan) and will be fitted with Nissan’s latest ‘Carwings’ navigation and telematics service.
The QASHQAI, Sunderland’s tenth new model since 1986, represents an investment of £223 million and takes total investment in the factory to over £2.3 billion.
Trevor Mann, VP Manufacturing UK, commented: “We export our cars to more than 45 countries around the world, but there is definitely something special about shipping to Japan.
“I’m very confident the QASHQAI has what it takes to compete in what is an extremely demanding market. Our workforce has produced an excellent car, and one which I know will appeal strongly to the Japanese motorist.”
Ends…
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
David Swerdlow
Or Sunderland Plant Press Office 0191 419 3300
Lucy Banwell
52384/020307
