FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 October 2007
NISSAN LCV BUSINESS UPDATE
Nissan’s renewed focus on its LCV business in Europe will be underlined at this year’s European Road Transport Show at RAI, Amsterdam through:
· development of an integrated conversion business into the production process
· Van Competence Centres to be established to enhance Nissan’s European LCV dealer network (commercial vehicle dealers in the UK)
· strong sales performance of the new Cabstar since its introduction 12 months ago
· a high-profile unveiling of the NV200 concept van at Tokyo Motor Show
· re-launch of the Euro IV compliant Pickup
· the introduction of a Biodiesel option on Nissan Interstar and Primastar models
Integrated manufacture and conversion process
To ensure the highest level of quality and efficiency of conversion for its Cabstar and Atleon models, Nissan will open a dedicated conversion centre adjacent to its manufacturing plant in Avila, Spain in summer 2008.
The integration of a dedicated facility at Avila will allow Cabstar and Atleon buyers to benefit from high quality conversions and reduced delivery times. Among the conversions on offer at the Avila centre will be the drop-side, tipper and closed box (Spanish and Portuguese markets only) configurations. The UK market will be using a locally based converter.
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Management of conversions will be integrated into the existing logistics process, meaning that the dealer will be the only point of contact for both the vehicle purchase and the conversion order. The combined vehicle and conversion cost to the customer will be reduced, while customer satisfaction will be maximised.
In its first full year of operation, Nissan anticipates more than 2000 conversions will take place, a figure that will rise in subsequent years.
“We are dedicated to maximising the level of quality, service and efficiency we provide to our Cabstar and Atleon customers. By integrating the manufacturing and conversion processes, we will achieve those objectives, which in turn will support our global ambitions for growth in the LCV sectors,” said Dominique Correze, Vice President, LCV Business Unit, Nissan Europe SAS.
Nissan’s LCV network in Europe
The LCV business is one of the breakthrough areas of Nissan’s on-going business plan. In calendar year 2006, Nissan sold 489,579 LCVs globally, generating a consolidated operating profit of more than 8%, achieving its objective a year ahead of plan.
Within Europe, Nissan is working to strengthen its dealer network by creating a dedicated sales channel for light-duty vehicles and by continuing to promote network partnerships, such as the one it has with Volvo Trucks, in markets where the Nissan truck network is not sufficiently developed. Under a series of franchise agreements with Volvo Trucks’ dealer networks signed earlier this year, Volvo Trucks dealers in Germany, UK, North and East Europe can now sell Interstar, Cabstar and Atleon.
As part of its dealer network activity, Nissan will establish “Van Competency Centres” (VCC) in Nissan car dealerships to ensure that all customers – both individuals and companies – are serviced by professional van personnel during sales and aftersales activities.
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The introduction of new products will be accomplished by a systematic approach to market expansion in Europe. Nissan plans to enter the booming Russian market, as well as some of the growing East European markets and Turkey, where its LCV performance does not match the potential of the Nissan brand.
Strong sales of new Cabstar
Sales of the new Cabstar light duty truck this year have so far reached a total of 8,258, considerably higher than expectations.
Customer research shows that buyers have been attracted to the Cabstar’s mix of flexibility, easy-to-manoeuvre characteristics, driver comfort and competitive running costs.
“The new Cabstar is proving to be a big hit with buyers in Europe, and it should not be a surprise. Its new ladder frame chassis provides strength and flexibility, giving five different gross vehicle weights and three different wheelbases. Combined with three different engine options, there is a Cabstar to meet the needs of any light truck buyer in Europe,” said Dominique Correze, Vice President, LCV Business Unit, Nissan Europe SAS.
Nissan’s NV200 Concept Van
At this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan will be unveiling the NV200, a concept van which has been designed as a combined office and van.
Described as a smart business tool of a new generation for active professionals it features a substantial, rugged-looking exterior, combining a dramatic front cab with a traditional box-like storage space, creating an emotional looking body form never before seen in the LCV class.
The interior has been created to combine efficiency and a human touch,
mentally refreshing its occupants when travelling to or from a job site. The customisable cargo area houses a unique
pod that can smartly accommodate a variety of business needs.
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A typical small van is little more than an empty box on wheels: functional, certainly, but seldom innovative or smart. But designers from Nissan Design Centre (NDC) in Japan and Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the UK had other ideas. In creating NV200, the joint team have devised a concept that could revolutionise the small van market.
From the outside, NV200 is the epitome of a modern van. A cab-forward design, the wraparound grille blends into upswept swage lines on either side of the cabin. Dramatically rising side windows accentuate a high waistline and underline the van’s practical, load carrying ability. NV200 sits on a usefully long 2820mm wheelbase and is 1840mm tall, providing a practical, roomy load space.
“A commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that’s no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth. In NV200, function becomes the aesthetic. NV200 is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch,” said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Euro-4 Compliant Nissan Pickup for 2008
Nissan will show a Euro-4 compliant Pickup at this year’s European Road Transport Show at RAI. Following the enormous success of the Navara pick up in Europe, Nissan has revised the Pickup to reflect the on-going demand among pick up buyers across Europe for a vehicle which serves as a robust, utilitarian workhorse to support their working life.
The 2.5-litre diesel engine has been upgraded on the Pickup to conform to Euro IV regulations. Engine output is 129PS and torque peaks at 294Nm. The payload of the Pickup is an impressive 1115kg, while its towing capacity is among the best of its peers at 2800kg.
While the Navara provides the performance, equipment and comfort of an SUV, typical buyers of the Pickup are more cost-conscious, have less need for the power of the Navara and will use their Pickup as a working vehicle for the majority of the time.
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The Pickup will continue to be offered in Single, Double and King Cab configurations, and will also boast best in class manoeuvrability and off-road capability.
Speaking about the continued sale of the Pickup, Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President, LCV Business Unit, Nissan Motor Ltd, said: “The Navara has raised the bar in the pick up sector in Europe by bringing SUV levels of refinement and performance to the market. However, there remain a large number of cost-conscious pick up buyers who want a tough, robust workhorse as a partner in their working lives. This is where the newly revised Pickup will meet their needs.”
Sales of the revised Pickup will begin across Europe early next year.
Biodiesel introduction
To reflect the growing demand among light commercial vehicle operators to minimise the impact of their fleet on the environment, Nissan will introduce biodiesel powered versions of its popular Interstar and Primastar vans for fleet customers.
The biodiesel engine option on Interstar and Primastar is available from now and Nissan is one of only a few brands in the LCV sphere who offer such an option.
Biodiesel benefits the environment by reducing the amount of CO2 which is emitted into the atmosphere by 20%. This works, not during the combustion process within the engine, but during the growth of plants which are then treated and combined with diesel to create Biodiesel. The photo-synthesis process absorbs CO2, which then off-sets the CO2 which is emitted during the production process of the fuel, as well as the combustion cycle.
In its application in the Interstar and Primastar, the mix of biodiesel will consist of 30% methyl ester of vegetable oils and 70% normal diesel.
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One engine option on the Interstar will be compatible with the biodiesel, the 2.5-litre diesel engine in both 100 and 120hp formats, while the 2.0-litre diesel Primastar producing 90 and 115hp, and the 2.5-litre diesel with 150hp will all be available to run with biodiesel.
Warranty terms will change slightly for biodiesel applications, with slightly reduced engine maintenance intervals.
Speaking about the introduction of biodiesel engines on the LCV Range, Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President, LCV Business Unit, Nissan Motor Ltd, said: “The addition of biodiesel engine options on Nissan’s Primastar and Interstar makes an attractive proposition for those owners and users who want to reduce the impact their vehicles have on the environment. Nissan is proud to be among the first manufacturers in Europe to offer this alternative.”
ends…
Notes to Editors: the European Road Transport Show at RAI, Amsterdam runs from 25th October to 3rd November
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gloria Maydew Press Communications Manager 01923 899937
Email gloria.maydew@nissan.co.uk
Terry Steeden Product Communications Manager 01923 899935
Email terry.steeden@nissan.co.uk
Linda Robinson Press Communications Manager 01923 899932
Email linda.robinson@nissan.co.uk
Gabi Whitfield Communications Director 01923 899933
Email gabi.whitfield@nissan.co.uk
All news releases and pictures can be downloaded from the Newspress website at www.newspress.co.uk
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