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NV200: NISSAN'S NEW SMALL VERSATILE PEOPLE CARRIER AND VAN

ROLLE, Switzerland (February 24, 2009) – Nissan is preparing a move into the global small van market with the introduction of its all new, spacious yet compact, NV200 small van.

At a glance

* Three different configurations of NV200
* Sliding side doors for ease of entry
* 4.1m3 of loading space in van version
* Economical petrol and diesel engines
* Low cost of ownership
* Family version is seven seat people carrier
* Global model for multiple regions

Designed from the outset as both a commercial and a passenger vehicle, the Nissan NV200 brings new levels of space, comfort and practicality to the small van market, both in Europe and other global markets.

NV200 will be available in three different versions: a van with the largest load space in its class and two seven seat variants – the functional Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more plush passenger car version, which will be shown at Geneva Motor Show next month.

"The Nissan LCV business is in a phase of expansion even in these challenging financial circumstances," said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Global Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "We aim to expand our business with smart new products and services that meet the needs of our customers, both in Europe and around the world."

He added: "The NV200 is our proposal for a global small van. It offers outstanding utility and smart convenience with low cost of ownership, packaged in a highly functional design. With this vehicle, Nissan aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a functional, adaptable light van. We will launch the NV200 in Japan before summer, in Europe in autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets."

Maximised cargo area
NV200 uses innovative packaging ideas to create the largest and most practical cargo area in its class. Although a little under 4.4m in overall length, the van version of the NV200 has a load bay that's more than 2m long (2040mm).

With front-wheel drive and the adoption of a highly compact rear suspension system, the NV200 can house two standard Euro pallets in the cargo area at a time. At 1.84m high NV200 is no taller than its rivals, while at 520mm from ground level, the floor itself is the lowest in the class to ease loading, helping to boost the cargo volume to 4.1m3. Maximum payload is 771kg.

Spacious interior
A large cargo area is a vital attribute for a van, of course, but the generous interior dimensions of NV200 also translate into ample passenger space in the Combi version.

Unlike some other manufacturers that fit removable seats – which are invariably heavy to lift and need to be stored elsewhere when not in use – the seats in the Combi stay with the vehicle at all times. The middle row backrest has a 60/40 split to increase versatility and the entire assembly tumbles forward to fold flat against the front seats, while the rear pair fold individually to either side of the load area.

Throughout the creation of NV200, attention has been paid to ensuring the highest levels of quality with shut lines and panel gaps in line with the expectations of passenger car buyers.

While the van is optionally available with a side window, it differs from the passenger versions at the rear where it has twin side hinged "French" doors. Both seven-seaters have a fully glazed top hinged tailgate – though the Combi will be available with French doors - while the windows on both side doors have a sliding section for extra ventilation.

Road car platform
Built on a modified version of Nissan's B Platform, NV200 has fully independent strut type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight yet robust wide leaf spring rear axle.

Performance comes from a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel.

The petrol version will be powered by Nissan's renowned all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, as found in Micra, Note and Qashqai. Displacing 1,598cc, the 16-valve unit develops 79kW (108PS) and 153Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The diesel, also found on Note and Micra, is Alliance partner Renault's acclaimed 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) 1,461cc engine. Developing 200 Nm of torque and 63kW (86PS), it offers an ideal blend of performance, refinement and fuel economy. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.

To create more space in the cockpit, the gearlever extends not from the floor but from the two-tone wrap around centre console. Above the gearlever, the centre section houses the heating and ventilation controls and the double DIN radio slot. Heating and ventilation extends to all three rows of seats.

Well equipped
The NV200 is available with an optional rear view parking camera, a first for a van in this segment, while the cabin is full of storage spaces, pockets and cup/bottle holders. There is also a secret storage space large enough to hide a camera, mobile phones or vital documents within the upper portion of the glovebox.

Joining the parking camera, other car-like items of standard or optional equipment include features such as Nissan's Intelligent Key, power windows and ESP. Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist (BA) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as standard. Driver and passenger airbags are also standard with side bags available as an option.

Pedestrian safety has also been considered with extra crash absorbing material in the bonnet and the adoption of an energy-absorbing bonnet.

Low cost of ownership
Cost of ownership is projected to be among the lowest in the class thanks in part to the low running costs and high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains, but also thanks to the safety structure which helps to minimise crash damage to vulnerable under bonnet parts such as the radiator.

"With its intelligent layout and packaging helping to give it the largest cargo area in its class, NV200 delivers the right combination of functionality and efficiency. That same practicality can be found in both the Combi and passenger version, but with the added benefit of car-like comfort and features," said Dominique Correze, Vice President, Nissan's European LCV Business Unit.

NV200: THE EXPANDING FAMILY

Nissan's spacious yet compact new small, light van – NV200 – is more than a mere cargo carrier. Two passenger models are also available, offering practical and affordable transport for upto seven. The family-oriented passenger car version makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

"Larger families demand space, practicality and comfort from their car. But in the current economic climate, the need for that car to be as affordable as possible has never been greater. NV200 offers the largest cabin in its class with plenty of luggage space even when all seven seats are in use."
Simon Thomas, Nissan's European Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing

At a glance
Seven seat people carrier
Practical and functional
Innovative engineering solutions provide...
...class leading interior space
Sliding side doors for ease of entry
Economical petrol and diesel engines
Low cost of ownership
One of three vehicles based on new NV200 van
Global model for multiple regions


Designed from the outset as both a commercial and a passenger vehicle, the Nissan NV200 brings new levels of space, comfort and practicality to the small van market, both in Europe and other global markets.

NV200 will be available in three different versions: a van with the largest load space in its class and two seven seat variants – the functional Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more plush passenger car version.

Designed and built in Japan but with a key contribution from Europe, NV200 uses innovative packaging ideas to create the largest and most practical cargo area in its class. Although a little under 4.4m in overall length, the van version of the NV200 has a load bay that's more than 2m long (2040mm). This can even be stretched to 2.8m when the front passenger seat is folded flat, allowing items such as ladders to be carried with ease.

Maximised cargo area
With front-wheel drive and the adoption of a highly compact rear suspension system, the width between the rear wheel arches has been maximised while at 520mm from ground level, the floor itself is the lowest in the class to ease loading. As a result NV200 can house two standard Euro pallets in the cargo area at a time

.At 1.84m high NV200 is no taller than its rivals, but the low floor helps boost the cargo volume to 4.1m3 or around 25 per cent more than the opposition. Maximum payload is 771kg.

And although it's narrower overall than the competition (1.7m as against 1.8m) careful design has ensured that while there's no penalty inside the cabin – shoulder width is on a par with the rivals – there is a benefit in the urban environment where NV200 can be threaded through narrow gaps with ease.

Spacious interior
A large cargo area is a vital attribute for a van, of course, but the generous interior dimensions of NV200 also translate into ample passenger space in the Combi and the family version.

Both models share the same basic layout though the family has more luxurious features including chromed coloured elements to the instrument panel and door handles, different seat coverings, fabric rather than painted metal on the wheel arches and fully trimmed interior panels in the rear.

Unusually for the class, both are available with seven seats in three rows as standard: seating for three in the middle row and for two in the rear. Every seat can be reclined for greater comfort and all seven have three point seat belts.

Such is the space available that leg- and knee-room in the passenger compartment is best in class, while even with all seven seats in use there is still ample room in the luggage area for two large suitcases... something seven seat MPVs cannot achieve. With the two rear seats folded away, the luggage area can carry five such suitcases.


Adaptable interior
Unlike some other manufacturers that fit removable seats – which are invariably heavy to lift and need to be stored elsewhere when not in use – the seats in NV200 stay with the vehicle at all times. The middle row backrest has a 60/40 split to increase versatility and the entire assembly tumbles forward to fold flat against the front seats, while the rear pair fold individually to either side of the load area.

With all the passenger seats folded, the load area is large enough to carry three mountain bikes. And while traditional MPVs can also carry three bikes, there's no need to remove the front wheels when stowing them in NV200.

In most other respects NV200, the Combi and family versions are identical vehicles. Externally, NV200 marries styling cues from existing Nissan passenger and commercial vehicles and then adds a twist of its own.

But NV200 adds its own styling elements such as the dramatic upswept swage line framing the window and is complemented by a matching styling crease on the twin sliding side doors. NV200 also has its own stylish light assemblies with a one-piece upswept assembly at the front and distinctive rounded taillights at the rear.

Throughout the creation of NV200, attention has been paid to ensuring the highest levels of quality with shut lines and panel gaps in line with the expectations of passenger car buyers.

The van version has steel wheels and black painted front and rear bumpers while both passenger versions are available with body coloured bumpers and wheel trims. Alloy wheels are optionally available on the full range, while the family version also has body coloured door handles and wing mirrors and a chromed grille.

While the van optionally is available with a side window it, differs from the passenger versions at the rear where it has twin side hinged "French" doors. Both seven-seaters have a fully glazed top hinged tailgate – though the Combi will be available with French doors - while the windows on both side doors have a sliding section for extra ventilation.

Road car platform
Built on a modified version of Nissan's B Platform, which also underpins Note and Micra, NV200 has fully independent strut type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight yet robust wide leaf spring rear axle. With anti-roll bars front and rear and ripple control shock absorber at the front, the driving experience is more car than van-like. NV200 enjoys excellent straight-line stability and a comfortable ride.

Performance comes from a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel.

The petrol version will be powered by Nissan's renowned all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, as found in Micra, Note and Qashqai. Displacing 1,598cc, the 16-valve unit develops 79kW (108PS) and 153Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The diesel, also found on Note and Micra, is Alliance partner Renault's acclaimed 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) engine 1,461cc engine. Developing 200 Nm of torque and 63kW (86PS), it offers an ideal blend of performance, refinement and fuel economy. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.


Strong body structure
The on-the-road experience is heightened by the commanding driving position and by the rigid body structure which is designed to prevent twist and deformation yet still be as light as possible. Wind noise, performance and economy are also enhanced by NV200's CD figure, which is one of the lowest in its class.

To create more space in the cockpit, the gearlever extends not from the floor but from the two-tone wrap around centre console. Above the gearlever, the centre section houses the heating and ventilation controls and the double DIN radio slot. Heating and ventilation extends to all three rows of seats. While rearmost passengers are optionally provided with their own independent heater fan control.

Well equipped
Ahead of the driver is just a single instrument – the speedometer – though a digital tachometer is included as one element of a comprehensive on-board display within the panel. This provides an array of vital information including clock, drive computer, trip and odometers and a shift up display designed to promote economical driving. The computer can be programmed to show service intervals, speed limit warnings and even tyre rotation advice

The display also doubles as a screen for the optional rear view parking camera, a first for a van in this segment.

NV200's cabin is full of storage spaces, pockets and cup/bottle holders. There is also a secret storage space large enough to hide camera, mobile phones or vital documents within the upper portion of the glovebox.

Joining the parking camera, other car-like items of standard or optional equipment include features such as Nissan's Intelligent Key, power windows and ESP. Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist (BA) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as standard. Driver's airbags are also standard with side bags available as an option.

Pedestrian safety has also been considered with extra crash absorbing material in the bonnet and the adoption of an energy-absorbing bonnet.

Low cost of ownership
Cost of ownership is projected to be among the lowest in the class thanks in part to the low running costs and high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains and also thanks to the safety structure which helps to minimise crash damage to vulnerable under bonnet parts such as the radiator.

"With its intelligent layout and packaging helping to give it the largest cargo area in its class, NV200 delivers the right combination of functionality and efficiency. That same practicality can be found in both the Combi and passenger version, but with the added benefit of car-like comfort and features", said Dominique Correze, Vice President, Nissan's European LCV Business Unit.

2011 Nissan NV Debuts at NTEA Work Truck Show

Breakthrough Design Brings New Thinking to CV Van Segment

Nissan Enters North American Commercial Vehicle Market with Innovative Standard and High Roof Vans Designed to "Help Businesses Run Better"

As Nissan finalizes plans to bring its first production commercial vehicle (CV) to the North American market in late 2010, it is starting with a truly ground up design – from its rugged ladder frame to the roof rack mounting brackets on the top of the innovatively conceived and styled body. Yet the all-new Nissan NV (Nissan Van) also has the advantage of Nissan's exceptional commercial vehicle heritage, covering 75 years and more than 75 percent of the global CV market.

"The new kid on the block, as it turns out, is also a long-time player in the global commercial vehicle market. As the first non-domestic nameplate to design, manufacture and sell CVs in the United States, we bring a more than seven-decade tradition of durability, quality and reliability to our products," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Commercial Vehicles and Fleet, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "At the same time, we've taken a fresh look at every aspect of the CV business – including styling, powertrain, interiors, cost of operation and ownership, dealership sales and service operations and, most importantly, real world customer needs."

The first production models in Nissan's new North American CV lineup are the 2011 Nissan NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD. They will be available with a choice of 4.0-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 engines and in two body styles, Standard Roof (all models) and High Roof (NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD only) – with High Roof models offering stand-up walkthrough/work cargo area capability.

"It's been too many years since any manufacturer in this segment has taken a 'clean sheet' look at the needs of owners and operators in the CV segment," said Castelli. "We've invested more than five years researching the comfort, style and smart functionality demands that will enable business owners to accomplish more throughout their day. We plan on coming out of the box with segment-busting vehicles, so customer input was essential."

The NV planning team employed a wide range of innovative customer research methodologies, including focus groups, on-site visits and concept reviews. The quantitative and qualitative research took place all across America – Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, Detroit, New York, Minnesota, Arizona and other markets. The team met with large fleet owners and managers, small business owners, aftermarket suppliers and converters and rode along with owners of competitive vehicles.

"The NV is one of the most researched projects ever in the history of Nissan. We touched the market at every point possible, with the findings reflected in every aspect of the final NV design," added Castelli.

Comfortable Seating and Standing

Research showed that commercial van owners are the least satisfied of any vehicle segment, with many van owners disposing of their vehicles in favor of light duty trucks despite the compromise of convenience and utility. In developing the new Nissan NV, one of the overarching goals was to combine pickup truck-like comfort, interior amenities and drivability with a cargo van's capacity and security.

"Looking at the CV market in recent years, there's been a migration of van users to light-duty pickups due to the lack of comfort, image and dependability of the current outdated van platforms," explained Castelli. "Yet many of these truck owners admit they need a van for weather protection, security and the convenience of a tall roof van to carry large items or equipment. With the Nissan NV, we're giving them the best of both worlds."

Answering one of the major unmet owner needs – driver comfort and roominess – the Nissan NV interior starts with wide front doors for easy ingress and egress, supportive bucket seating with extensive adjustability, large armrests and a truck-like driving position with ample legroom and foot room. The available center console (removable) provides a range of integrated storage features, while the fold-down passenger seat – which is unique to the segment – adds worktable functionality and enhances the cab's feeling of openness.

Another major contributor to the pickup-like cab is the absence of the traditional CV engine "doghouse" that intrudes into the cab due to the setback engine placement. The Nissan NV utilizes a conventional truck engine layout with the engine and transmission located ahead of the firewall/A-pillar. This not only frees up space under the instrument panel and between the seats, it also provides easy under-hood access to the entire engine for routine service and maintenance.

"From the seats forward the NV looks, acts and feels like a pickup. You don't have to take apart the interior to access the engine and you don't have to worry about tucking your work boots into a cramped footwell," said Castelli. "But, make no mistake, behind the seats the NV is pure, practical van."

The NV's ample cargo area offers a 120.7-inch cargo floor length and 70.3-inch maximum cargo floor width. NV Standard Roof models offer a maximum 55.4 cargo area height, among the tallest in class. The NV High Roof provides a maximum 76.5-inches of cargo room height – enough for most users to move about the cargo area while standing up straight.

"Standard Roof NV models are designed to fit in most garages or go through most car washes and fast food drive-through lanes – along with offering easier reach to access roof racks," said Castelli. "But for so many businesses, the added cargo capacity and the ability to stand up and work inside the High Roof NV will be a priceless enhancement to their everyday operations and productivity."

Smart Functionality and Flexible Layout

Inspired by customer needs and usage, the Nissan NV offers an amazing array of smart functionality features, including storage pockets, spaces and compartments designed to provide secure access to the typical commercial customers' everyday use objects. An under seat drawer, for example, fits small tools, stationary or first aid kits, while the deep door pockets fit flashlights, legal-size binders and clipboards. High Roof models offer an available overhead console designed to hold work gloves, legal size binders, safety glasses and system books. The available center console (removable) fits letter size files and laptop computers – and includes a computer or mobile phone charging point.

"A commercial van must serve many more functions today, including acting as a mobile office for time spent on the road or at a job site," said Castelli. "We've made storage and productivity items integral to the design, rather than tacked-on afterthoughts. The result is a clean, practical and comfortable workspace for a wide variety of professions and businesses."

Along with being conceived as a "mobile office," the Nissan NV is designed to function as a "mobile workshop" – thanks to its simple, flexible cargo area layout. Along with offering wide door openings, the NV offers room between the wheelhouses to accommodate standard plywood or drywall sheets or pallets. There are also a range of cargo area tie-down rings and ample cargo area lighting.

The new Nissan NV was also designed to accommodate aftermarket outfitting and modifications. For example, the roof rack mounting brackets are designed for various rack systems without piercing holes in the roof, which can lead to corrosion and water leaks. The available "upfitter pre-wiring" allows easy access into the electrical system.

The NV also offers a full-length cargo area inner panel to protect the outer walls from dents and dings from the inside, and there are multiple weld-nut attachment points for shelving and racks – again requiring no sheet metal drilling. In addition, the NV's nearly vertical sidewalls maximize the usable cargo space, accommodating common aftermarket storage systems, as well as a bulkhead behind the driver.

Three Well-Equipped Models

Cost of ownership and operation is a critical factor in the CV segment, whether for major fleet operations or individual business owners. "From the rugged fully boxed all-steel frame to the body-on-chassis construction, the NV is designed to the highest Nissan standards of durability, quality and reliability," said Castelli. "The NV is designed to be affordable and to stand up to the abuse that real work trucks face everyday."

The new Nissan NV will launch with a choice of two engines – a powerful yet fuel efficient 4.0-liter V6 or a powerful, torquey 5.6-liter V8. Both engines will be matched to a standard 5-speed automatic.

Safety systems include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, available supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags.

The 2011 Nissan NV will be offered in three well-equipped models, the NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD. All three models will be available with the Standard Roof, while the High Roof body will be offered in the NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD models only. Additional information regarding standard features, trim levels and optional equipment will be provided later.