Nissan First Japanese Manufacturer to Target E-150 and Savanna Vans Directly
Canadian Auto Press
Seeing a similar opportunity that Ford recently did with its Transit Connect compact commercial van and Mercedes-Benz now does by taking control of Sprinter sales from Dodge and Freightliner, Nissan just introduced the 2011 NV (Nissan Van) at the National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) annual Work Truck Show in St. Louis, MO.
Nissan Introduces First Commercial Vehicle for North American Market
Most North American consumers won’t be aware of Nissan’s depth of experience in the commercial vehicle (CV) market, at least globally, a heritage that marks “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 and manufacture in the United States, as well as sell across North America, we bring a more than seven-decade tradition of durability, quality and reliability to our products,” said Mark Grimm, President, Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI). “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.”
A true work van, the NV is based on Nissan’s light-duty truck platform (Titan, Frontier), incorporating a strong fully boxed, full-length ladder frame ideal for hauling heavy loads and towing. Available in three trim levels, NV1500, NV2500 and NV3500, for (you guessed it) half, three-quarter and one-ton load capability, all models can also be had in Standard Roof whereas NV2500 and NV3500 can be had in High Roof guise. The High Roof version allows occupants to stand fully upright as they walk through the van.
“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,” commented Joe Castelli, vice president, Commercial Vehicles and Fleet, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). “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 features a high quality cabin filled with available features if dressed up, and the seats appear more comfortable and supportive than those currently offered by domestic automakers. Handy features are included like a front passenger seat that folds flat, a removable centre floor console designed to hold hanging file folders, a spot for pens and other items in the lid, and a lower bin ideally sized to hold a clipboard.
The rear doors open 243-degrees so that they’re totally out of the way when loading, while the side doors lock into place when open so as not to interfere with loading while parked on an incline.
There won’t be any mistaking the new NV for anything but a Nissan, the brand’s corporate truck nose squarely up front in full chrome, and the uniquely shaped rear window as seen on the Armada, Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue, a dead giveaway. It can be had in six colours, Avalanche (white), Red Alert (bright red), Super Black, Radiant Silver, Tuscan Sun (what looks to be a dark burnt orange), and Navy Blue.
“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.
Lastly, the NV will be available with two powertrains, a 4.0-litre V6 in standard trim and the option of a 5.6-litre V8. Heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes will keep loads under control.
The NV will be built alongside the Titan and Frontier pickup trucks, and Armada, Pathfinder and Xterra SUVs in Canton, Mississippi, and will be sold in late 2010 across Canada through a specially selected group of Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers. Nissan has a dedicated site for its commercial vehicle business, found at www.nissancommercialvehicles.com, for more information.
