Nissan Introduces Energy Efficient Car Carrier to Japan Shipping Route

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled the Nichioh Maru, an energy efficient coastal car carrier which will transport completed vehicles and parts on one of Japan's main maritime shipping routes.

The Nichioh Maru, newly built by Shin Kurushima Dockyard Co., Ltd., has installed solar power panels for the first time on a coastal ship in Japan and is propelled by an electronically controlled diesel engine. It employs LED lighting in the ship's hold and living quarters, and its hull is painted with the latest low friction coating, among other energy-efficient features onboard.

Compared to an existing car carrier of the same type, this ship can achieve a fuel reduction of up to nearly 1,400 tons annually, which converts to an annual reduction of 4,200 tons of CO2 emissions.

Nitto Kaiun Corporation, one Nissan's main sea transport partners, will operate the Nichioh Maru on the main maritime route among the Kanto (Oppama), Kinki (Kobe) and Kyushu (Kanda) regions. The company usually operates four sailings per week on this route, but it will increase to six times per week with the addition of the new carrier. Augmenting this service is expected to help improve the transport of Nissan vehicles to their destinations.

Aiming for a leading low corporate carbon footprint is a key pillar of the Nissan Green Program 2016, the company's new mid-term environmental action plan. Under this plan, Nissan is engaged in the development of zero-emission and environmentally-friendly vehicles, as well as CO2 reduction efforts during vehicle production, logistics activities, and in its offices and sales points. The new energy efficient car carrier will help to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Nissan's logistics.

 

**  Courtesy of Nissan U.S. Media Newsroom

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NISMO and JR Motorsports Release the Nissan GT-R (R35) Conforming to FIA GT3 Regulations

NISSAN MOTORSPORTS INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD. (NISMO) has announced the official release of a Nissan GT-R (R35) that conforms to FIA GT3 regulations: the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3.

NISMO and JR Motorsports (JRM), its official partner for this major project, have been jointly developing the car during 2011 and, following a series of extensive tests - which have included three competitive outings - the car's performance and durability has proven its credentials for GT3 racing worldwide.

The Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 features a 3.8 V6 twin-turbo engine that is based on a standard road car unit, developing 530ps at 6400 rpm. Power is delivered via six-speed transaxle that drives the rear wheels, activated by a semi-automatic paddle-shift system.

Designed with customers in mind, driveability has been an important factor in the new car's development program. Therefore, as well as featuring a chassis that inspires confidence, suspension set-up and driver controls can easily be adjusted to suit a range of preferences.

The car was displayed at the UK at Autosport International (Europe's biggest motorsport exhibition) on January 12. The car appeared alongside the GT1 Nissan GT-R that won the 2011 FIA GT1 World Championship.

Sales and customer support for the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 will be implemented by NISMO for Japan, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania, whilst JRM will cover Europe, Russia and the Middle East.

The car is priced at 298,000 Euro (32,000,000 JPY)*. Enquiries should be made to either NISMO or JRM.

 

**  Courtesy of Nissan Newsroom

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Nissan Sets “A World in Motion” With SAE Foundation

In 2007, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn announced a $1.5 million pledge to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Foundation to develop a Primary Curriculum for the “A World in Motion” (AWIM) program. The program is targeted specifically to students in the kindergarten through 3rd grades because national statistics indicate that many children fall behind and lose interest in science in the crucial 4th and 5th grades. SAE used Nissan’s donation to create four books and teaching guides that were pilot-tested and fine-tuned in U.S. elementary school classrooms.

At the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, a press conference was held to show the results prior to the AWIM program’s official rollout in the United States and Canada. Attending the press conference were 100 students from local Detroit-area schools, along with NTCNA Vice President Bob Sump, SAE Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, Mark Johnson, and fourth-grade teacher Amanda Blake, who has been piloting the program at Nashville’s Glenview Elementary School.

Students from kindergarten through fourth grade demonstrated the fresh, exciting, literature-based approach to science and problem-solving using books from the program with titles such as The Three Little Pigs’ Sledding Adventure and The Rocket Age Takes Off.

“If we can introduce students to the wonders of science or the usefulness of math in their early years, we may nurture a passion that will stay with them forever,” said Sump. “Programs such as this may help encourage more young men and women to pursue careers in science and engineering – careers that are essential for industries like ours.”

 

**  Courtesy of Nissan USA Newsroom

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Nissan Introduces World's First Self-Healing iPhone Case

• 
  Nissan announces unique self-healing iPhone case - the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case
• The case uses innovations from the automotive world to create a robust iPhone case, including Nissan's pioneering self-healing paint finish
• Nissan's Scratch Shield paint is a world first in paint technology that allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves
• Addition benefits such as scratch-resistant and easier-to-grip than normal glossy phone surfaces
• The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is made from ABS plastic - a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry to create a more rigid, robust, and tighter-fitting case
• Trial underway with initial batch of prototypes

Nissan today announced the latest piece of must-have kit for the iPhone* - a ground-breaking self-healing iPhone case. The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand's pioneering self-healing paint finish, a world first in paint technology developed in 2005 and already used on a number of Nissan and Infiniti models. Now this ground-breaking technology has been applied to a product that's prone to scratches through everyday use - the smartphone - with Nissan's new Scratch Shield case meaning iPhone-lovers can keep their phone looking at its best for longer.

Developed by Nissan in collaboration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc., the unique Scratch Shield paint finish was initially designed for automotive use and is available on the Nissan Murano, 370Z and X-Trail along with the Infiniti range of products. Now, thanks to Nissan's pioneering approach, this technology is being trialled for the first time on a non-automotive product in Europe, with the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case.

The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case has been designed using several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case has three key benefits: the highly flexible and elastic properties of Scratch Shield paint technology allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves**; its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more scratch-resistant than conventional paint and provides a better grip; and the case itself is made of ABS plastic - a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust than other plastics. The outer ‘paint' is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap - 'healing' the blemish.

An initial batch of prototypes of the innovative Scratch Shield iPhone cases has been produced by Nissan for BETA testing with selected journalists and customers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the cases on general sale later this year.

Bob Laishley, Overseas Programme Director Business Development for Nissan in Europe, said: "We like to think laterally by taking the great innovations we've got from an automotive point of view, and looking at how they could be applied to improve everyday issues. The Scratch Shield iPhone case is a great example of us taking a Nissan automotive technology that has had a huge impact for our customers, and then shifting the boundaries to apply it to another everyday product.

"We're really excited about the possibilities provided by this technology. In Japan, we've already linked up with world-leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo to allow them to use the Scratch Shield technology on its Style Series N-03B mobile phones, and we think this technology has real scope beyond the automotive world. We're passionate about innovations that get people excited, and that means not being restricted to one industry or genre."

Nissan has been licensing its unique technologies for various non-automotive applications since 2004. Other technologies that have been licensed include its Miniature Thermal Imaging Sensor: initially designed to make driving at night safer by detecting the presence of people even in places not illuminated by the car's headlights; the technology has been licensed to create a device which allows customers to monitor heat generation, or collect temperature readings via infrared sensor. Nissan will continue to research and develop breakthrough technologies that can benefit other industries, and promote these non-automotive applications globally.

Nissan has long been an innovator when it comes to advancements in the automotive world, heralding the start of a remarkable new era in motoring when it launched the first Crossover, the Nissan Murano, followed by the hugely-successful Qashqai and recently joined by the Juke - with its innovative fusion of compact SUV and sports car styling. Nissan's range of crossovers has since gone from strength to strength, with the Nissan Qashqai selling more than a quarter of a million models last year in Europe and the newly launched Juke having now notched-up 120 thousand sales. Built in Nissan's manufacturing plant in the UK, these two models helped the plant break its all-time production record to build 480 thousand units in 2011.

Currently the Nissan Juke-R, another Nissan Innovation combining the transmission, drive train and engine of a Nissan GT-R with a Juke, is being put to the test on the streets of Dubai. To celebrate this event, Nissan has joined forces with Ministry of Sound, who will be hosting a pre-race party for Nissan with internationally renowned DJ Pete Tong, to release the first 100 of the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case prototypes.

 

**  Courtesy of Nissan

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Nissan e-NV200 Concept Previews Future Affordable, Multi-Usage Zero Emissions Small Van

The innovative Nissan e-NV200 Concept, which makes it world debut at the 2012 North American Auto Show in Detroit, serves as more evidence of Nissan’s leadership position in the zero-emission automotive industry. Based on the popular Nissan NV200 multi-usage vehicle, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction.

“With its ‘no gas, no tailpipe, no emissions’ powertrain, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept combines a quiet, comfortable driving experience with a large, highly versatile, functional interior space within a compact overall body length,” said Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “A potential game changing vehicle in its segment, the battery capacity will support a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF, while payload and cargo space will offer the same level as the current NV200. The production version would be targeted mainly at businesses, but also at private users or families in major regions.”

As a potential mass production vehicle, Nissan e-NV200 Concept would also provide a reduction in operating costs compared to current internal combustion engine vehicles.

“A vehicle like the Nissan e-NV200 Concept would energize the current compact van market in more ways than one – helping improve the quality of urban life and providing a smart financial investment for large and small businesses alike,” Murakami added.

NV200 Functionality, Nissan EV Identity
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept exterior starts with a foundation of a production Nissan NV200, then adds strong visual cues from the breakthrough Nissan LEAF EV. The versatile and highly acclaimed NV200 light commercial vehicle won the 2010 International Van of the Year award for Nissan, as well as the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, an organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. On top of those, it received the CDV of the 2010 Year award in China, while also establishing its presence in Japan as segment leader with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

The Nissan e-NV200 Concept’s EV-style identity starts with its front “face.” The wide hood is accented by a large central charging port door, the blue–accented Nissan badge, and sweeping headlights with LED illuminated accents. The exterior is highlighted by the interaction of the strong main character lines and its broad body surfaces. Large front windows and long rear greenhouse combine with a pair of large glass roof panels to create an airy, open interior environment. The exterior is painted in a customized color, following the concept of the Nissan LEAF’s Aqua Blue, which expresses a sense of environmental friendliness.

Inside, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept interior depicts a clean, modern Nissan EV identity through use of the EV meters, blue colored accents and bright interior color palette, while also retaining the NV200’s strong functional feeling. The e-NV200 Concept interior also features advanced telematics and a flat C-cluster display that resembles and responds to user input like a tablet computer.

“The Nissan e-NV200 Concept is a standout design, sharing the iconic EV look established by the Nissan LEAF but in a modern, active, functional commercial vehicle form,” said Murakami. “Inside, it offers a smart, convenient cockpit along with an EV feel and an easy-operational interface.”

Zero Emission Drivetrain
The Nissan e-NV200 Concept shares its major drivetrain components with the innovative Nissan LEAF.

Silent, zero emission power is supplied is by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 207 lb-ft (280 N-m/rpm) of torque. Unlike a conventional internal combustion engine, the motor delivers 100% of its torque from start with immediate response bringing excellent acceleration and smooth, comfortable driving feel.

And, like the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered vehicles. In line with the Nissan LEAF, the Nissan e-NV200 Concept offers excellent projected fuel economy – a critical factor for commercial vehicle operators.

Real World Testing Underway
In addition to the global debut of the Nissan e-NV200 Concept, evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are currently being conducted to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various global markets. The initial trial was conducted in summer 2011 by the Japan Post Service, which used a single prototype for delivery and collection duties in Yokohama, Japan. Additional testing began in London last month in conjunction with FedEx. Feedback will help Nissan tailor future battery-powered light commercial vehicles to better fulfilll exact customer requirements.

Nissan’s New York “Taxi of Tomorrow”
As a true global product, the Nissan NV200 is produced in Japan, Europe and China, and is currently available in 40 countries. Future launches are planned for North America and India. Undoubtedly its most visible role to date will begin in late 2013 when the Nissan NV200 becomes the foundation for New York City’s new designated yellow cab, serving an estimated 600,000 passengers a day.

Selected over other global manufacturers for its combination of compact exterior and maximum interior space in a multi-year “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition, the all-new Nissan NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers.

Interior features planned for the Nissan NV200 Taxi include a spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers, sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit, passenger-controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a Grape Polyphenol filter to improve cabin air quality, enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher, and breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery.

 

**  Courtesy of Nissan Newsroom

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Nissan Reinvents the Pathfinder as the Next-Gen SUV with New Aerodynamic Styling and Enhanced Fuel Economy

Nissan is reinventing its popular Pathfinder SUV to appeal to customers looking for SUV capabilities with more passenger comfort, innovative technology and fuel-efficient performance. The Pathfinder Concept, on display at the North American International Auto Show, previews the all-new look, style and attitude Nissan will bring to the segment when the next-gen Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pathfinder, Nissan’s best-known nameplate in the United States, is one of 20 new or redesigned products Nissan plans to introduce in this market within the next two years.

“Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned.”

Pathfinder Concept: Modern Design, 7-Passenger SUV Capabilities
At first glance, it is clear the Pathfinder Concept is a game-changer for the Nissan brand. The stylish fourth-generation Pathfinder design brings a new look and packaging that’s ideal for adventurous owners who need versatility and SUV capability without compromise. The sweeping character lines of the Pathfinder Concept give a hint of a design language that will carry through future Nissan models. The Pathfinder Concept also features innovative 3-row interior flexibility and room for seven passengers.

The new Pathfinder’s aerodynamic body is combined with a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to make it one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. It is projected to deliver an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). In addition to offering an intuitive four-wheel-drive system, the new Pathfinder will also have towing capacity competitive with the leaders in the segment.

While the Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder’s roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship – with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. Additional information will be available soon.

 

**  Courtesy of Nissan Newsroom

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Nissan Pathfinder Re-imagined

The Nissan Pathfinder Concept, which is set for its world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show beginning on January 9th, takes all of Pathfinder’s traditional SUV hallmarks and wraps them in a new platform and dramatic new aerodynamic body.

With thoughtful technology, comfortable seating for seven and ample cargo room, the 4-wheel drive Pathfinder Concept previews the next-gen production Pathfinder that is scheduled to go on sale next fall.

 

**  Courtesy of Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom