FOUR forward-looking concepts will take centre stage on the Nissan stand at the Geneva Motor Show next month, it was announced today.
They will join a full complement of innovative models that demonstrate the strength and depth of Nissan’s diverse range… a range that helped the company to record sales success in 2011.
Among the key new concepts will be the world premiere of INVITATION, a design set to inspire a new production model due in Europe during 2013. When launched, this new model will join Micra and Juke to give Nissan the broadest offering of any manufacturer in the compact hatchback segment.
A confident and energetic design, INVITATION offers a modern and spacious interior in a compact overall package. Showcasing the latest Nissan thinking in terms of lightweight construction and advanced engine design, this striking new concept has been designed to deliver spirited dynamics along with exceptional fuel economy and low emissions – the no-compromise approach for which the company is becoming renowned.
It also packs some of the most advanced technology seen in a car of its class, including the acclaimed Around View Monitor which gives a bird’s eye view of a car for easy parking, and Nissan Safety Shield Technologies which use cameras and proximity sensors to alert the driver to potential danger.
INVITATION is one of two concepts being given their world premiere at Geneva. Details of the second are being kept closely guarded until the show itself.
And there’s more. Two further concepts, both hinting at future directions for Nissan, will be given their European debuts at Geneva.
The first, e-NV200, previews Nissan’s next 100 per cent electric vehicle. It is based on the multi award-winning NV200 that can offer affordable family transport with seating for up to seven. NV200 was recently chosen as the base for the next-generation New York yellow cab and will soon be a regular sight on the streets of the Big Apple.
e-NV200 demonstrates Nissan’s next step in zero-emission leadership, following on from the multi-award-winning LEAF passenger car, already on sale and on the road in the UK.
Another glimpse of the future will be provided by the Juke NISMO Concept, pictured right. First seen in December at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, it adds serious sporting appeal to the distinctive Juke crossover.
NISMO, Nissan’s legendary motorsports division, has inspired the Juke NISMO Concept and gives the first glimpse into the company’s strategy to create performance and premium sports versions of mainstream Nissan models; models that are guaranteed to deliver driving excitement.
The four concepts will be joining one of the widest ranges available from any manufacturer – everything from the Pixo city car and Micra supermini via best-selling crossovers like Juke and Qashqai, tough 4x4s like Pathfinder and Navara, and the pioneering Nissan LEAF EV to the awesome GT-R supercar.
Innovation and excitement
In keeping with Nissan’s commitment to continual improvement, many of the production cars on the stand will either show minor revisions for the 2012 model year or be special versions providing added value and excitement for buyers.
But there remains one constant, which is common to every vehicle wearing a Nissan badge. Every Nissan, car or van, is infused with the company’s DNA: innovation and excitement.
It’s a formula that has clearly found favour with buyers – despite the economic downturn, Nissan in Europe enjoyed its best year in 2011. Sales were up 25 per cent on 2010, giving the company its highest ever market share of 3.7 per cent.
Paul Willcox, senior vice president, sales and marketing Europe, said: ‘This performance is driven by segment-defining models designed, engineered and built in Europe, for Europe.
‘The future product vision promised by these four concept vehicles – when added to the strength and depth of our full range – shows the confidence coursing through every aspect of Nissan today. We are on target to become the top Asian brand right across Europe by 2016.’