Nissan’s “All-Around Collision Free” Prototype to Demonstrate Advanced Accident Avoidance Systems at ITS World Congress
24th November 2008 4:00 pm nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will demonstrate its advanced “All-Around Collision Free” prototype vehicle - complete with two all-new accident avoidance technologies- at the 15th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The ITS World Congress, to be held at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Center, from Nov. 16 - 20, showcases future vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications systems.
This is the first time the “All-Around Collision Free” prototype will be displayed in the United States and the world’s first demonstration of Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP). The prototype also incorporates Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and two current production technologies, Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP).
The “All-Around Collision Free” prototype vehicle further extends Nissan’s “Safety Shield” concept to help protect the vehicle and its occupants from potential risks coming from multiple directions. Following is a brief overview of the key systems:
Side Collision Prevention: As the vehicle begins to change lanes, side-mounted sensors activate a warning if another vehicle is detected in the intended lane. A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle, to help prevent a potential collision by moving the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel.
Back-up Collision Prevention: During a backing maneuver, such as backing out of a parking space, rear and side-mounted sensors detect objects in the path of the vehicle. If an object is detected, an alarm sounds and then the brakes are activated to help avoid a collision.
Distance Control Assist and Lane Departure Prevention: Distance Control Assist (DCA) detects the distance to objects in front of the vehicle. When the vehicle is approaching an object, DCA will display a warning symbol, sound an alarm, and move the accelerator pedal up against the driver’s foot. If the throttle is not being applied, DCA will gently apply the brakes to help encourage deceleration.
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) assists with maintaining lane position by detecting lane markers and calculating position relative to them. If the vehicle approaches the lane markers, a warning illuminates and an alarm sounds. If the vehicle continues to travel toward the lane markers, the system activates the yaw mechanism (described in SCP above) to help move the vehicle toward the center of the lane.
Both the DCA and LDP systems complement the SCP and BCP to move toward an “All-Around Collision Free” prototype. These warning systems and preventive safety features are designed to help support the driver in an intuitive manner with minimal intervention.
About Nissan Safety Shield
As part of its commitment to continuously improve the safety of its vehicles, Nissan has developed and advanced many pre-crash and crash protection technologies. These innovations are part of Nissan’s “Safety Shield” concept: an advanced, proactive approach to safety issues based on the idea that advanced technology in vehicles helps protect people. This approach provides various measures to help the driver and passengers better avoid dangers in ways that are optimized to each of a wide range of circumstances that the vehicle may be in, from “risk has not yet appeared” to “post-crash”.
On a global level, Nissan is committed to building safe vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies. In Japan, the company’s safety vision is to halve the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the level in 1995.
Nissan And Jaea Employ Nuclear Physics To Study Engine Lubrication
23rd November 2008 4:00 pm nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) today announced that they have jointly developed a neutron imaging system that has provided the world’s first precise visualization of oil flow in an engine operating at high speed.
Combining neutron radiography to visualize through lightweight metals with high-speed imaging technology*1 to capture dynamic events, the imaging system gives researchers an unprecedented chance to study the behaviour of lubricating oil*2 as it circulates through an automobile engine or drivetrain.
Using its expertise in innovative atomic research, JAEA together with Nissan will conduct visualization test studies on engines to determine the causes of friction loss from the recorded behaviour of internal lubricating oil flow. The goal of the study is to redesign engines for optimal oil circulation with reduced friction in order to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in vehicles. The joint research is being conducted at JAEA’s Tokai R&D Center*3.
Under the Nissan Green Program 2010, Nissan will continue its collaborative research to develop new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions of CO2 emissions.
Nissan Brand Launches in Korea
23rd November 2008 10:00 am nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) announced the Nissan brand officially launches today in Korea. Leading the Nissan brand expansion into Korea are the Murano premium mid-size crossover and the Rogue compact crossover. The Nissan range will be available through four showrooms in Seoul, Gyeonggi and Busan.
“The introduction of the Nissan brand in Korea represents an important part of the company’s continuing focus on our global business growth,” said Gilles Normand, corporate vice president in charge of the Korean market business at NML. “Korea is in fact, one of the last major global automotive markets not served by the Nissan brand, and so today has special significance for the company.”
The initial lineup of Nissan models will be followed first by the Altima sedan early next year and then the high performance Nissan GT-R supercar. The Nissan brand comes to the Korean market three years after the introduction of Infiniti, the company’s luxury brand.
“With the arrival of the Nissan brand to the Korean market today, we now have two distinctive brands to meet our customers’ diverse needs, and we are the first Japanese automotive company to introduce both the luxury and the premium brand in the market,” said Greg Phillips, President of Nissan Korea Co., Ltd. (NKL). “We’re confident that the globally recognized Nissan brand will be welcomed in this new market.”
In addition to the four Nissan showrooms now open, NKL schedules to open a Nissan outlet next year in Incheon as just one more sales point in a dedicated dealer network being built for the Nissan brand across the country.
Murano is available at 48.9 million won, including VAT. Rogue is offered as 2WD, 4WD Deluxe and 4WD Premium and is priced at 29.9 million won, 34.6 million won and 35.9 million won, including VAT, respectively.
Renault Nissan Alliance And Yokohama City To Pursue Zero Emission Mobility
17th November 2008 5:00 pm nissan
Renault Nissan Alliance and the city of Yokohama today announced a partnership to study sustainable mobility solutions for Yokohama. Under the Environment Model City* pilot, Yokohama aims to achieve significant CO2 reductions by experimenting with a range of methodologies across key sectors including transportation, housing and renewable energy development.
Nissan will introduce an all-electric vehicle in Yokohama by 2010, making the city one of the first in the world to offer the vehicle.
The scope of the Memorandum of Understanding will examine the following:
1. Measures to promote eco-driving
2. Study of route navigation systems to alleviate traffic congestion
3. Measures to promote mass acceptance of electric vehicles
3-1) Customer incentives
3-2) Development of electric-charging infrastructure
Nissan has been piloting its Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), combining telematics and vehicle navigation system, to offer real-time traffic solutions in Yokohama since September 2006. The University of Tokyo is also participating to monitor and evaluate the progress of the program.
“Through our Environment Model City pilot, we hope to define an innovative vision that leads to CO2 reduction, sustainability and improved quality of life for our citizens. We look forward to a mutually-beneficial partnership with Nissan,” said Yokohama Mayor Hiroshi Nakada.
“Nissan firmly believes the solution to sustainable mobility can be achieved with electric vehicles. We look forward to working with the city of Yokohama to make electric vehicles a sensible, attractive and eco-friendly choice for customers,” said Carlos Tavares, executive vice president of Nissan.
The Renault Nissan Alliance aims to be a global leader in zero-emission vehicles. The Alliance has entered into partnerships worldwide including Israel, Denmark, Portugal, France and the State of Tennessee in the U.S.
* The City of Yokohama has been selected by the government in July 2008 as an Environment Model City and aims to achieve 30% or more reduction in CO2 emissions per capita (compared to the ratio in fiscal year 2004).
Nissan Technology Square’ On Display In Malaysia
17th November 2008 9:00 am nissan
”NISSAN TECHNOLOGY SQUARE”, jointly organized by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd kicks off today in Malaysia. A scale model of Nissan’s highly distinctive PIVO2 electric concept and several other of the company’s technologies will be showcased at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The public will be able to view the exhibition until Nov. 9, 2008.
Through the exhibition, interactive displays and demonstrations, Nissan delivers its technologies address the environment, safety and innovation.
At the exhibition booth, Nissan is going to hold programs for university students. Itaru Nishikawa, President of Nissan Technical Center South East Asia in Thailand will share Nissan’s current and advanced automotive technologies with students. Approach to leaning aligns with Nissan’s commitment to education which is part of an overall corporate citizenship strategy.
“The auto industry is facing many serious challenges, increasing demand for a cleaner planet and more cars in global market. We would like to share how Nissan is addressing the solution for these demand as a citizenship in the sustainable society. ” said Itaru Nishikawa at the press conference.
Malaysia is the fourth market to hold this event after Taiwan in May, Indonesia in August, and Singapore in September.
Nissan Launches All-New X-Trail In China
6th November 2008 4:00 pm nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) today launched the all-new X-TRAIL. X-TRAIL is the fourth passenger vehicle to be launched this year in China from the partnership between Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL).
X-TRAIL will be marketed under the Chinese name “Qijun,” which translates as a fast and tough horse and matches the vehicle’s positioning as an authentic 4×4 that is also at home in an urban environment.
X-TRAIL brings Chinese customers a fresh alternative for both on- and off-road driving excitement.
Delivering the latest technology, including all-mode 4×4-i, X-TRAIL will be offered in five grades, including two with the gasoline-powered 2.0 liter engine (MR20DE), and three with the gasoline-powered 2.5 liter engine (QR25DE). Both engines are available with a six-speed manual transmission and CVT.
X-TRAIL ranges in price from RMB 207,800 (USD: $30,558) to RMB 258,800 (USD: $38,058). DFL projects monthly sales of more than 2,500 units.
The launch of X-TRAIL complements DFL’s full model line-up of passenger vehicles for China, which includes luxury and mid-sized sedans, hatchbacks, MPVs and crossovers.
More than 800,000 units of the first generation of X-TRAIL, first introduced in 2000, were sold in 167 countries. Previewed at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2007, the second generation X-TRAIL has achieved sales of 140,000 units since launch.
X-TRAIL is manufactured at DFL’s Huadu plant, the third facility to build X-TRAIL. Japan and Indonesia also manufacture X-TRAIL.
Note: Amounts in dollars are translated for the convenience of the reader at the foreign exchange rate of 6.8 RMB per 1 U.S. dollar.
Nissan Net Income At 126.3 Billion Yen In Fy08 First Half
6th November 2008 9:00 am nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2008, ending March 31, 2009, as well as second-quarter performance. In the six months through September, net income after tax totaled 126.3 billion yen (US $1.19 billion, euro 0.78 billion), down 40.5% compared with the same period last year due mainly to the negative impact of foreign exchange rates, the severe decline in the US market, provisions for risk on leased vehicles in North America and product mix deterioration.
Net revenues amounted to 4.8693 trillion yen (US $45.89 billion, euro 29.91 billion) in the April-to-September period, down 3.9% compared with a year ago. Operating profit totaled 191.6 billion yen (US $1.81 billion, euro 1.18 billion), down 47.8%, while the operating profit margin came to 3.9%. Ordinary profit amounted to 202.7 billion yen (US $1.91 billion, euro 1.25 billion), down 43.7%.
In the first half, Nissan sold 1,902,000 vehicles worldwide, up 4.7% compared with last year. In North America, sales were 666,000 units, down 0.9%. Sales in the U.S. were 516,000 units, down 3.4%. In a market that was down 15.1%, Nissan saw its market share rise by 0.9% to 7.2%. Sales in Japan were down 4.3% at 318,000 units. In Europe, sales were up 0.7% at 306,000 units. Across the General Overseas Markets, sales were up by 20.6% to 612,000 units, driven by growth in China and the Middle East.
“The global financial and economic crisis has had a profound effect on every area of our industry, with the grip on credit and declining consumer confidence being the most damaging factors,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “Since we see no relief in the second half, we are taking all necessary and responsible measures to protect the company and preserve our ability to rebound when conditions improve.”
In the July-to-September second quarter, Nissan’s net income totaled 73.5 billion yen (US $0.69 billion, euro 0.45 billion), down 38.8%. Net revenues amounted to 2.5221 trillion yen (US $23.77 billion, euro 15.49 billion), down 3.7% compared with a year ago. Operating profit totaled 111.7 billion yen (US $1.05 billion, euro 0.69 billion), down 48.9%, while the operating profit margin came to 4.4%. Ordinary profit amounted to 120.2 billion yen (US $1.13 billion, euro 0.74 billion), down 42.5%. Nissan sold a total of 966,000 vehicles worldwide in the second quarter, up 2.7% compared with the prior year.
In fiscal year 2008, Nissan will launch a total of nine all-new products globally. The second quarter saw one new product, Qashqai+2, launched in Europe. During the second half of the fiscal year, five new products will be introduced globally: NP200 in South Africa; KIX mini-SUV, Cube and Fairlady Z in Japan; and Infiniti G37 convertible in the U.S.
The effects of the global financial and economic crisis have created conditions of extreme volatility and uncertainty that are expected to continue for the remainder of FY08. Despite the lack of reliable economic and industry forecasts and taking into consideration most factors affecting our activities, the company has revised its operating profit and its net income forecast for the full fiscal year 2008 to 270 billion yen (US $2.54 billion, euro 1.66 billion) and 160 billion yen (US $1.51 billion, euro 0.98 billion), respectively.
As a consequence of the revised operating profit forecast, the company will pay an interim dividend of 11 yen per share. Details of the second payment, based on the approval of the shareholders, will be provided at the Annual General Shareholders Meeting in June 2009.
Notes: Amounts in dollars and euros are translated for the convenience of the reader at the foreign exchange rates of 106.1 yen/dollar and 162.8 yen/euro, the average rates for the first six months of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.
Nissan Releases New KIX Mini SUV
2nd November 2008 3:00 pm nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the new KIX mini sport utility vehicle (SUV), which went on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.
Marketed under the tagline of “SHIFT_Active,” the KIX is a compact, dependable, high-utility SUV designed for people with active lifestyles. In fact, the name KIX is derived from “kicks,” an American slang term for “an exciting or highly enjoyable activity.” In addition, “X,” in mathematics, refers to an “unknown quantity” - reinforcing the idea that the new Nissan KIX offers owners the potential for spirited, exciting experiences and adventures yet to come.
Rugged Exterior, Comfortable and Practical Interior
The KIX’s exterior styling expresses the tough, rugged looks that are a hallmark of all Nissan SUVs. The rugged-looking front grille continues Nissan’s signature SUV design. It features vertical lines and a gun metallic finish, a look complemented by the massive, body-colored bumpers. In the rear, the hard spare tire half-cover is designed around the motif of an auxiliary fuel tank. The KIX comes in six attractive body colors, including Medium Gray Metallic (M).
Inside, the KIX interior projects a refined, sporty image based on a black monotone color scheme, which imparts a sporty, refined impression. The versatile seating arrangements and luggage area, with an abundance of handy storage areas, attests to the meticulous attention paid to convenience and functionality. Covering the seats is a sporty-looking black fabric adorned with blue points.
The KIX also offers high eye point (1,399 millimeters from the ground), which gives the driver excellent forward and rearward visibility, making the KIX easy to drive.
Outstanding All-Around Performance
Powering the Nissan KIX is the A430 intercooled turbo inline 4-cylinder engine. This refined single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 16-valve engine delivers powerful and smooth performance in all types of situations, from around-town driving to expressway cruising or navigating mountain roads.
KIX’s wide track and a long wheelbase ensure excellent straight-line stability and outstanding ride comfort. The front strut suspension is combined with a 5-link coil-spring rear suspension to provide improved ride quality, handling and stability for greater driving comfort. Thanks to its compact body and transversely mounted engine, the KIX achieves a minimum turning radius of 4.8 meters for nimble maneuverability.
Along with the exceptional driving performance provided by the efficient turbocharged engine, the KIX is fitted with an easy-to-select 4WD system for superb dynamic performance at all times. Changing between 2WD and 4WD operating modes is made easy by the transfer case shift lever.
In addition, the combination of ample road clearance (approach angle: 38°, departure angle: 46°, and minimum ground clearance: 195 mm) and large 15-inch diameter tires helps KIX deliver impressive rough-road driving performance.
The KIX is supplied to Nissan by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation under an OEM agreement.
Sales target: 300 units/month
Price range: 1,402,800 yen to 1,591,800 yen, including consumption tax
Sales launch events: Saturday, Sunday, Monday (national holiday), November 1-3, and Saturday and Sunday, November 8-9, 2008
All-New 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe Readies For Debut
2nd November 2008 10:00 am nissan
Nissan offers the first look at the upcoming 2009 370Z Coupe, which makes its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19th.
  
The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style and value. The all-new Z will go on sale at Nissan dealers in early 2009.
Nissan Syncs With Google Maps For Easy Navigation
31st October 2008 3:00 pm nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced today the addition of Google Maps (Japan), an innovative online mapping service, to its CARWINGS navigation system. Users can now send locations found on Google Maps directly to their vehicle’s onboard navigation.
Combining the two user-friendly services allows users the versatility of planning travels on their home computers in addition to their onboard Nissan CARWINGS navigation system. Saving time by doing away with the hassle of scribbling down directions, users can just search and save locations with just a couple of clicks.
The process is relatively quick and easy. Users begin by searching Google Maps for a specific address or category and the results will appear on a map. The desired location can then be saved directly to Nissan’s CARWINGS navigation device through the Send-to function*1 after inputting a CARWINGS ID. This reduces delays so that users can resume their search for more places or get in their car and go.
On the road, the telematics agent*2 in CARWINGS, will convert the data received from Google Maps into the navigation system’s information channel and sets the destination based on the received map data. Together with the system’s HDD database, this user-generated content provides added convenience to drivers.
Nissan will continue to add progressive features, such as Google Maps and collaborate with online content providers to give customers compelling and convenient services in today’s increasingly mobile world.
*1. The service will make use of Google maps’ new feature “car navigation link” which will become available in Japan on Oct. 29 to assist with navigation systems. This allows for the forwarding of searched geographic information to navigation systems as easily as it does for Email addresses via computers and cellphones.
*2. The CARWINGS telematics agent, announced on September 29, 2006, plays a key role in onboard information systems by converting various types of content into a format compatible with the navigation system. It does the necessary conversions for the information channel to make Internet content, such as RSS feeds and the original Nissan extension “CARWINGS casting” usable by the navigation system. The agent converts data sent to the information channel from Google Maps using the navigation-link feature, adding convenience for drivers by making location information available in the car.
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