Nissan of Elk Grove

11.08.2011 , FRANKLIN, Tenn.

Nissan Announces New NV Passenger Van with Enhanced Usability, Safety and Comfort; Set to Debut in Spring 2012

? NV3500 HD Joins Innovative Nissan NV Commercial Vans in Providing Dependability, Durability and Style, Along With a Low Cost of Ownership ?

Just one year after its entry into the commercial vehicle business in North America with the segment-changing Nissan NV commercial van series, Nissan is expanding the lineup with the debut in spring 2012 of a new NV3500 HD Passenger Van. Offered for both personal and fleet use, the 4-row/12-passenger Nissan NV3500 HD features the most flexible seating configurations in the full-size passenger van segment, along with one of the highest standard horsepower and torque ratings.

"Just as we did prior to shaking up the commercial van category with the highly innovative Nissan NV, we first did our homework in the full-size van segment by studying the real-world needs, wants and desires of both families and fleet operators," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Commercial Vehicles and Fleet, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). "As a result, we're delivering a vehicle that offers everything owners are looking for ? enhanced usability, driver and passenger comfort, flexible storage, dependability, durability and an affordable cost of ownership. Then we've topped it all off with signature Nissan style, performance and value."

The 2012 Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van will be offered in a choice of two engines, a 261-horsepower DOHC 24-valve 4.0-liter V6 with 281 lb-ft of torque or a 317-horsepower DOHC 32-valve V8 with 385 lb-ft of torque. Both engines include Nissan's Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC) for improved efficiency and are matched with a refined, heavy-duty 5-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van is built on a foundation of a rugged fully boxed ladder frame with independent front strut/solid rear axle with rigid leaf springs suspension, heavy-duty disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and engine-speed-sensitive power steering. Also standard is a 28-gallon fuel tank.

In addition, the Nissan NV3500 features SUV-like maneuverability and easy access for serviceability due to its pickup truck-like front engine/full hood design.

"First and foremost, as we've learned through more than 75 years of Nissan global commercial vehicle experience, you have to start with a durable, dependable workhorse platform and highest quality components," explained Castelli. "These vehicles go through more use and abuse in a year than regular passenger vehicles experience in a lifetime, so that was a priority. Then we turned our team of innovators loose on the usability and comfort aspects."

As a result, the Nissan NV3500 HD Passenger Van more than delivers on every key area of customer input, including:
? Safety ? integrated seat belts for all rear seating positions; standard headrests for all seating positions; and segment-exclusive standard side curtain air bags for all four rows of passengers

• Seating flexibility ? 12-person seating capacity with up to 324 possible seat configurations; large 1st row seats to optimize comfort, completely removable and repositionable 2nd and 3rd row seats; 50/50-split 4th row seat than can be partially or completely removed as needed
• Mobile office support ? large center console with storage for laptop computer and charger, business cards, hanging files, pens and paper; available 120V outlets; seat wear patch; fold-down front passenger seat with underseat storage; no engine intrusion into the cabin area
• Enhanced utility ? low step-in height, easy ingress and egress without intrusive seat belts (integrated into rear seats); wide door openings; rear 50/50-split French doors with 243? rear opening
• Comfort and convenience ? rear HVAC system, available personal lamps for 2nd, 3rd and 4th rows; rear cargo lamp behind 4th row; available 3rd row 12V outlet; numerous cupholders and bottle holders
• Technology ? available navigation system, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, telematics pre-wiring, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately); and integrated rear view camera
• Modern style ? Nissan truck twin strut signature grille; pickup truck style front end design; large windows with privacy glass; styled-steel 17-inch wheels

"The Nissan NV3500 HD's styling is professional and rugged outside, and completely passenger-focused inside," said Castelli. "While you want to feel assured that there is room for all your luggage, for example, you don't want to be treated like a piece of cargo inside. We've found a great balance between functionality and comfort that we believe sets the new benchmark in class."

Three Well-Equipped Models
Designed to be affordable and to stand up to the abuse that full-size passenger vans face everyday, the new Nissan NV3500 HD is available in a range of models and option packages to fit a range of owner needs and uses.

The 2012 Nissan NV3500 HD is offered in three well-equipped models, the NV3500 HD S, the NV3500 HD SV, and NV3500 HD SL (V8 engine only).

A number of option packages are offered, including a Power Basic Package (S models only), with power windows and door locks; a Tow Package (V8 only), with extendable heated outside mirrors and Class-IV receiver hitch, wiring and heavy duty battery; the Power Basic Package + Tow Package (S-grade V8 only); and the Technology Package with Rear Camera (SV and SL only), featuring XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), 5-inch touch-screen SD navigation system, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System (standard on SL-grade) and RearView Monitor.

The new Nissan NV3500 HD will be manufactured in Canton, Mississippi and available through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide. For updates and more information, please go to www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.

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First Drive Review: 2012 Nissan NV Series Vans

Nissan's all-electric Leaf small car may be getting the lion's share of attention these days, but the company's all-new NV full-size vans  are the most researched vehicles the company has ever built, according to Nissan execs on hand in Miami for this week's first drive with journalists.

Nissan has spent six years creating its North American light-commercial vehicle group from scratch. During that time, a team of former Detroit Three managers and engineers identified full-size vans as a market opportunity because their research showed van owners' needs weren't being met, according to Larry Dominique, Nissan's vice president of product planning for North America.

"There are no more dissatisfied customers than the people who drive [full-size vans] around, Dominique said. "Most people hate their vans. We asked what needs we could address to make them happier, and that's what you see in these vans."

Nissan's target buyers? Many are current full-size pickup owners who used to be van owners. To attract these buyers, Nissan has combined some of the best attributes of both vehicles in its NV vans.

The pickup truck design elements are obvious before you even step inside.

Instead of a conventional short-nose configuration, where part of the engine sits in the cab next to the driver, the NV has a long-nose front end, like a full-size pickup. Nissan positioned the engine ahead of the A-pillar and firewall. That's not surprising, since the NV is based on a heavily modified version of the Nissan Titan  half-ton pickup's body-on-frame platform.

Nissan is offering a broad lineup from Job 1. There are three NV models to choose from: the light-duty NV1500  and heavy-duty NV2500  HD and NV3500  HD. A 261-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 is available for the NV 1500 and 2500, and a 317-hp, 5.6-liter V-8 is available for the NV 2500 and 3500. There's also a choice of standard and high-roof models, with the latter offering enough room for a 6-foot 3-inch person to stand upright in the cargo space. Two-wheel drive is the only driveline available.

We sampled the NV 2500 V-6 and NV 3500 V-8 standard and high-roof vans on the highways and crowded surface streets around south Florida.

Standard Roof NV3500 HD S 5.6-liter V-8

The first van we drove was the NV3500 HD with the 5.6-liter V-8 and five-speed automatic transmission. It's the same powertrain that propels the Nissan Titan half-ton pickup.

Inside, we immediately noticed the extra legroom in the foot wells. The long-nose layout allowed our legs to naturally extend and relax instead of being pushed back toward the chair. In the area that would normally be occupied by an engine "doghouse" was a pair of cup holders and storage cubby.

Between the driver and passenger seats was a generous storage bin plus pull out storage drawers beneath the chairs.

Unloaded, the NV3500 weighed about 5,900 pounds, some 500 pounds more than a crew-cab Nissan Titan. We've always liked the performance and liveliness of Nissan's 5.6-liter V-8 in the Titan, and it performed similarly in the NV. Jumping on the freeway was a snap, even with the relatively conservative 3.54-to-1 rear axle ratio.

A major mechanical difference between the NV vans and Titan is the use of heavy-duty recirculating ball steering instead of light-duty rack and pinion. The change makes sense, since the vans can manage 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of payload, depending on the model. Steering was a bit heavy and numb at times, but Nissan said it's still being tuned for production.

If you buy an NV van, you'll probably rarely drive the truck completely empty, like we did. In this scenario, ride quality was comfortable. The truck skipped a bit on rough pavement, but no more so than an unloaded pickup.

Nissan has done a nice job engineering the seats for ride comfort, though an air suspension option is not available for severe duty use. Extra-sturdy construction used in the seat bottom bolster near the door should keep wear to a minimum even if the driver frequently enters and exits the truck.

We stopped briefly at a Lowe's hardware store, where our van was loaded with several hundred pounds of construction supplies to be donated to Habitat for Humanity. The cargo floor has six "D" ring mounting points that are rated up to 1,124 pounds. They made it easy to strap the pallet securely in the van.

Nissan has also delivered in the engineering of the cargo doors. They're designed to open and fold to the sides of the van ? up to 243 degrees ? like in the smaller Ford Transit Connect van. This feature is unique in full-size vans and makes for a safer loading experience on tight surface streets. The doors provide unimpeded access to the back of the van and greatly reduce the chance of another vehicle coming along and knocking the doors off their hinges.

Load floor space is also excellent. There's 54.3 inches of space between the wheel housings. That's three more than Ford's E-Series vans and enough room to lay down a 4-by-8 sheet of plywood flat with room to spare. Cargo length at the floor is 120 inches and 111 inches at the belt line.

When it goes on sale, the van will be available with a painted steel floor or with optional soft-feel material, which makes it difficult to push heavy objects on. A laminated floor option is expected later in the year.

The NV has dedicated mount points in the cargo area. There's no drilling or cutting to install racks and bins. Nissan's upfit hardware comes from a partnership with Adrian Steel, a well-known van cargo management and storage product maker.

We departed Lowe's to drop off the supplies at Habitat for Humanity's warehouse. The V-8 shrugged off the extra heft as we drove over Florida's flat roads. Ride quality improved a bit, as the NV's rear leaf springs soaked up the weight.

Nissan isn't required to provide fuel economy figures for its vans because all three models have gross combined weight ratings above 8,500 pounds. Commercial reps on hand said the NV vans will meet or beat the competition, but that remains to be seen. In the NV3500 HD, we averaged 12.1 mpg in mostly city driving conditions, according to the van's trip computer.

High Roof NV3500 HD S 5.6-liter V-8

After dropping off the construction supplies, we changed vans. This time, we chose the high roof NV3500 HD. It was a duplicate of the standard roof version, except its added height allows tall people (up to 6 feet, 3 inches) to stand upright in the cargo area.

The tall roof configuration is similar to that of the Mercedes (formerly Dodge) Sprinter, but whereas the Sprinter starts at $36,000 with a standard 3.0-liter V-6, the NV starts about $10 thousand less for the high roof.

We drove the high roof completely empty and found no issue with power and ride. The only major difference we noticed was the extra wind noise the taller profile brought into the cabin. It sounds like a window was open at speeds as low as 45 mph. Wind noise would likely drop by adding optional interior side paneling to insulate the bare metal walls or with racks and shelving full of tools and supplies.

Noise levels in the cockpit area were very low. It was easy to have a conversation with our driving partner without ever having to raise our voices.

The high roof rode comfortably, and we soon forgot we were driving a van with an 8.8-foot-tall profile. It will be a bad day for the driver who forgets just how tall this version is and drives into the roof of a garage or tunnel. It almost warrants a warning on the windshield so the driver doesn't forget.

Standard Roof NV2500 HD SV 4.0-liter V-6

The last NV we drove was the six-cylinder standard roof version. Even though it had the standard engine, it featured SV trim, which adds electric window and mirror controls and a power driver's seat. It also came with two 120-volt 400-watt power outlets in addition to two standard 12-volt power outlets.

Despite a rear axle with a 3.36 ring and pinion, the 261-hp engine had good off-the-line performance, but we're concerned about its strength in mountainous regions and cities like San Francisco, with its steep hills, when the NV is loaded to its max. We have the same concern about GM's lower-rated 195 hp 4.3-liter V-6 but that engine is limited to use in the half-ton Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans, while Nissan offers the V-6 in both the light-duty NV 1500 and three-quarter-ton mover 2500 HD we drove.

Our drive in the V-6 lasted only several miles, so we couldn't get a feel for its fuel economy. In the Nissan Frontier, the same engine is about three miles per gallon better in fuel economy than the Titan. Both the V-8 and V-6 vans share the same five-speed transmission and transmission gear ratios.

All NV vans come with a manual shift option, which can be controlled on the transmission's steering-column-mounted shift stalk. We tried it out and found it worked acceptably, upshifting and downshifting on demand.

The NV2500 seemed a bit more squirrelly driving around empty compared with the heavier-sprung NV3500. The rear axle chirped a bit under moderate push while making turns. Weighted down with stuff in back, we'd expect the truck would settle down just fine in the handling.

In a unique program, Nissan will let NV buyers design up to 70 square feet of custom vinyl graphics at no cost to call attention to the owner's business, though we don't think attention will be any problem driving this van.

Future Options

There are no plans to offer a diesel engine option in the near future, unlike the Sprinter, which offers a standard diesel V-6.

While most pickup truck owners are enthusiastic about a diesel engine, that's not the same with van buyers, Dominique said. We don't disagree. Higher upfront purchase costs for diesel engines because of added expense to meet U.S. emissions, plus higher fuel costs, conspire to make it unlikely we'll see a diesel for the NV vans anytime soon.

Cargo vans will be the only version available at the start of sales, but a 12-passenger version is likely by early 2012 or sooner.

Purchase Information

250 Nissan dealers have been signed up around the country to sell NV vans. They've committed to upgrading their service bays to handle the tall and heavy vehicles and will offer special service hours for commercial customers ? up to 60 hours per week.

Nissan will finance NV buyers with special tools and options, including custom payment arrangements and rolling upfit costs into scheduled vehicle payments. As mentioned earlier, buyers can get up to 70 square feet of customized vinyl wrap free of charge to place on the exterior of their vans for promotion and advertising.

An incentive program offers substantial benefits to qualified commercial customers, including a choice of one of the following packages at no charge: A cargo partition and three 44-inch shelving units on either high-roof or standard roof models, or a cargo partition and a three-bar utility rack for standard roof models, or a cargo partition and an interior ladder keeper for high-roof models.

What we like:

• Comfortable seating for driver and passenger
• No-nonsense functional cargo layout that's ready for immediate upfit
• Low step-in height to cargo space
• Cargo doors open up to 243-degrees ? moving out of the way of traffic in tight loading conditions
• Cavernous space in the high roof model with a starting purchase price almost $10,000 less than Mercedes Sprinter
• Tows up to 9,500 pounds with V-8 and up to 7,000 pounds with V-6
• Strong V-8 performance
• Excellent visibility (for a full-size van)

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PRESS RELEASE

Nissan NV2500 Concept Serves as a "Rolling Idea Lab" For Company's Entry Into North American LCV Market

- "On-site Construction Office" Configuration One of Many Possibilities for New Van -

The Nissan NV2500 Concept is, as its dimensions suggest, a multi-tasker of large order. One of the largest concept vehicles Nissan has ever produced, the NV2500 Concept, offers fresh design and fresh thinking - including a 3-Zone interior and flexible utility and storage solutions.

Not only does the NV2500 Concept provide an original take on Commercial Vehicle (CV) design, it also provides a preview of Nissan's entry into the CV market in North America. With Nissan CVs already sold in 73 percent of the world's markets, including Japan, China, Mexico, Europe, South America, Australia and the Middle East among others, Nissan will enter the CV business in North America in 2010.

The line will incorporate three all-new products in three years, as well as products from the global stable. As a result, in the mid-term, Nissan will offer a multi-segment CV lineup up to class 5 gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

The three new products are being developed by Nissan specifically for the North American market and will be built at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss. Nissan is investing $118 million to expand Canton's production to manufacture CVs.

"The Nissan NV2500 is a rolling idea lab - bringing a new perspective to the Commercial Vehicle segment," said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design for Nissan Design America, Inc., which developed the NV2500 Concept. "We see the NV2500 Concept as an ongoing exploration of ways to make these vehicles more than just a box on four wheels. Our goal is to enhance utility through creative design solutions, providing a platform for a wide variety of specific professional applications."

In this configuration, the Nissan NV2500 Concept is designed for construction use. It bears the logo of Habitat for Humanity® only to illustrate the partnership between Nissan and Habitat. Over the past three years, Nissan has donated $3 million in cash, vehicles and house sponsorships, along with thousands of hours of work volunteered by Nissan employees.

The NV2500 Concept's "wall-less" mobile office/workspace design includes a computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table.

"Aside from construction site applications, the NV2500 Concept, with its unique configuration and array of features, could be used in infinite ways by infinite users. Whether a mobile Farmers' Market booth, a hot-air balloon launch or chase vehicle or to support a beachside surfing school, the usage possibilities of an LCV are endless," he said.

A Solid Workhorse Foundation
The NV2500 is conceived first and foremost as a powerful, multi-purpose utility vehicle. Built on a modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup all-steel, fully boxed ladder frame, engine choices would be selected for competitive power and fuel efficiency. Other under-skin components include an automatic transmission and solid rear axle. The wheels are a special 20-inch billet aluminum design, while the Michelin tires include a special tread pattern designed for a good payload capacity and fuel efficiency.

Dimensionally, the NV2500 Concept has a 147.6-inch (12.3-foot)) wheelbase and measures a full 19.5 feet bumper-to-bumper. It stands 8 feet tall and is 6.6 feet wide. Inside, from the front of the passenger compartment to rear door, there is room to carry objects up to 10.5 feet long with the passenger seat moved out of the way.

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The NV2500's exterior design is highlighted by a wide grille, pronounced wheel arches, stepped roofline, well-defined fenders and unique window and roof treatments. Along with wraparound-style windshield/front door windows, the NV2500 Concept features lower door-glass cutouts and an oversized, fixed-glass roof panel that stretches from behind the B-pillars to the rear doors - adding a visual lightness to the design and illumination to the interior.

The NV2500 Concept's roof panel includes integrated solar panel technology to power interior equipment, lights and accessories. Additional exterior features include large, retractable outside mirrors, motorized flip-down AMP Research side and rear door steps, LED headlights and taillights, and dual-purpose tow hooks located in the grille that also serve as steps for easier access to the engine compartment.

The most intriguing aspect of the exterior, however, is the multi-use doors. On the driver's side, the Titan King Cab-style Wide Open Door offers unfettered access to the front of the vehicle, with integrated storage compartments for carrying items such as tool/safety vests, ear protection and first aid kit. In the rear of the NV2500 Concept are vertical 60/40 split cargo access "barn" doors with additional storage compartments and power rear step for walk-through capability and easy access.

The passenger side features a combination of a 90-degree opening vertical door directly behind the front passenger door and an awning-style clamshell panel that hinges upward and locks in place, creating a protected, standing workshop table on the outside and an open "picture window" view from the fold-down interior work desk. The passenger side door also has integrated workshop tool storage with fitted compartments for power saws, drills, screwdrivers and drafting equipment.

"The entire rear wall of the NV2500 Concept opens up so, for example, the construction supervisor can see and communicate with associates without leaving the desk," said Campbell. "It also serves as an additional, flat workspace that is protected from the elements, providing unlimited flexibility for whatever task might arise."

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An Innovative 3-Zone Interior
Inside the commanding NV2500 exterior is a 3-Zone interior that combines simple, organic solutions with elements of advanced technology.

"The NV2500 Concept challenges the traditional thinking regarding show vehicles, not only in size but in its approach to technology," said Campbell. "Though it features a number of high-tech features such as a RearView Monitor, navigation system and wireless PC, wherever possible we also used 'lower-tech' solutions such as the manually adjusting multi-position passenger/workstation seat and the double-sided workbench that manually converts from an inside table to an outside work surface."

The NV2500 Concept's front Driver/Passenger Zone is anchored by a wide instrument panel with a customizable navigation/audio/climate display. The instrument panel also has an accessory power outlet and a built-in retractable power cord. Overhead is a full ceiling storage console with visor shelves, center shelves and a cooling fan that can be powered by the roof-mounted solar cells. Located behind the driver's seat is a customizable, lighted storage closet designed to hold hardhats, flashlights and work boots - complete with a mudroom-style grated floor for drainage.

Additional storage is provided in the center console's locking compartment and the instrument panel's floating shelf. The wide, front-passenger seat can swing rearward on a sliding arm, manually moving and locking into position in front of the workstation console located behind the driver's seat or pivoting toward the work table. The workstation includes an oversized computer monitor and computer with laser-projected "easy clean" keyboard.

"The passenger seat functions as both a traditional forward-facing seat and a comfortable, swiveling desk chair," said Campbell. "All elements of the interior are designed to be multi-functional and highly durable, able to stand up to the rigors of heavy use at a job site or other real world locations."

As fitting of a true work truck, the centerpiece of the NV2500 Concept is the third zone, the Conference Center/Cargo Bay Zone. Dressed in its construction office configuration, this zone includes a fold-down inside/outside workshop table.
With the awning-style side panel in the open position, the table can also flip 180 degree to become a standing-height work surface. Lights on the awning illuminate the table.

Mounted in the ceiling above the side panel is a built-in laser blueprint printer. The wall also includes 110/220W power outlets and areas for the built-in shop vacuum's air hoses. The opposite wall is dominated by sustainable wood slats for tying down or securing cargo. The engineered sustainable wood flooring includes a custom version of the Titan's popular Utili-track? cargo tie-down/sliding cleat system. The Utili-track channels run from rear door to front bulkhead on the passenger side of the vehicle. There also are multi-position integrated tie-down hooks and functional task lighting throughout the cargo area.

"The key to the NV2500 Concept's interior is ingenuity as much as innovation," Campbell said. "Every element needs to serve high-utility needs for multi-tasking users."

About Nissan Commercial Vehicles (CV)
Nissan North America, Inc. is entering the CV business through a significant investment in North America as part of a global commitment to the CV segment. Three all-new Nissan CVs are being developed by Nissan specifically for the North American market and will be built in the Nissan manufacturing plant in Canton, Miss., as part of a multi-segment product range of vehicles up to a class 5 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

Nissan will forge partnerships with Cummins Inc. for the engines and ZF Friedrichshafen AG for the transmissions. The first Nissan commercial vehicle is scheduled to be launched in the first half of 2010

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