Nissan pledged 5 million yen in an effort to help the disaster relief efforts in the Niigata area where the July 16 earthquake struck. The 3 million will immediately go to the Central Community Chest of Japan to support volunteer activities, while other contributions will go towards providing rental cars to support the recovery efforts.

Nissan will be working with Nippon Keidanren, who will be donating 1,000 towels, part of a larger effort to assist the local residents who are being temporarily housed in emergency evacuation centers.

Nissan was left to idle two of its plants in Oppama and Tochigi on July 20, spokesperson Yuichi Nakagawa said. Another spokesman said that Jatco, a Nissan unit, will suspend 13 production lines by the evening of July 20 from six tomorrow, cutting output of transmissions by about 95 percent.

The auto industry of Japan has been paralyzed by the earthquake, leaving them no option but to stop production due to the damages incurred to their plants. But it has been a blessing from Nissan to help out in the relief efforts while it has set aside its own production.

Other automakers in Japan that was halted included Toyota, Japan’s biggest car maker, Suzuki, Honda, as well as Mitsubishi and Japan’s quality maker of Piston Rings, Riken Corp.

Suzuki’s plants make motorcycles, outboard motors, cars and engines. The automaker, based in Hamamatsu city, southwest of Tokyo, buys crankshafts and piston rings from Riken and transmissions from Jatco.

Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will halt production at its three domestic plants, it said in a release. Mitsubishi Motors will halt production at its Mizushima plant, where it makes models including the Lancer sports sedan, for four days from July 20. It will stop lines at its Nagoya and Pajero plants for three days from July 21.

Honda Motor Co., Japan’s second-largest carmaker, also said it may cut domestic engine production. Riken makes parts for about 30 percent of Honda’s engines. Riken also supplies Mazda Motor Corp., which said it operated normally today.

New exterior is what the new Nissan Maxima sets it from the older version as it enters its sixth generation for 2007. It also has refined interior and various new features that would make it the top choice.
Nissan’s flagship Maxima represents as near-perfect a combination of styling, comfort and handling as you can get with a car that can carry five people and their luggage.
Exterior differences in the past models of the Altima and Maxima is not very distinguishable, but for 2007 both of these sedans received extensive redesigns.

The Maxima comes with a 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. And a torque of 252 foot-pounds .

Standard safety items include front seat-mounted side air bags, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both seats, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
As for the revised design, Nissan says the changes were meant to be an evolution of the “classic Maxima performance coupe-like silhouette.” The changes aren’t revolutionary — the car still has its distinctive wedge-shaped front end and high rear deck, with what Nissan calls a “broad arched beltline.

New are the grille, hood, bumper and headlights, which were redesigned to give the front end a “more contemporary appearance,” Nissan says. The wheel openings are larger, and the fog lights have been moved down to the front bumper.

The entry-level SE model with a base price of $28,050, is quite well-equipped. It has a dual-zone automatic climate control, glass roof and keyless entry/start system. Also included in this model are a more prominent rear spoiler and both trim levels have a new rear bumper designed to accommodate the optional sonar backup system. It also comes with 18-inch, seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels,

Meanwhile, the uplevel Maxima SL with base price $30,300, comes with such standard amenities as leather seats, wood-tone interior trim, Nissan’s Intelligent key system, an eight-way power driver’s and four-way power passenger’s seat, a Bose premium audio system with six-disc CD changer, and the “SkyView” glass roof.

While exterior qualities of the new Nissan Sedan were enhanced, interior qualities were not neglected. Critics say that all the materials now have a premium look and feel.

The instrument panel has a redesigned center stack with easier-to-use controls, and the number of buttons and controls has been reduced, Nissan says. Gauges have been given new faces to make them more readable, especially in low light.

Even the base audio system, with a single-disc CD player, has an auxiliary input jack for easy connection of an iPod or other portable audio device.

The seats were redesigned and have larger shoulder bolsters, Nissan says. There is a sliding center armrest, and simulated leather door panels are used in place of fabric on models that have the leather seats. Leather is available as an option on the SE trim level. Brushed-aluminum trim is standard on the SE model.
The SkyView roof is fixed, and can’t be opened. The glass extends over the front and rear seats and has sliding sunshades.

Nissan determined to promote diversity in its corporate world by getting women employees.

The diversity drive comes at a time when Nissan Motor Co. is seeing slipping sales and its first annual profit slide in seven years as it competes with other Japan car makers.

Nissan is so determined to attract and keep women employees they have introduced various women friendly incentives such as Nissan’s onsite daycare, family leave of up to two years and flexible work schedules.

Diversity programs are fairly established at American automakers, with women making up 27 per cent of management at General Motors Corp. At Toyota, women comprise one per cent of management, and 0.4 per cent at Honda. At Nissan, women in management have climbed to four per cent from 1.6 per cent in 2004 under the diversity drive, and the company is targeting five per cent by March 2008. Women make up 10 per cent of management overall in Japan compared to 42.5 per cent in the U.S.

“Things are definitely changing,” said Kumi Hatsukano, a manager for car body design at Nissan. “But what would be ideal is if we could stop talking about this topic of being a woman or a man altogether.”

When Hatsukano, 38, joined Nissan in 1993, she had her share of run-ins with sexual harassment. Male workers gave her unwanted attention and asked personal questions about her love life, especially when she was working late. Today, she is reaping some of the benefits of the diversity initiative. Her co-workers are understanding when she leaves early at seven to pick up her 1-year-old son at the company-run day-care center. Working past midnight had been routine before her maternity leave.

Japan is trying to keep up with Western nations in accepting women on the job, but with a culture that encourages women to become meek housekeepers, this proves to be a challenge.

“The obstacle for working women are the long hours prevalent in Japan, and the lack of understanding from men,” said Kumiko Morizane, labor ministry deputy director. “Women simply can’t endure overtime alongside the men while giving birth and raising children.” Japanese women lose out more than their Western sisters in a corporate culture that values seniority, rather than performance, for promotion and pay. Women fear getting penalized for taking time off for childbirth, Morizane said.

In Japan, employers are required to give six weeks family leave before the due date and one year of child-care leave and must guarantee a comparable job afterward. But 67 per cent of working women quit after giving birth to their first child, according to a government study.

One reason women feel more empowered at Nissan is the unmistakable message from the top executive.

Brazilian-born and French-educated, Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn is determined to make diversity a buzzword, citing the success of the Nissan-Renault alliance, set up in 1999.

“We are creating a corporate culture committed to diversity,” he told shareholders recently, “where merit alone opens every door.”

Yukiko Yoshimaru, 47, hired two years ago to push the diversity effort spearheaded by Ghosn, says empowering women holds potential in the auto industry.

Nissan research found women are involved in 60 per cent of decision-making when buying a car. Hiring women and supporting their careers add to Nissan’s competitive edge, she said.

“If a woman wants to work, then people believe in you, you appreciate that and work hard. That sets off a positive cycle,” Yoshimaru said. “But when things go the other direction, it becomes negative.”

Adjustments to assembly lines for women - such as lowering stands and keeping parts clean of slippery grease - make the job easier for all workers, said Ikahata, the production worker.

“Male workers appreciate the changes my presence has brought,” she said.

Miwa Ishii, 42, marketing manager, says women offer insights about customers.

Reflecting widespread sentiment among working women, Ishii likes to think what she contributes to Nissan is about her skills as a person and not her gender.

But the gradual rise of Japanese women as workers, car-owners and consumers has been critical in pushing Nissan to appreciate the value of female expertise to reach women buyers.

“Identifying with people’s emotions - that’s empathy,” Ishii said. “In a way, that’s what being a woman is all about.”

Nissan North America together with Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity will sponsor the building of a home in Smyrna.

“It is wonderful,” said Beth Smith, executive director of the local Habitat chapter. “That is a full house sponsorship so that is a home that we are able to build that we already have money for.”

Building a home in Rutherford County will cost about $60,000.
Smith also said that 10 percent of the donation will be tithed to a third world country, which will allow for the construction of a second home.

Nissan North America has entered into a one-year, $1 million partnership with Habitat for Humanity to support current projects. Nissan will build a total of 10 homes in Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi and Texas. On the international level, they will also build homes in Brazil, Mexico and Canada through international Habitat affiliates.

“We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to make affordable housing possible for families around the world,” said Dominique Thorman, NNA senior vice-president finance and administration.  “This partnership reinforces our global vision to improve the quality of life in the communities in which Nissan operates and provides an opportunity for our employees to make a difference in the very neighborhoods where they work.”

Smith said homes will be constructed where Nissan has partnerships, including Nashville where its temporary North American headquarters are located and in Cool Springs where the permanent headquarters are being constructed.

The employees of the Nissan’s Smyrna manufacturing facility are expected to participate in the building on the Habitat home.
“I am excited about finally being able to partner with Nissan,” Smith said. She hopes Nissan employees will enjoy volunteering and will continue to give their time to Habitat.

Smith also said that construction on the Nissan-sponsored home will begin in September, for a building lot has yet to be purchased.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization that was formed to help eliminated substandard housing. Homes are built through volunteer labor, in-kind donations, discounted materials and through partnerships. Low-income families selected for the program purchase the home with a no-interest loan and assist in the building of their and other Habitat homes.

Rutherford County Habitat Humanity plans to construct seven homes this year.
Nissan North America together with Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity will sponsor the building of a home in Smyrna.

“It is wonderful,” said Beth Smith, executive director of the local Habitat chapter. “That is a full house sponsorship so that is a home that we are able to build that we already have money for.”

Building a home in Rutherford County will cost about $60,000.

Smith also said that 10 percent of the donation will be tithed to a third world country, which will allow for the construction of a second home.

Nissan North America has entered into a one-year, $1 million partnership with Habitat for Humanity to support current projects. Nissan will build a total of 10 homes in Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi and Texas. On the international level, they will also build homes in Brazil, Mexico and Canada through international Habitat affiliates.

“We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to make affordable housing possible for families around the world,” said Dominique Thorman, NNA senior vice-president finance and administration.  “This partnership reinforces our global vision to improve the quality of life in the communities in which Nissan operates and provides an opportunity for our employees to make a difference in the very neighborhoods where they work.”

Smith said homes will be constructed where Nissan has partnerships, including Nashville where its temporary North American headquarters are located and in Cool Springs where the permanent headquarters are being constructed.

The employees of the Nissan’s Smyrna manufacturing facility are expected to participate in the building on the Habitat home.

“I am excited about finally being able to partner with Nissan,” Smith said. She hopes Nissan employees will enjoy volunteering and will continue to give their time to Habitat.

Smith also said that construction on the Nissan-sponsored home will begin in September, for a building lot has yet to be purchased.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization that was formed to help eliminated substandard housing. Homes are built through volunteer labor, in-kind donations, discounted materials and through partnerships. Low-income families selected for the program purchase the home with a no-interest loan and assist in the building of their and other Habitat homes.

Rutherford County Habitat Humanity plans to construct seven homes this year.

Nissan announced a recall on its 2007 Altima cars. The automaker’s best selling U.S. Vehicle is said to have an air filter that can catch fire if a hot object is drawn into it.

The recall affects Altima cars with a 2.5-liter, four- cylinder engine, the Tokyo-based automaker told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nissan told the Washington-based agency it began notifying owners July 3. The company also reported that four fires were reported in February and March.

The filter will be replaced because it can ignite if something hot such as cigarette ash enters through the vehicle’s fresh-air intake valve, Nissan said. An air deflector also will be installed to prevent a buildup of debris at the filter.

The Altima accounted for 140,253, or 26 percent, of Nissan’s U.S. sales this year through June. The model was ninth in sales among all cars and light trucks in the U.S. during the period.

The recall affects Altimas built from Sept. 25 through May 11 at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, and from Oct. 30 through May 11 at its Canton, Mississippi, factory, Nissan reported. They also said that the vehicles are under warranty.

Tony Pearson, a spokesman for Nissan’s Nashville, Tennessee- based U.S. unit, declined to say how much the recall will cost the automaker. Nissan expects to notify all owners by Oct. 1, he said in an interview.

Japanese car maker, Nissan sees great opportunity in Russia as it builds its new $200 million assembly plant in St. Petersburg.

The new Russian plant is expected to begin building the redesigned Teana sedan in early 2009. The facility, which includes paint, trim and chassis lines, will have an annual capacity of 50,000 units. After the launch of the Teana, Nissan expects to add production of the redesigned X-Trail crossover.

The factory will produce annually 50,000 cars at the first stage. The volume of investments in the project will total $200 million.It will also open doors to 750 new employees.

Nissan executive vice-president Carlos Tavares noted that the decision on building Russia’s first factory was prompted by the company’s strategy, presupposing a rise in revenues and an increase in profits on investments as well as by geographic expansion.

“Geographic expansion in our understanding is not only a rise in car sales. We also determine where it is more expedient for us to make investments and to create new production facilities,” said the representative of the Nissan management.

He called the Russian market as very promising for Nissan: in the first six months of 2007 alone, the volume of Nissan car sales jumped up by 82 percent. The company placed fourth among foreign brands in Russia.

According to forecasts announced by Tavares, “Russia will soon outstrip Britain which is now the largest Nissan market in Europe”.

The Petersburg factory will use the most efficient production processes, successfully applied at the British Nissan factory. The Japanese corporation will also ensure training of the Russian personnel in advanced methods.

Tavares called the presence in the city of a seaport as an additional advantage for building the Russian Nissan factory in St. Petersburg, which “offers the company broad logistical opportunities”.

Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko noted that “the seaport of St. Petersburg already mulls over a possibility of building a new terminal specially to meet the needs of the car industry”. The St. Petersburg plant is Nissan’s first in Russia. The automaker said it expects Russia will overtake the U.K. this year as Nissan’s top sales market in Europe. Last year, Nissan sold 75,000 vehicles in Russia.

Russia’s booming economy and fast growing market has attracted a number of carmakers in recent years - most notably Toyota, Renault and Kia Motors.

Accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers have predicted that the Russian car market will be worth $96bn in sales by 2011.

Another new Nissan flagship dealership opened for business last month in  Kidlington, Oxfordshire. It is set  in a purpose-built site which will be able to accommodate a 10-car showroom and the latest Nissan visual identity.

This is said to be the first Nissan dealership  which will be operated by Derek Sims, formerly a director of Sytner and Inchcape. The £4 million, 14,000 sq. ft dealership is located on the Oxford Motor Park, and features a dedicated Used Car Center within the development.

Commenting on the opening of the new dealership, Nissan’s National Franchising Director, Angus Gray said, “We are delighted to welcome Derek Sims into the Nissan family. He is an excellent operator and is a very welcome addition to our dealer portfolio. This new purpose-built site in Kidlington showcases the new style of Nissan dealership and it’s in the ideal location, as over 75% of all car sales in Oxford come from the Motor Park.”

In addition to the 10-car showroom, which houses Nissan’s latest models including the new QASHQAI crossover, the dealership also has state of the art diagnostic and servicing equipment.

The dealership will have an official opening on 12th July.

Another great news for Nissan as readers of Auto Express made the Nissan 350Z as their  favorite performance car in the 2006 Driver Power Survey. The Nissan vehicle beat 100 other vehicles and reigned as the top vehicle in the ‘Best Performance’ category.

Auto Express said,  “Impressive is the fact that the 350Z has finished higher up the chart than several more costly rivals.” The 350Z scored 97.78% which is 5% ahead of its closest rival at 92.77%.

The particular survey is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK. More than 46,000 readers participated as they gave their votes. The results of the survey was published both in the magazine and on the Auto Express website.

Auto Express also said that,  “Owners are thrilled by the V6 powered model’s, which pulls hard in every one of its six gears. Throttle response is razor-sharp and the rear wheel drive chassis means there is ample traction when accelerating.”

“The Z is a great performer, whether in auto or manual transmission” said Saleh Jafar, Senior Manager Corporate Communications, Nissan Middle East.

“This survey is just another milestone for the 350Z which has received a great welcome since it was first introduced in the Middle East. Boasting an impressive 310bhp but also allows the engine to rev higher at 6400rpm, while maintaining a flatter torque curve, the Z is clearly one of the most aggressive offerings in the sports car market” continued Jafar.

The current Nissan 350Z is enhanced with LED rear lights, HID Bi-xenon headlight, standard 18′ RAYS alloys with Brembo performance brakes and a revised interior including a in-dash 6-disc CD changer with Bose Audio System, a distinctive shifter design and unique programmable shift light add to the overall impression.

The 350Z is the fifth and current generation of Nissan’s Z-car line, originally introduced in 1970 as the Datsun 240Z. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. It is currently available in several trim packages and is sold as both a 2 door coupé and roadster.

Nissan targets to reduce dioxide emissions by 70% by 2050, but is not interested in producing hybrid or electric cars for the mean time. Nissan will instead focus on improvements  through technology advancements

The company’s general manager of product planning and strategy, Chris Lee, revealed that the immediate emphasis was on improving engine efficiency, reducing friction and examining new technology, rather than rushing out “green-powered” cars.

Even if the company is exploring green alternatives like hybrid, biofuel and electric power,  Lee said the economics of developing such cars meant they are not on the agenda for the Japanese car maker at the moment.

“Electric or hybrid cars are not returning the investment costs yet, so it is not a route to pursue for us,” said Lee.

Among Nissan’s initiatives are an engine capable of traveling 100km on three liters of fuel, which it says will be ready by 2010, and developing CVT gearbox technology, which it says is already 10% more efficient than a standard automatic gearbox.

Vice-president of design Nissan Europe, Alfonso Albaisa, also underlined the challenge of styling as green issues come to dominate the car-buying agenda. While noting the features of other hybrids such as Toyota’s Prius, he said that Nissan was unlikely to follow their quirky look.

Albaisa also said, “’Nissan is a company that thinks with its head rather than its heart, so engineering will always come first - do not expect that to change. Nor will our expression of green concepts ever dominate the car.”

Details on the new Nissan GT-R revealed, months before its official unveiling at the Tokyo motor show in October.

UK had its first look on the GT-R when the vehicle was ran in front of thousands of spectators at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Reports say that it took six months to convince the GT-R’s engineers and developers that showing the car in the UK and in public was a good idea. Japanese car companies are proven to be publicity shy when it comes to future models, but it’s been suggested that the GT-R was wheeled out to put a dampener on Toyota’s sponsorship of the event. Toyota recently announced that its new LF-A, a rival for the GT-R, will be launched just before the Tokyo motor show to steal some of the GT-R’s appeal.

According to reliable sources who took some spy photos, the GT-R had some unusual details, including pop-out door handles in the style of the Aston Martin DB9’s.

Inside, the car’s instrument cluster is dominated by a large rev counter. Unusually, the speedometer’s needle starts on the right-hand side of the dial, but still rotates clockwise.

The new GT-R gets a six-speed semi-automatic box, controlled by fixed paddle shifts behind the wheel. It will be powered by a turbocharged version of Nissan’s new 3.7-liter V6 engine, which is expected to produce 450bhp.