The Nissan Corporation has come a long way. The brand name has survived many years of car makes and models, changing platforms and evolving body kits. The company is perhaps one of the best known  and well – respected automobile brands in the world.

            What is the secret of Nissan’s longevity? In an attempt to map that out, this blog post will try to compare two Nissan vehicles side by side – the Nissan Model 70 Phaeton which came out in 1938 and the new Nissan skyline GT – R which is slated to come out in 2008.

            The Nissan Model 70 Phaeton was a pioneer of sorts as it was one of the first cars manufactured by Nissan when it “acquired designs for large passenger cars and production facilities from the Graham Paige Corporation of the United States” (quote from toyota.co.jp ). The Nissan skyline GT – R is also a pioneer of sorts with its cutting edge fantastic GTR-Proto concept technology (quote from windingroad.com) . Nissan stays true to its vision of enriching people’s lives as it remains at the forefront of harnessing new technology of the time. Such is the reason for the brand’s longevity.

Nissan has been one of the most reliable manufacturers of automotives. If you have a Nissan car consider yourself lucky. If you can shop for quality Nissan parts at this website , then consider yourself even luckier.

Nissan, in its continuing effort to ensure road safety and convenience has created its fourth-generation Advanced Safety Vehicle called the ASV-4. This vehicle technology incorporates an electronic aid into the Nissan car which communicates with other vehicles or even cellphones on the road. Nissan’s new vehicular technology has an audio – visual screen that alert’s a car’s driver of oncoming vehicles. The inspiration for creating such an aid was the occurrence that vehicles usually get into accidents when turning into blind spots or corners.Nissan hopes that by the introduction of this technology, accidents will occur less often. The navigator works to alert the driver of any areas, corners, vehicles or objects that he or she may not even see.

The technology employed in the ASV – 4 is a brilliant idea as this will make driving on the road easier for everyone. But as with all forms of technology, the ASV – 4 electronic aid is meant to merely give assistance. Defensive driving and presence of mind should still remain topmost in a driver.

The ASV - 4 technology is still a work in progress. But other add - ons are available for your Nissan cars. You can shop for them at Nissan Parts.

Source: uk.cars.yahoo.com

Environment-friendly and muscular vehicle competed for attention during the opening of the Tokyo Auto Show on October 24. One of Japan’s leading automakers, Nissan is out to prove that it is not merely joining in the bandwagon of novel car concepts at the annual event—but also to show that it can stand among the rest with its ingenious ideas that are expected to elicit awe from the audience.

Nissan has four auto concepts to feature at the Tokyo Auto Show, one of which is the Round Box compact convertible. This car redefines the idea of open-air driving as it allows occupants to feel a sense of speed, fresh air stimulation, and user-friendly features.

The idea behind the Round Box is based not from another car, but from the social setting in the environment. According to Tatsuya Shiosaki of Nissan’s Exploratory and Advanced Product Department, the inspiration of the Round Box came from the “lively atmosphere of a sports bar.”

“In a sports bar, everyone is focused on the game for pure enjoyment. They are totally free of the pressure and tension felt by the players who are actually playing the game on the field. A sports bar affords an enjoyable, stress-free space where friends can experience a sense of togetherness. Simultaneously, they can enjoy thrilling excitement like being on a rollercoaster yet without any risk involved. That is the sort of emotive world the Round Box is intended to provide,” Shiosaki explained in a report by Fullboost.com.

A lot of interior Nissan parts contribute to the comfortable riding experience for drivers and passengers. The distinct curvy surfaces in the car’s interior aptly illustrated the name Round Box. That explains why Round Box is designed so that the four occupants can easily communicate and have enough space for relaxation.

Another ingenious feature of the Nissan Round Box is the interactive “Play Catch” system enables sharing of entertainment and driving information among the driver and passengers.

The Nissan parts equipped on the new cars can only be described as truly outstanding. The new Nissan car’s turbocharged direct injection gasoline makes it environment friendly. The engine is coupled with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The Round Box, to which driving is “like being on a roller-coaster yet without any risk, also includes a number of safety mechanisms such as the Distance Control Assist System and Around View Monitor.

Source: Fullboost.com

Finally, one of the few anticipated stars in this year’s Tokyo Auto Show has been unveiled for all eager Nissan enthusiasts to see.

Dubbed by Nissan as “an ultimate supercar for anyone, anywhere, at anytime”, the GT-R is groomed as the latest technology flagship of the Japanese automobile company.

It seems Nissan made sure that the 2009 Nissan GT-R gets only the best and topnotch quality Nissan parts available. This new Nissan car is powered by an all-new 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 473 horsepower. It also offers specially crafted 20-inch racing tires and a twin-turbo exhaust system.

According to Nissan, a special car like the GT-R underwent a special production process. The Japanese automaker added that the car’s aluminum, steel, and carbon-fiber components are created with a “special high-precision process” that involves a lot of vibration tests. On the other hand, engines and transmissions are built in a “clean room environment.”

A notable aspect of the GT-R is that Nissan collaborated with other companies that provided the car with the latest automotive technologies in the market. For instance, Nissan teamed up with BorgWarner in crafting the dual-clutch transmission for the GT-R. Called the DualTronic technology, the dual-clutch transmission is intended to give a feel of driving a sports car. This is a combination of the efficiency of the manual gearbox with the functionality of n automatic transmission, and enhanced fuel economy, according to a CNN report.

“The Nissan GT-R is a great driving machine and one that is a superb platform for experiencing the full range of dual-clutch transmission efficiency, responsiveness, and versatility. We feel privileged to have worked with Nissan on this milestone vehicle, the first GT-R engineered for sale in global markets. [The DualTronic technology] is also the world’s first transaxle dual-clutch transmission—front engine and rear transmission — the perfect balance for sports cars,” said Bernd Matthes, President and General Manager of BorgWarner Transmission Systems, as cited by CNN.

In addition, the GT-R features other Nissan parts such as Brembo brakes, Bilstein DampTronic suspension, and run-flat tires.

The GT-R’s unique powertrain system supports the engine over the front axle and the transmission over the rear axle to minimize vibration at the maximum speed of 180 miles per hour.

On the safety side, the GT-R is equipped with a pop-up engine hood system designed to ensure safety of pedestrians. Optional safety features include driver’s- and front passenger’s-side airbags and side curtain bags.

The Nissan GT-R will hit the Japanese market on December 6 through Nissan High Performance Centers. In the United States, the new Nissan model will be available on sale in June next year. There is no official announcement yet as to the price of the GT-R, but Edmunds.com pegs it at $67,000.

Sources: CNN, Edmunds.com

The U.S. car market will be “little bit worse” in 2008 than this year, according to Nissan Motor Co. President Carlos Ghosn.

“I see a tough market in the U.S.,” said Ghosn, as cited by Market Watch.

Speaking at the Tokyo International Automotive Conference on October 23, Ghosn predicted that the demand for vehicles in the United States may drop between 15.5 million and 16 million in 2008.

Smaller and more fuel-efficient cars, in particular, are sought after by consumers amid the increasing gasoline prices in the United States, said Ghosn, according to a Bloomberg report.

According to Ghosn, costs of raw material such as steel will steadily increase. However, the rigid competition among auto companies stops them from passing the costs to the consumers.

The sales of Nissan cars in the United States increased by 4.7 percent to 813,053 cars in the first three quarters of the year.

Ghosn also sees the partnership between the Japanese automobile company and European brand Renault SA as the key to raising the former’s production and sales to between seven million and eight million cars, as opposed to the present six million. Forty-four percent of Nissan shares are owned by Renault.

On that note, Nissan’s chief official announced that he is open to the idea of including a North American partner at the Renault-Nissan partnership. But such an undertaking would have to be by “mutual consent.”

The Nissan executive did not reveal yet Nissan and Renault’s new business strategy. But Ghosn said the alliance will zero in on increasing sales of low-cost vehicles all over the world.

Sources: Bloomberg, Market Watch

The Nissan Livina is taking the world by storm—albeit slowly.

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. has recently announced its launch of the 2008 Nissan Livina and Grand Livina in Taiwan last weekend. This is Nissan’s attempt to meet the needs of diverse consumers by including minivans and compact hatchback segments in its vehicle lineup.

In line with the debut of the Livina series, Yulon Nissan Motor Co. of Taiwan and Nissan Motor Company South Africa recently conducted kick-off events. Nissan will launch the Grand Livina in November this year and the Livina in January next year in South Africa.

The Livina series in South Africa and Taiwan will be manufactured locally at the Rosslyn plant and the San Yi plant, respectively.

The Nissan Grand Livina had its first sales in China in November 2006, carrying the brand name Livina Geniss. In April this year, the sale of the Livina model followed; the Gran d Livina was launched in Indonesia. Despite its being relatively new in the market, the Livina Geniss and Grand Livina have already been acclaimed as Indonesian Car of the Year and Best Compact MPV by Mobil Motor Magazine.

The Grand Livina is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that has a seating capacity of seven people. It comes with 1.5, 1.6, or 1.8-liter gasoline engines including a four-speed automatic or five- or six-speed manual transmission, plus other exciting Nissan parts.

Planning to expand its market reach, Nissan is set to introduce the Livina and Grand Livina series to more countries in Asia. The Nissan Grand Livina will be launced in Malaysia before this year ends and in the Philippines next year. Also, Livina will be introduced in Indonesia in early 2008. The Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, Philippines, and Indonesia will be produced locally.

Source: Nissan

Nissan fans should brace themselves for the arrival of the new and improved X-trail.

The Japanese automaker has come up with ways to entice new followers to the midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV), as well as to keep the old ones.

The Nissan X-Trail is a top-selling SUV, with 70,000 units sold since its introduction six years ago.

Improved would be an understatement to the new version of the X-Trail. The general appearance of the new version underwent only little changes. Although Nissan retained its muscular look, the X-Trail now has become more spacious, easier on the pocket, more powerful, and better equipped.

Carsguide.com notes the excellent visibility of the refined SUV, thanks to the Nissan parts such as its sloping bonnet and headlight markers. It also has a lower boot floor due to the modified suspension.

The X-Trail offers better Nissan parts and features inside, adding to passenger comfort. The armrests are padded up. There are six cup holders, four of which can be heated or cooled by the vehicle’s air conditioning system.

The upgraded version is powered by a 2.5-liter engine.

As for its all-wheel drive system, Nissan has provided an option between two-wheel, automatic all-wheel mode, or four-wheel drive lock. The driver has to select one of them by making a dial on the center console.

The Nissan X-Trail, which will be available on sale starting November 1, costs $31,990 for the base ST trim and $35,990 for the ST-L.

Source: CarsGuide.com

The long wait is over as the first official details and photos of the much-anticipated Nissan GT-R have just been released.

Nissan originally intended to release the specs of the GT-R when it debuts at the Tokyo Motor Show in late October. However, an auto magazine in the U.S. has lifted the agreed photo embargo and published them before the target date.

The Nissan GT-R has an advanced dashboard with switches that control the four-wheel drive system, suspension, and traction control systems. The new Nissan model has two doors and two compact rear seats.

Sale of the GT-R will start next year. It will have a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine rated at 470 horsepower. To provide the new model with a supercar performance, Nissan equipped it with an all wheel drive and the most recent differential technology.

The GT-R’s drivetrain comes with advanced Nissan parts such as a transaxle at the rear integrating the utility of a conventional center differential. The GT-R runs at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour.

Other technological features on the new Nissan GT-R include Nissan parts like a multifunction display, satellite navigation system, and onboard entertainment system. The multifunction display detects oil and engine coolant temperatures, and transmission oil pressures.

“Today’s technology allows us to make a high performance car, a flagship car for Nissan that can be adapted to all the driving conditions across the globe, said Nissan top executive Carlos Ghosn, as cited by Autoexpress.com.

The concept of this car was brought to life when it was announced at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001.

Sources: Autoexpress.com, Wheels24

Car buffs, especially Nissan fans, are in for a delightful surprise as the Japanese auto brand is gearing up its four new concepts for the upcoming Tokyo auto show.

First in line is the next-generation Nissan Maxima equipped with a new V6 diesel Nissan engine. It offers barn-style doors for easier access and a large panoramic glass windscreen. The luxury vehicle also includes Nissan parts such as two Nissan headlights that occupy the front wing and bonnet areas, aerodynamic mirrors, and two tailpipes with the rear bumper.

Second is the Nissan NV200 concept vehicle that looks more like a mobile office. The van, which works like an office away from office, is designed to cut the commuting time of working people by providing a spacious and fully-equipped area for them to do their jobs.

On the other hand, the Round Box Concept, also called Rd-Bx, offers a unique view on open-air monitoring. This red car is a fusion of economy and space of a supermini car with the looks and handling of a sports car. The four-seater machine ha no roof, but it has an almost vertical rear. A 1.6-liter petrol turbo engine powers the Rd-Bx. Clear panels under the doors give the sense of amazing speed by enabling passengers to view the road surface flash under them. Such innovation was first used on Nissan’s Urge concept that was launched last year at the Detroit auto show.

The last and the most eye-catching is the clever Pivo2 that resembles a toy car. This electric car that uses lithium-ion batteries can rotate at all directions because of its wheel base. The most striking feature of the Pivo2 is a robot on-board the car that employs a camera directed on the driver to monitor fatigue. If the driver falls asleep while driving, the Pivo 2 can raise the alarm to awaken the driver.

Source: Auto Express

In this fast-paced world, new ideas and strategies sprout like mushrooms to make the lives of working people much more convenient. Nowadays, the concept of an office is no longer confined to a spacious, air-conditioned room that houses a lot of computers and busy employees. Some people have an “office” built within their homes so that they can do their job without having to leave home. There is also the so-called mobile workplace that allows people to work outdoors with their laptops—anytime, anywhere.

Now, Nissan is ready to launch an almost similar concept in its new vehicle. An office within a vehicle? Nissan is absolutely not kidding there.

The new Nissan NV200 is described as a futuristic and practical innovation as it cuts significantly the commuting time of working people. It basically integrates a van and a mobile office in one ingenious package. A light commercial concept vehicle, the NV200 is created especially for people who are always on the go and has little or not time for commuting to and from office.

The driver will only have to unbuckle, turn, and face the “office” positioned at the rear of the van. He does not even have to stand up! The van’s rear, unlike traditional doors, slides out automatically to reveal a spacious office that has storage areas on the outside that can be customized. A pod located in the cargo area encloses the storage compartments. The van also includes Nissan parts such as a computer workspace and living quarters.

“A light commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that’s no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth. For NV200, function becomes the aesthetic. Our concept is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch,” said Shiro Nakamura, as quoted by Auto123.com. Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer at Nissan Motor Co., explained the latest Nissan concept when the Japanese automaker revealed the NV200 concept at Nissan Design Europe last July 25.

The NV200 is initially designed for underwater photographers as it is equipped with wet and dry storage areas, among other Nissan parts, for diving equipment. The concept model is also suited for construction site foremen and salespersons. But Nissan said the concept model can be modified to different demands.

The Nissan NV200 will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this October. Details of its production is not released as of yet.

Sources: Auto123.com, SciFi.com