ETCM gives away Nissan Sylphy to Grand Livina buyer

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has given away a Nissan Sylphy worth RM114,880 to a Nissan Grand Livina buyer, concluding the second round of its “Test Drive & Win” campaign. The lucky lady is Tengku Norul Karlina Binti Tengku Yunus from KL.
“I entered this contest with the least expectation to win. This is absolutely shocking and I just couldn’t believe that I am the lucky winner! I am delighted because it brings so much joy to my family and of course, thanks to ETCM for everything,” said Tengku Norul Karlina.
The second draw was open to those who have bought or test driven any Nissan vehicle from 1 August till 30 November 2011. The first draw winner was Dr Aida Adlina Binti Anuar from Seremban. The good doctor was also a buyer of the Grand Livina MPV.
If you think buying a Livina and winning a Sylphy is a good deal, ETCM’s “Test Drive & Win” goes into its third round where a Nissan Teana or 370Z will be given away. The contest period is from 1 December last year to 31 March 2012. To join, one will need to test drive a Nissan vehicle at any authorised Nissan dealership. That will gain you one entry. Buy a Nissan and six entries will be in the pot.

Nissan Sunny, LEAF and few CBU models coming this year

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), at a recent CNY lunch, announced that it will be introducing several new models this year. They are a B-segment sedan, a “few interesting CBU models” and the electric-powered Nissan LEAF. This comes after the Navara Single Cab and NV200 Vanette that was announced last weekend.
Asked to comment on the prospects of the automotive sector this year, here’s what ETCM’s executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng had to say: “2012 will not be a rosy year for the automotive sector. The first quarter remains challenging, because supply interruptions caused by the Thailand flood continue to persist. Apart from this, the stringent loan conditions for hire purchase of vehicles in Malaysia may affect our sales too. Moreover, consumers are cautious on the global economic outlook.

“The market will only pick up in the second half of the year, with MAA forecasting that TIV will grow 2.5% to hit 615,000 units this year. We are confident that Nissan sales volume will exceed industry growth with the introduction of new models in segments which Nissan is currently unrepresented.”
The B-segment sedan in question should be the Sunny, although it’s not certain if that household name will be reused (we were at the car’s world debut in China, click here for more), while the March and Juke could be on the CBU menu. As for the LEAF, it’s a pilot programme, not commercial sales.

EXCLUSIVE: Nissan Elgrand 3.5 V6 by ETCM

UPDATE: High-res official gallery added
I spotted something unusual at the Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup launch last week. The hot Clio’s unveiling at the upscale Bangsar Shopping Centre was part of a Tan Chong roadshow starring the Renault range and upmarket models from Nissan. Sitting quietly in a corner was this, the Nissan Elgrand MPV.
If memory serves me right, Nissan’s big MPV was shown at KLIMS 2010, but I don’t remember a launch event or any press release about the model from ETCM. It’s also not listed on Nissan’s local website, so this should be one of the upcoming CBU models ETCM is bringing in for 2012. So, while all attention was on the hot hatch in front, I slipped away for a walk around and a few shots of the big black bus.

The Elgrand is Nissan’s answer to the Alphard, so it’s a luxurious box with sharp edges. It’s not as ubiquitous as the Toyota, but there are a few units around, usually black in colour with a massive chrome grille. This one sold by ETCM is the latest E52 third-generation Elgrand, one gen newer than those on the road.
The mask-like grille is still massive, but more effort has gone into the front design. Same goes for the rest of the car, which is less slab sided than before. The Elgrand is powered by Nissan’s VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6 engine making 280 PS and 344 Nm of torque. The gearbox is of course paired to the firm’s Xtronic CVT, with manual mode.

The Elgrand comes in as a Highway Star model and is quite well equipped. Standard kit includes six airbags (front, side, curtain), Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS, EBD, BA, adaptive xenons, keyless entry/start (intelligent key), two powered sliding doors, auto tailgate, double sunroof, Around View Monitor, 18-inch alloys and a rear entertainment system with wireless headphones and 11-inch display.
But the highlight for chauffeured bosses will be the Elgrand’s three ottoman seats – front passenger plus two second row captain chairs – enabling business-class style seating on the road.

The Elgrand is imported CBU from Japan.

Nissan NV200 chosen as New York City’s taxi of tomorrow

It’s very much part of the city’s fabric, New York’s Ford Crown Victoria yellow cabs are, but the iconic vehicles are being phased out, and its next generation replacement will be … a Nissan NV200.
According to reports, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that Nissan has won the Taxi of Tomorrow competition, which sought to find the next-gen NYC cab – the result means that the Japanese automaker has exclusive rights to provide the replacement for the more than 13,000 yellow taxis that work the city.
Nissan submitted a version of its NV200 for the competition. The NV200, which isn’t currently sold in the US, edged out the Ford Transit Connect and another competing entry from Karsan, a Turkish automaker.
The first Nissan NV200 cabs are slated to enter service towards the end of 2013 and will be phased in over five years as the Crown Victorias, which make up 90% of the city’s cab fleet, are slowly replaced.
The choice is already generating some controversy – large taxi fleet owners are saying they don’t want to be stuck using only one model. Meanwhile, advocates for the disabled are opposing any vehicle that isn’t wheelchair accessible, which only the Karsan entry was at the point of competition.
But while the NV200′s looks isn’t its strongest point, the vehicle – to be built in Mexico – offers plenty of room and its 2.0 litre engine will offer it good fuel efficiency, something the Crown Vic isn’t exactly famous for.

Nissan Sylphy updated – two trim levels, plenty of new kit

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has introduced the refreshed 2012 Nissan Sylphy. Nissan’s C-segment sedan is now available in two trim levels – 2.0XL and 2.0XV – revised styling and a longer equipment list.
On the looks front, there are new front and rear bumpers, a new chrome grille and revised lamp design at both ends. Five colour choices are available – Bronze Gold, Tungsten Silver, Sapphire Black, Twilight Grey and Brilliant White.

Both XL and XV specs come with a black interior theme (used to be beige) with fine cherry wood trim, silver-ringed meter design with Multi-Information Display, and a new head unit with MP3 and AUX input. In addition, the door mirrors can now be folded at the touch of a button, while the air-con system adds on a temperature display and automatic setting.
The XV adds on leather wrapped steering and audio controls. It also comes with Nissan’s intelligent key (i-Key) keyless entry and start system.

The highest spec car is equipped with bi-xenon projector headlamps with Active Front-lighting System (AFS) – the only car in its class to offer such a feature. AFS, not to be confused with bending main projectors, is a cornering lamp. This is added to the already standard auto headlamps. The XV also rolls on 195/60 R16 wheels, one-inch larger than the XL’s 185/65 R15.