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Carlos Ghosn
President and Chief Executive Officer

"The power comes from inside."
This simple phrase familiar to every Nissan employee conveys a powerful truth. Any company is only as strong as the people who bring it to life. Companies do not create products, deliver services or solve problems; people do.
And the people who work at Nissan are facing major evolutions that are changing the global automotive industry as we know it today.
One trend is the shift in demographics. The world's population is expanding at a rapid pace, from 6.7 billion today to more than 9 billion by 2050. More people will create the demand for more cars. Today, there are 600 million vehicles worldwide; by 2050, statistics show there may be up to 2.5 billion vehicles.

Where will the growth occur? Many vehicles will be sold to the rising middle classes all over the world, particularly in emerging markets. A car is an important symbol of freedom, status and personal achievement, and growing numbers of new drivers will seek affordable transportation and the benefits that car ownership provides.
Another important trend is the growing demand for a cleaner environment. Automakers are accelerating the development of products to offer greater fuel efficiency and fewer CO₂ emissions, from more efficient gasoline-fueled engines to hybrids, clean diesel, electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.
The world is changing, and Nissan is adapting with it. We are harnessing the power that's inside Nissan to prepare solutions that our customers will want and value, now and in the years to come. Solutions such as:

• electric and fuel cell vehicles that are attractive, fun-to-drive cars with the appealing benefit of zero emissions;
• global entry cars that make mobility more accessible and affordable for all; and
• innovative technological advances that are good for the environment, enhance safety, improve dynamic performance or provide greater life-on-board satisfaction.

Nissan has a clear vision for the future, and - with our Alliance partner, Renault - we are working with passion to achieve it. Our mission is to enrich people's lives, building trust with our employees, customers, dealers, partners, shareholders and the world at large.

NAVARA AWARDS

Nissan “Can you feel electricity in the air?” teaser goes up on its website – is the electric-powered LEAF arriving?

A teaser graphic has gone up on the local Nissan website, with a ‘Can you feel electricity in the air?” tagline being the only thing mentioned, and also that whatever is due to happen is just but five days away.
Chances are it’s the nod to the arrival of the electrically-powered Nissan LEAF, one of the models slated for introduction here this year. Don’t get too excited though, even if this is the case, because the EV isn’t going to be commercially available just yet, as indicated by an earlier report on its planned arrival.
In it, Edaran Tan Chong Motor stated that it will be running a pilot program for the LEAF, in which the vehicle will be used to promote public awareness and be involved in experimental drives with Government bodies, the media as well public audiences. So, you might get to sit in one, but you can’t take it home just yet.

It is a double joy celebration for Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) as both Nissan Teana and Navara King Cab were named the “Executive Car of The Year” and “Pickup Truck of The Year” respectively at the New Straits Times/ Maybank Car of The Year 2011 Awards Night.

“It is indeed a remarkable moment for ETCM to have achieved such prominent awards and recognitions at this special occasion. It has always been our mission to introduce more new models with the greatest value. Both Nissan Teana and Navara King Cab have garnered numerous prestigious awards throughout the years and this is evidently shown by the overwhelming support from our loyal customers. ETCM will continue to deliver the best to the market.” Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCM said.

 

A panel of judges took into account criteria such as exterior and interior design, comfort and ergonomics, performance, safety, emotional appeal, and after sales service including the comprehensiveness of its warranty. Only the new and substantially face-lifted models introduced in the country since October 2010 are eligible for the nomination.

NISSAN TEANA

1.    Executive Car of the Year, New Straits Times/ Maybank COTY2U Awards 2011.

2.    Winner - Large Sedan Category Award, AUTOCAR Asean Car of the Year Awards 2011.

      3.    Best Local Assembly Executive Sedan, Asian Auto / Auto Industry Awards 2011.

 

NISSAN NAVARA KING CAB

1.   Pickup Truck of the Year, New Straits Times/ Maybank COTY2U Awards 2011.

2.  Truck of the Year 2011 & 2012 Award, Wheels Weekly / LIVE LIFE DRIVE Car of the Year 2011 & 2012 Award.

3. Best Value for Money Pickup Truck, Asian Auto / VCA Auto Industry Awards 2009 & 2010.

4.  Winner – Pickup Category, AUTOCAR Asean Car of the Year Awards 2009.

      5.  The Best Speed Bump Killer – NewMan RPM Awards 2009.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is pleased to announce that both Nissan NAVARA and LATIO Hatchback were proclaimed as the 2nd runner-ups at the Asian Auto AmBank Fuel Efficiency Awards 2011.

Category	Nissan Models	Rank	Fuel Consumption (L/100km)
Pickup Trucks	Nissan NAVARA 4X4 Manual	3rd in Class	8.2
Small Family Cars	Nissan LATIO Hatchback	3rd in Class	6.3

Mr. Anthony Tan, General Manager for Marketing, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) received the award from Mr. Chua Soo Seong (left), Managing Editor of Premier Asian Auto Publications (M) Sdn Bhd. Nissan LATIO 1.6 Hatchback was awarded 2nd runner-up in small family cars.

 Nissan NAVARA was placed 3rd in the pickup trucks category.

The Asian Auto AmBank Fuel Efficiency Awards 2011 which running on its 4th consecutive year is the first and only industry award in Malaysia that encourages car manufacturers to offer vehicles that promote fuel efficiency. The winners were chosen based on fuel consumption figures provided by each car manufacturer and audited by Insurance Services Malaysia (ISM).

SPIED: Nissan Sunny in KL – is it set to debut very soon?

Well, looks like the B-segment Nissan sedan set to be introduced by Edaran Tan Chong Motor this year has arrived, or at least the type approval or evaluation mules have.
The car in question is of course the new Nissan Sunny, which made its debut at Auto Guangzhou in December, 2010.
Reader Kenny Tan snapped a couple of photos of the car somewhere in KL – the silver example, wearing steel wheels, has black tape masking the badging as well as the headlamp and rear light clusters, but is otherwise unmarked.


No indication as to when the car will make its market debut, but the fact that it’s already here means that it can’t be too long before the sedan is set loose. The car should wear the 112 PS and 139 Nm HR15DE 1.5 litre engine, but as to whether it will retain the venerable Sunny moniker Malaysians are very familiar with remains to be seen.

Mitsubishi to rebadge Nissan NV200 as Delica D:3 in Japan

The OEM partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan looks to be growing even further – Mitsubishi is set to take yet another vehicle from Nissan into its model line-up for the domestic market.
Thus far, under the existing OEM agreements with Nissan, Mitsubishi is selling the AD commercial vehicle under its badge, while supplying its eK Wagon and other minivehicles, according to reports. Already, both companies have set up a JV to develop mini-cars for the market, with operations having begun in June.
Now, Mitsubishi is set to add Nissan’s NV200 van to the list and plans to start selling the 1.6 litre-class vehicle as the Delica D:3 sometime from the end of October, and it’s hoping to shift 5,000 units for the initial year.
The company is also mulling over getting a luxury sedan like the Teana to sell under its own brand. Having considerably trimmed its model line-up, 60% of Mitsubishi’s domestic sales are now made up of mini-vehicles, and the reports add that procuring more models from Nissan will allow the company to feature a more balanced product range without increasing its R&D spending.

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.