VIDEO: Nissan Leaf turns five, becomes a mind-reader

The Nissan Leaf turns five this year, and to commemorate the occasion, Nissan has produced a short video that shows everyone just how exciting driving an electric vehicle (EV) can be. Literally, whatever emotions you’re having while driving the Leaf will be shown to every bystander.
In the 1 minute 40 second-long video titled “The Electric CARtoon – Driving School at Night”, a specially-prepared Leaf is used. Wrapped in a manner befit of a manga comic, the Leaf’s other trick is a device inside the car that measures the brainwaves of 30 men and women as they are driving the EV.
The science here is, alpha waves are emitted when the brain relaxes and concentrates, while beta waves are produced when the brain feels tension or is excited. From starting the EV, to driving it down a straight road and taking corners, the machine records the information, and projects one of 33 patterns of language that reflects the current emotion felt by the driver onto the road.
It’s all very interesting this, and certainly worth a watch. Now, if only there’s a way the same brain device can be hooked up to a car’s indicator lights. Should make for an interesting experiment, wouldn’t you say?

VIDEO: Nissan and Manchester City – Dream Job Swap

A Nissan-commissioned study found that nearly a third of children aged 9 to 13 years, believe that footballers and racing drivers have the most exciting careers in the world. Well, with individuals like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Lewis Hamilton around, it’s easy to see why.
The study prompted Nissan to come up with make full use of their partnership with the Manchester City Football Club, bringing together football and driving in an event called ‘Dream Job Swap’.
Four first team players – David Silva, Bacary Sagna, Fernando and Eliaquim Mangala got behind the wheel of a Nissan Juke Nismo RS in a gymkhana-esque challenge. Tutoring them are professional motorsport drivers Jann Mardenborough, Miguel Faisca, Ricardo Sanchez, Lucas Ordonez.

In the time attack challenge, we get to see the players try to outdo one another, while watching their instructors cringe at every mistake and spinout that takes place. You’ll have to watch the full video to see who wins in the end.
“Being able to make some of the country’s most celebrated talent accessible to our fans through this activity is what makes this partnership so exciting. Seeing the reaction from the players and drivers experiencing the dream job swap has been fantastic and we hope to get a similar reaction from viewers,” said Nissan Motors GB Marketing Director Chris Marsh.

Nissan Kicks – teaser of production model released

Previously previewed online, Nissan has now released another teaser of the upcoming Nissan Kicks, covered in cloth. This one, however, shows the outline of the production version. Not much can be seen from the teaser except for those V-shaped LED daytime running lights and the elaborate character line at the side.
Apart from the teaser, Nissan has announced that the vehicle will take on its role as the official car for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games. This essentially means that the Kicks will see an official unveiling on May 3, 2016, when the Rio Olympics torch relay across Brazil starts.
The Kicks concept is basically an evolution of the Nissan Extrem Concept vehicle, which debuted at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in 2012. The Kicks concept followed in 2014, designed by Nissan Design America in San Diego with input coming from Nissan Design America Rio, lead by Global Design Centre Nissan in Japan. The production version’s design is expected to stay very close to the concept.

As a concept, the compact crossover measured in at 4,300 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,600 mm tall. At its base, the Kicks is said to be sitting on the company’s V-platform, the same one that underpins the Nissan March/Micra, Nissan Sentra and Nissan Note. The production version will be offered with a 1.6 litre flex-fuel (petrol/ethanol) engine.
It is to be built at Nissan’s Resende Industrial Complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil alongside the March and Versa. That said, the first few units of the Kicks will reportedly be imported into Brazil from Mexico, before domestic production begins at some point in 2017.
Meanwhile, Nissan has mentioned that the Kicks could see a global introduction, but the company will need to study the business case before a decision can be made. If the case proves strong, the B-segment crossover will be a contender against the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 2008 and the incoming Toyota C-HR.

Nissan CEO welcomes Tesla Model 3’s large orders

Carlos Ghosn, Nissan Motor CEO, sees the overwhelming orders of Tesla’s Model 3 as a good thing – in fact he welcomes it, Automotive News reports. The reason behind this, was that Ghosn views the response as some “good competition” at long last.
“The fact that so many people are willing to pay a downpayment to get this car which becomes available at the end of 2017 is a good sign,” he said, adding “finally, good competition for EVs is picking up.” On a market-perspective, the CEO believes that it would stimulate demand for electric vehicles (EV).
He also noted that such new offerings from Tesla will lead to better customer appreciation of EVs and at the same time, it will also motivate Nissan to produce better vehicles. “We welcome competition because it can expand the market. It’s going to stimulate demand,” Ghosn reiterated.

Under the Renault-Nissan Alliance, a total of 302,000 electric vehicles have been sold globally, as of 2015. The number includes 211,000 units of the Nissan Leaf (since its launch in 2010), making the Japanese brand the EV leader.
Tesla on the other hand, has stated that 325,000 orders have been taken for the Model 3. The figure is now triple the cumulative sales of the Tesla Model S and Model X, from 2012 to 2015.

Nissan Skyline named most iconic Japanese car ever

While the new Nissan GT-R is revelling in the success of setting a new Guinness World Record, its predecessor (and grandparents), the Nissan Skyline, also gained some acknowledgement as well. Followers of Japfest, the biggest celebration of Japanese cars and culture in Europe, has named the Skyine as the most iconic Japanese car ever.
Prior to the event’s start on April 24, 2016, the organisers carried out a survey among its social media followers to see which Japanese performance car would be identified as the most iconic model.
Thanks to the Playstation Generation (Gran Turismo, yeah!), the Nissan Skyline came out on top. From the classic Hakosuka, to the R32 GT-R that earned the Skyline its ‘Godzilla’ nickname, and the R34 Skyline that was made famous in the Fast and Furious films, it’s no wonder the sports car, in all its generations, is so endearing with enthusiasts.

“The Nissan Skyline is one of the cars that really kicked off the Japanese tuning craze in the UK, so it’s no surprise to see that it’s been named as the most iconic Japanese performance car of all time. Japfest is a real celebration of the culture that it, in part, created, and we look forward to celebrating its success this year among the event’s festival atmosphere,” Event manager Katherine Chappell said.
Results from the survey revealed that the Toyota Supra came in as the runner-up to the Skyline, while the Subaru Impreza WRX took the third spot. Curious what models were listed on the survey? Well, here’s the full list:

• Mitsubishi Lancer Evo (all variants)
• Toyota Supra
• Honda Civic Type-R
• Nissan Skyline (all variants)
• Toyota MR2
• Honda Integra R
• Mazda MX-5
• Toyota GT
• Toyota Corolla AE86
• Honda S2000
• Nissan 200SX
• Datsun/Nissan Z cars
• Subaru BR-Z
• Mazda RX-7
• Datsun 510
• Mazda RX-8
• Toyota Celica
• Honda CRX
• Mitsubishi 3000GT
• Suzuki Swift Sport
• Mitsubishi FTO

The survey also included an option to suggest other cars. There you have it Skyline fans and owners, your favourite Japanese performance car has been crowned as the most iconic Japanese car ever. For the rest, do you agree with the results from the survey? What model would you have preferred to receive the title?

Nissan Almera now with LED DRLs in M’sia, all grades

The Nissan Almera has been given an eye-catching new item in Malaysia – LED daytime running lights. This is as seen on Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s (ETCM) microsite and Facebook page promoting the B-segment sedan, which also says that the DRLs are available on all variants. The string of white lights underline the front fog lamps.
The addition of LED DRLs coincide with ETCM raising prices for its four CKD locally assembled models, which include the Almera. As reported last week, the Almera 1.5E M/T is now priced at RM68,500, the 1.5E A/T RM72,200 and the top 1.5VL A/T RM82,000, all on-the-road without insurance. The new prices, effective April 1, are RM3,734.88 (5.8%), RM4,521.64 (6.7%) and RM4,610.88 (6.0%) higher, respectively.
So, while prices are up (forex effect, also cited by Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Kia, Peugeot, Citroen, Audi and even Proton as the reason for higher costs), Almera buyers get the consolation of LED DRLs. All else remains. Check out the roomy 1.5L sedan and its Nismo Performance Package.

ETCM announces price increase for four Nissan CKD models – Almera, Grand Livina, X-Gear and Teana

As hinted at last month, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has announced a price increase for its locally-assembled Nissan models. While initially expected to involve six models, only four CKD models are affected by the increase.
These are the Nissan Almera, Grand Livina, X-Gear and Teana, with the price hikes ranging from 2.8% to 6.7%. The increase is effective from today, April 1. The company added that pricing for the Serena S-Hybrid, X-Trail, NP300 Navara and NV200 models remain unchanged.
The company says that the decision for this price adjustment is mainly due to the weakened ringgit, which has severely impacted the overall operational costs of the company. Having continuously sought and reviewed opportunities to hold the current prices of Nissan vehicles for the interest of its customers, it says it has no choice but to now do so.

“Over the past months, despite severe pressure from a weakened ringgit, ETCM implemented necessary measures to reduce the impact. However, due to the prolonged unfavourable foreign exchange and the persistent pressure of higher operating costs, selected models will have a price increase,” ETCM executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng explained.
The breakdown of the new pricing for the four CKD models is as listed above. The lowest percentage jump is for the Teana 200XE, which previously went for RM133,284 (on-the-road, without insurance), and is now RM137,000, the RM3,715 increase making for a 2.8% hike. In terms of the biggest percentage jump, that’s for the Almera 1.5E AT – originally priced at RM67,678, it is now listed at RM72,200, up by 6.7%.
The official Nissan distributor intimated late last year that it was mulling a price increase for its range of Nissan models in Malaysia in light of the ringgit’s depreciation, and reiterated it again in February. Thus far, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Kia, Peugeot, Citroen, Audi and Proton have all upped their prices in Malaysia due to the weakening ringgit.

Nissan design chief rules out Toyota 86 sports car rival

The retro Nissan IDx Freeflow and its Nismo sister from Tokyo 2013 have to be among the coolest concept cars in recent times, with strong inspiration from the classic Datsun 510. Compact, turbocharged and rear-wheel drive, the pair got enthusiasts dreaming of a Nissan alternative to the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5.
That will not happen. Top Nissan execs told Auto Express at NYIAS 2016 that while the firm’s GT-R supercar and Z sports car will always remain in the range due to customer loyalty, plans to add a smaller sports car to the family have been shelved for now.
Shiro Nakamura, Nissan’s senior VP and chief creative officer, said that the biggest stumbling block is the costs associated with building a new platform for the project. “You need a proper platform because it has to be light and small and also affordable. In reality that is not easy to find. It also has to be rear-wheel drive – if we make it front-wheel drive it would be cheating. It is expensive and we are struggling,” he said.

Famous Nissan sports car nameplates like GT-R and Z will remain as they’re needed as halo cars “We have to renew the platform strategy across the company. If we can find a good solution to produce something more affordable and light, we can bring it back. Today’s industry is all about platform strategy – in the past it never used to be like that,” he added.
Pointed to the platform of the upcoming Renault Alpine sports car, Nakamura dismissed the idea. “We are not a mid-engined car company – we don’t have the same heritage as Alpine,” he said.
It’s not all bad news however, as the famous “GT-R” and “Z” nameplates will carry on “forever”. Nissan corporate VP for product strategy Keno Kato told AE that while the company is focused on leading the way in electric vehicles, it needs halo sports cars like the GT-R (facelifted car debut at NYIAS) and 370Z in the range – just like how Porsche and Chevrolet continue to make the 911 and Corvette despite both brands selling profitable SUVs in bigger numbers.

VIDEO: Nissan GT-R’s 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 engine – still a handmade masterpiece, nine years and counting

When the Nissan GT-R first made its debut back in 2007, the company was immensely proud of the fact that its 3.8 litre VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 engine is entirely handcrafted by only five Takumi, or master craftsmen.
These highly trained Takumi, of which there are only five in the entire company, are the only certified personnel eligible to build a GT-R powerplant. Therefore, every single GT-R engine in existence is the work of these master craftsmen.
With the introduction of the MY2017 Nissan GT-R, the company has decided to showcase the talents of its engine builders with this video. We won’t give anything away but watching team leader Takumi Kurosawa describe the process and amount of handiwork that goes into each GT-R engine is truly a showcase of dedication, skill and passion.

For the latest iteration of the GT-R, the VR38DETT now churns out 565 hp at 6,800 rpm and 633 Nm from 3,300 to 5,800 rpm. That’s an increase of 15 hp and 3 Nm over the 2016 model – and nearly 90 hp more than what the GT-R was originally launched with back in 2007. As before, each completed engine has a plaque mounted on it, bearing its Takumi’s name.
Couple that to revised dynamics, improved aero performance and stunning new looks, and you’ve got an evolved Godzilla that’s ready to give more expensive supercars a run for their money.
Though the sub five-minute video doesn’t show the entire process of building a GT-R engine (said to take about six to nine hours), it certainly is impressive to see Nissan continue to implement the human element in the creation of its iconic sports car. Impressed?

SPIED: Next-gen Nissan March spotted testing again

The next-generation Nissan March (or Micra) has been spotted undergoing testing again. Unlike our earlier sighting of the global B-segment five-door hatchback, the prototype seen here sports camo work that is easier on the eyes.
As for the design, the Nissan March test mule shares very little in common with the current model. Sharper, sleeker and more aggressive than before, the car appears to take a page out of the Sway concept from last year’s Geneva Motor Show.
At the front, the relatively sleek headlamps (compared to the concept) meet up at the V-motion grille. Moving onwards, the March gets a sloping roofline, Honda HR-V-style rear door handles and a sharply raked rear hatch are just some of clear design highlights here. The test mule sports faux body panels to mask the car’s lines, but expect them to be prominent.

Our spy photographers also managed to capture the March from the rear as it is braking for a corner. From the look of things, the C-shaped tail lamps from the concept have been brought over, albeit less dramatically. A third and bumper-mounted brake light is visible as well. Unlike the concept and earlier spyshots however, the wild wheels aren’t fitted here.
The all-new March should ride on the Renault–Nissan Common Module Family platform, which will also be used for the next-gen Juke. Production of the European version of the March (known as the Micra there) is set to take place at Renault’s plant in France.
Expected to debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show, the all-new Nissan March will enter the market to compete against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz and Mazda 2. Based on these spyshots, what do you think of the all-new March? The Almera is based on the current March, so this could preview what’s to come for the next-gen Almera too.

2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab unveiled at New York; 5.0 litre Endurance V8 now available on larger Titan XD

At the 2016 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), Nissan officially unveiled its new 2017 Titan pick-up truck, which is the smaller sibling to the full-size Titan XD. Available initially as a Crew Cab variant, the Single and King Cab variants will join the Titan’s line-up within the model year.
Design-wise, the Titan Crew Cab “shares its aggressive style with the Titan XD, but the two vehicles are completely different underneath the skin,” according to Nissan. That’s because the half-tonne Titan is built on a separate chassis from the larger Titan XD pick-up.
Measuring both trucks, the Titan Crew Cab is 373 mm shorter than the Titan XD (5,794 mm vs 6,167 mm) and 38 mm lower (1,961 mm vs 1,999 mm). Both have the same width at 2,019 mm. The Titan’s wheelbase measures 300 mm less compared to the Titan XD at 3,551 mm. Three bed lengths are offered here – 1,676 mm, 1,981 mm and 2,438 mm.

A revised version of Nissan’s 5.6 litre Endurance V8 lurks under the hood, now featuring the company’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and direct injection. The engine’s compression rate has also been increased to 11.2:1 from the previous 9.8:1 thanks to a new piston design.
Nissan’s Multi Control Valve replaces the traditional thermostat to help with the management of the thermal efficiency of the new engine. These changes sees a power output of 390 hp at 5,800 rpm (up from 317 hp) and 544 Nm at 4,000 rpm (up from 522 Nm). The same engine is also now offered on the Titan XD V8 Gas (joining the 5.0 litre Cummins V8 turbodiesel) and all-new 2017 Armada.
The V8 mill is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission on the Titan Crew Cab, with 4×2 and 4×4 drive configurations available. In the near future, a V6 petrol engine will be offered for the Titan.

2017 Nissan GT-R shown – more premium, more power

Nine years after making its world premiere at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the Nissan GT-R has been given a significant facelift at the 2016 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Billed as the most thorough revamp since the car’s launch, the new Godzilla gets both a more premium look and feel and even more performance, going on sale beginning this summer as a 2017 model.
The exterior gets its first complete makeover since the 2010 facelift, with a new front end receiving Nissan’s new V-Motion grille design in a matte chrome finish. The grille itself is slightly larger than before for better cooling, and also gets a new mesh pattern, while the front spoiler lip has been reshaped for a racier look. Faux air intakes have now sprouted underneath the headlights, carrying the new LED daytime running lights.
Moving back, the bonnet is also new, with added contours continuing the lines of the grille towards the body. The side sills have also been pushed out to direct air flow around the vehicle, while new 20-inch forged aluminium alloy wheels have been fitted.

At the rear, the bumper has also been reprofiled, while the beltline between the black bottom section and the body panel has been raised for a wider, more aggressive look. All in all, the aerodynamic revisions produce a sharper, sportier look as well as improved high-speed stability, all while retaining a 0.26 Cd drag coefficient.
The revamp continues inside, with a completely new dashboard (only the instrument cluster remains identical to the previous model) that now has a wraparound design for a cockpit-like feel. The cushion layer for the dashboard is now made from a thinner material for reduced weight; the front seats are also lighter thanks to a new side support construction that provide greater long-distance comfort.
Providing a more premium touch is the single-piece stitched Nappa leather covering the dashboard, along with shift paddles that are now mounted on the new three-spoke steering wheel instead of on the column (so they now move together with the wheel when the latter is turned), with improved engagement sound and feel.

Twin rectangular centre air vents replace the round ones of old, and now sit under the new infotainment system with an eight-inch capacitative touchscreen. Integrated navigation and audio controls reduce the button count from 27 on the previous model to just 11, while a new Display Command knob on the redesigned carbon fibre transmission tunnel make controlling the system even easier.
Under the bonnet, the venerable VR38DETT 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 has now been given individual cylinder ignition-timing control and extra turbo boost to produce a heady 565 hp at 6,800 rpm and 633 Nm from 3,300 to 5,800 rpm. That’s an increase of 15 hp and 3 Nm over the 2016 model – and nearly 90 hp more than what the GT-R was originally launched with.
All this power provides the 2017 GT-R with superior acceleration in the mid to high rev ranges (above 3,200 rpm). Drive is transferred to all four wheels via a revamped six-speed dual clutch transmission with smoother shifts and less noise. The experience of added acceleration is further enhanced thanks to the resonance from the new lightweight titanium exhaust system.

The GT-R was never a slouch in the corners, but the upgrades for the 2017 model year has made it even better at tackling the twisties. The entire body structure is now more rigid, and the new suspension provides improved roadholding and better stability along quick lateral transitions, as well as enabling the car to go even faster through the corners.
However, refinement has not been neglected – the 2017 GT-R now provides a smoother ride quality and reduced cabin noise at all speeds. The latter is thanks to an Active Noise Cancellation system and new sound absorption materials, including an acoustic glass windscreen. To make up for the drop in engine noise, the car adds Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) – as seen on the 370Z and Maxima – that pipes synthesised exhaust notes through the speakers.
New options include Blaze Metallic orange exterior paint – applied with a special four stage process – and Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather upholstery (only on the Premium Edition) shown on the car you see here, along with Amber Red and Ivory leather on Premium Edition models. Certain markets also receive NissanConnect with navigation, mobile apps and emergency services.

GALLERY: Nissan NP300 Navara Sportech in Bangkok

More sporty trucks from the 2016 Bangkok Motor Show. Late last year, Nissan Thailand announced a Sportech accessories package for the NP300 Navara, and the kitted-up truck took its place at the Nissan stand.
The Sportech package includes a front apron, bedliner, sport bar with Sportech emblem, LED cargo lamp and a Sportech emblem on the tailgate. The sportier look is further enhanced by honeycomb grille and “smoked chrome” treatment on the grille and rear bumper. A shark fin antenna sits on the roof. 18-inch alloys in a unique dual-tone design are also available.

The pack can be had on black, dark blue, pearl white and orange cars; and costs an additional 40,000 baht (RM4,550). Looks sleek when paired to the Navara’s two-door King Cab body, which we’ll try to snap later.
The new Navara was officially launched in Malaysia in November 2015. The new Mother Trucker is imported CBU from Thailand and is available in six variants locally – manual single cab, base double cab E manual, SE manual, SE auto, V auto, VL auto – priced from RM79,000 to RM120,800 on-the-road without insurance.

2017 Nissan GT-R teased, heading to New York

It looks like Nissan will be bringing a refreshed R35 GT-R to the 2016 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) next week. While it’s hard to tell what’s new, seeing that the teaser only shows the GT-R’s distinctive LED rear lights, chances are that this is a minor facelift of the iconic sportscar.
In the 2017 Nissan GT-R, it will likely see subtle visual changes outside. From previous spyshots, the GT-R was spotted with a restyled bumper, a more angular rear diffuser and a set of new Y-spoke alloy wheels.
Nissan programme manager Hiroshi Tamura, said some time ago, “I want to make the GT-R more premiere. Not just fancy, but real premium. Quality.” Updates will reportedly consist of a premium leather interior, a high-end sound system and Nissan’s latest infotainment system.
Meanwhile, the GT-R will likely see some enhancements done to its powertrain to boost existing output figures. To what extent remains to be seen. Currently, the 2016 Nissan GT-R possesses a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 550 hp and 630 Nm of torque.
GALLERY: 2017 Nissan GT-R spyshots

SPIED: New Nissan March to look like Sway concept

Yes, this is the next-gen Nissan March a.k.a. Micra on test in Europe and it looks radically different from the current car. It appears that Nissan has ditched the March’s cutesy image for a much sharper and sportier look for its global B-segment five-door hatchback.
A sloping roofline, Honda HR-V-style rear door handles that adjoin the window/C-pillar, and a sharply-cut rear hatch are among the details that can be seen on this heavily taped-up mule. Expect prominent lines on the March’s profile, too. Up front, one can almost make out the shape of the grille, which is a variation of Nissan’s V-Motion signature.

Nissan Sway Concept from Geneva 2015 It looks like the Nissan Sway concept from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show has survived the transition from showcar to production car largely intact. Even the design of the big wheels on this test mule look similar to the concept’s. The look is more edgy compared to bigger sibling Nissan Pulsar.
Great news, as a stylish and desirable March could tempt local handlers Tan Chong to consider assembling the car or bring it in via Thailand, if Nissan continues to produce the March there. India is a production hub for the model, but this new CMF platform car will also be made in France by a Renault plant, for Europe.
We’re expecting the next-gen Nissan March to debut later this year.

Renault, Nissan to boost synergies in core divisions

With the issues in the Franco-Japanese marriage seemingly ironed out, for now, the Renault-Nissan Alliance has announced a plan that will see both carmakers strengthen synergies in four core divisions and launch new convergence projects to boost efficiency and revenue.
Convergence includes integrating divisions, creating common processes, exchanging talent and other significant sharing of resources. Convergence helped Renault and Nissan generate more than four billion euros in annualised synergies in 2015.
During a convention of top Alliance executives globally, Renault-Nissan announced that it is strengthening synergies in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Supply Chain Management, Purchasing, and HR divisions. These functions converged in 2014 and already have Alliance executives managing the units.
The Alliance also plans to partly converge Quality and Costing to support the original four converged functions. The partnership will study other opportunities to increase synergies in Sales and Marketing, Connectivity and Connected Services, Product Planning, Aftersales and other support functions.

Through the end of March, Renault and Nissan executives will present these convergence projects to appropriate employee representation and corporate decision-making bodies. If approved at the end of an internal review process, implementation will begin on April 1. Leaders in these new functions and the scope of their converged activities will be announced at that time.
Renault and Nissan share an industrial footprint with numerous cross-manufacturing projects in France, South Korea, India and Russia. In addition, engineers at both companies – which have a combined annual R&D and capital expenditure fund of 10 billion euros – work together as one team to reduce duplication in the development of next-gen technologies. The aim is to generate 5.5 billion euros in synergies in 2018.
“The auto industry is rapidly evolving, requiring Renault and Nissan to leverage the Alliance as a pragmatic business tool. The road ahead is one of more convergence, working more closely together,” said Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO and chairman Carlos Ghosn.

On paper, the marriage isn’t the most balanced. Renault came to Nissan’s aid when the latter was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1999, and holds a big stake (43.4%) in the Japanese company as a result. Nissan in turn was given a 15% non-voting stake in Renault.
However, since those turbulent days, Nissan has grown to be more profitable than its French partner, with a larger market value and greater sales. The Yokohama-based carmaker contributed 1.56 billion euros to Renault’s bottom line last year.
Then came France. The country increased its stake in Renault to 19.74% last year, a move that was meant to boost the government’s power at one of France’s key manufacturers via a loyalty-shareholder program that will doubled the voting rights of investors who have held Renault stock for over two years. Two reps of the French state are already on Renault’s board. That would have effectively given France control over Nissan, which stake in Renault is non-voting.
This tricky situation led to a “Stability Covenant” agreement announced in December. While Nissan failed to secure voting rights in Renault, a contract between both carmakers promised non-interference in Nissan’s governance by Renault. A cap on the French government’s voting rights was also put in place. Crisis averted.

ETCM to increase Nissan Almera, X-Gear, X-Trail, Grand Livina, Teana, NV200 prices by RM5k in April

Last month, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) was reported to have stated that Nissan models were set to face a price increase of between 3-6% in mid-2016. The price hike has now been confirmed, and will happen before mid-year.
A photo of a communication bulletin on the matter was posted on the Nissan X-Trail T32 Club Malaysia’s Facebook group (thanks to AJ for the tip), and it lists the models as well as the anticipated increase in pricing each will face.
Six models, the Nissan Almera, Grand Livina, X-Gear, X-Trail, Teana and NV200, are all set to face an estimated RM5,000 hike beginning from April 1. The bulletin also states that there will be no change to on-the-road pricing of the Serena S-Hybrid facelift, which benefits from the hybrid incentive in place right now.
In October last year, ETCM said that in light of the ringgit’s depreciation, it was mulling a price increase for its range of Nissan models in Malaysia. Nissan now joins other Japanese carmakers – Honda, Toyota and Lexus, all of which has had its vehicle prices hiked this year. Even local carmakers have been feeling the pinch from the unfavourable foreign exchange, with Proton announcing a price hike in mid-February.
We’ll have the final revised prices of the six Nissan models when they’re announced on April 1.

Nissan X-Trail, Qashqai Premium Concepts at Geneva

With customers looking for more luxury and style when purchasing their cars, Nissan is looking to inject more glamour into their vehicles, similar to what Ford has done with its production Vignale edition vehicles.
Prior to the start of the Geneva Motor Show, the Japanese carmaker revealed two ‘Premium Concept’ versions of its best-selling crossovers, the X-Trail and Qashqai. Now, we have a few live images of both concepts, and they certainly appear to fit the bill.
According to Nissan, the concepts are meant to demonstrate “how a more premium and dynamic design interpretation could enhance and extend the appeal of its award-winning crossover range in the future.”

With golden copper accents and carbon-fibre trim pieces utilised on both crossovers, the Qashqai adopts a matte black paintjob, whereas the X-Trail gets a matte white body paint instead. Both cars receive unique 20-inch wheels.
As for the concepts’ interiors, leather upholstery is a given, with different materials and colour palettes used to make each stand out on their own. All in all, both the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail Premium Concepts certainly serve an attractive proposition for future customers. Would you buy a premium Nissan?

Autonomous Nissan Qashqai Piloted Drive SUV to be launched in Europe in 2017 – road demo this year

The Qashqai crossover will be Nissan’s first vehicle in Europe to feature autonomous “Piloted Drive” technology when it rolls off the line next year, Nissan has announced.
Made in the UK, the refreshed Qashqai will be equipped with “Piloted Drive 1.0”, a feature that allows cars to drive autonomously in a single lane in heavy traffic conditions on highways. Thousands of hours of testing and multiple sensors on the car ensure that the system anticipates its surroundings correctly, Nissan says.
The announcement marks an important step in the brand’s commitment to making autonomous drive tech accessible to all. Nissan has already set out its commitment to launch a range of vehicles with autonomous drive capabilities by 2020, including vehicles that will be able to safely navigate city intersections.

Over the next four years, Nissan will launch cars with increased autonomous capabilities like “multiple-lane control,” which can autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes during highway driving. And by the end of the decade, the Japanese brand will introduce “inner-city” autonomy, enabling vehicles to negotiate city cross-roads and intersections without driver intervention.
The tech will be installed on mainstream, mass-market cars at affordable prices, with Piloted Drive 1.0 coming to Japan in 2016. An autonomous Nissan Leaf is already on test on Japanese roads, and a planned on-road demo event in Europe this year will showcase the tech to the continent.
“It’s a car people love. It’s a car people trust. It pioneered the crossover boom, and now it will spearhead Nissan’s move towards launching a range of vehicles with autonomous drive capabilities from 2017. Yet again, we are taking technology normally found in premium cars and making it accessible to millions of motorists,” said Paul Willcox, chairman of Nissan Europe.

“The introduction of Piloted Drive technologies will be an evolution, not a revolution as the building blocks for this are already in place in many of our cars today through our Safety Shield Technology. With the driver in control, we want to remove the pain-points of being behind the wheel, like navigating heavy traffic, to put the excitement back into driving,” added Wilcox.
At the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan displayed the IDS Concept, which the company says embodies its vision of the future of autonomous driving and zero emission EVs. Nissan is of course a pioneer and leader in electric cars – together with Alliance partner Renault, it has shifted nearly 300,000 EVs since the first Leaf was sold in San Francisco in December 2010.

Nissan models to cost 3-6% more in mid-2016 – ETCM

During a segment on Buletin Utama, Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, executive director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has revealed that prices of all Nissan models will increase between 3-6% in mid-2016.
The announcement comes following an earlier statement back in October 15, where the company was mulling a price increase in light of the ringgit’s depreciation. For now, we have not been supplied with a detailed price list, which shows the hike for each individual model currently offered by ETCM, so stay tuned.
Nissan now joins other Japanese carmakers – Honda, Toyota and Lexus, all of which has had its vehicle prices hiked within the recent months. Even local carmakers are feeling the pinch from the unfavourable foreign exchange, with Proton announcing a price hike recently as well.

Nissan signs ICC cricket stars as global ambassadors

Nissan has announced the signing of cricket stars as its new global ambassadors, in support of the carmaker’s partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
India batting star Rohit Sharma, West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell and New Zealand captain Suzie Bates will all help Nissan bring cricket excitement to fans, starting with the ICC World Twenty20 in India from March 8. In addition to an ad campaign, Nissan’s cricket ambassadors will be active on social media across the tournament, supporting other fan focused initiatives such as “Nissan Play of the Day” and sharing content.
“Nissan is absolutely delighted to welcome this illustrious line-up to the Nissan team as ambassadors. As genuine performers in the shorter form of the game, these players consistently deliver on the big stage. We look forward to working together to bring cricketing excitement to fans worldwide, starting with the ICC World T20,” said Roel de Vries, corporate VP and global head of marketing and brand strategy for Nissan.

From L-R: India batting star Rohit Sharma and West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell Sharma, Russell and Bates join South African bowling legend Dale Steyn and rising star Kagiso Rabada in the Nissan cricket family, who were recently announced as Nissan cricket ambassadors in their home country for the next year.
Nissan’s eight-year sponsorship deal with the ICC comprises all tournaments from 2016 to 2023. It builds upon Nissan’s sport sponsorship portfolio that already includes the UEFA Champions League, City Football Group (EPL’s Manchester City, MLS’ New York City FC, Melbourne City FC of the A-League and J-League’s Yokohama F. Marinos) and the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Household names like world’s fastest man Usain Bolt and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta are also Nissan ambassadors.

Nissan X-Trail, Qashqai concepts to debut at Geneva

To celebrate Nissan’s sales success of its crossover range in Europe, the carmaker has prepared two unique ‘Premium Concept’ versions of its Qashqai and X-Trail. Both cars will go on display at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
Starting with Qashqai, which is the work of Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in London, the crossover receives a matte black paintjob along with golden copper-coloured accents on various areas of the exterior –wheel arches, around the window line, in the headlamp clusters and on the roof rails.
The Qashqai Premium Concept also uses authentic carbon-fibre in lower sections of the vehicle to reinforce its sporty appeal, along with an enhanced V-motion grille and 20-inch wheels.

No shots of the interior were provided, but Nissan say that soft white Nappa leather upholstery is used, enhanced by the use of golden copper gold weave and carbon-fibre trim pieces. The steering wheel and gear shifter meanwhile, gets a black satin chrome and liquid gloss black finish.
Moving on to the X-Trail Premium Concept, where matte white paint is used as opposed to its sibling. The paintjob is contrasted with a deep black matte carbon-fibre look for the crossover’s hood and roof. This ‘go-anywhere’ look is complemented by a front skid plate finished in golden copper, with gloss black accents on the body and fenders. Like the Qashqai, it too receives 20-inch wheels.
Similarly, no shots of the X-Trail’s interior were given. However, it is said to get a leather upholstery with a natural tan and black colour. The seats are feature Ultrasuede with gold pearl leather piping. Elsewhere, black carbon fibre finishing and matt chrome black are used on the dashboard and door trim.

VIDEO: Nissan NP300 Navara M’sian walk-around tour

We’re back with a new in-depth walk-around video, this time featuring the new Nissan NP300 Navara. You’ve seen just how good the new Mother Trucker is in our Driven Web Series – against the revamped Ford Ranger and new Mitsubishi Triton, no less – as well as our comprehensive written review, but which variant should you actually put your money on? Watch the video to find out.
The Navara was launched in November in base single cab and E, SE, V and VL double cab variants – all featuring the 163 PS/403Nm (190 PS/450 Nm on the VL) 2.5 litre YD25DDTi four-cylinder turbodiesel and four-wheel drive. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on the single cab, E and SE models; the SE also has a seven-speed automatic as an option, while the V and VL models have it as standard.
It’s a handsome thing, with available equipment including LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents (first for the segment), dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist as well as stability control. Do note, however, that a lot of these are only available on the top VL.
The Navara is unique in that it’s the only mainstream pick-up truck sold in Malaysia (the oddball SsangYong Actyon Sports notwithstanding) to come with a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. This results in a better ride, but also makes the rear sink under heavy loads.
Prices start from at RM79,000 for the single cab model, while the base double cab E retails at RM89,800. Moving up the range, there’s the SE that costs RM97,800 for the manual and RM102,800 for the automatic model, followed by the automatic-only V priced at RM109,800. The VL with all the bells and whistles tops the range with a retail sticker of RM120,800. All prices are on-the-road without insurance.
You can see the NP300 Navara’s full specifications, options and colour choices on CarBase.my. But enough writing – watch the video above to find out which one you should buy, and sound off in the comments after the jump. Thanks for watching.

Nissan to begin local assembly in Myanmar this year

An update on Nissan’s Myanmar plans – the automaker says it will begin assembling cars in the republic later this year in partnership with Tan Chong Motor (TCM), having announced plans to build a manufacturing site in the country three years ago.
Nissan said it will initially assemble completely knocked-down Almera (known as the Sunny in that market) sedans at an existing TCM factory, before build eventually moves to a new 50-acre facility in Bago, which is located 80 km northeast of Yangon.
The new plant, which is due to come online in 2018, will have a workforce of approximately 300 and a production capacity of 10,000 units at full production. To prepare for the initial assembly, 200 employees are being trained at the TCM plant in Malaysia as part of a knowledge-transfer initiative that will provide the local workforce with the necessary skills, the automaker said.

Nissan and Tan Chong will also work to enhance and expand the entire business network in the republic, which currently includes a branch office and dealers in Yangon. Sales in Myanmar began in 2013, and the current product lineup in the country includes the X-Trail, Teana (Altima), Navara and NV350 Urvan, with local production adding the Almera to the lineup.
In November last year, Tan Chong Motor (Myanmar) and Nissan signed a five-year distribution agreement. That same month, TCM stated its plans to expand its Myanmar business, saying it would be investing US$50 million (RM211 million) over the next three years.