Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today unveiled six new models for the Japanese market to be launched by the end of fiscal year 2004. The Murano crossover sport utility vehicle, which goes on sale today, spearheads the product offensive for Japan. The five other models, which will go on sale on separate dates, are the Tiida compact hatchback, the Fuga luxury sedan, the Tiida Latio compact sedan, the Lafesta minivan and the Note compact hatchback.

“These six new models for Japan, together with the new products we will introduce in many key markets this fiscal year, support our commitment to sell an additional

1 million units worldwide under NISSAN 180,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Under the three-year NISSAN 180 business plan, Nissan will count the additional

1 million units between October 2004 and September 2005, compared with fiscal year 2001, bringing the company’s global sales to 3.6 million units.

New model highlights:

Murano
Marking Nissan’s debut into the growing crossover SUV segment, the Murano first went on sale in the U.S. in December 2002. Since its launch, the Murano has sold more than 80,000 units. In Japan, the model is expected to gain new fans with its bold exterior design, stylish interior and refined driving performance. Japanese customers have a choice of an in-line, four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine with 4-speed automatic transmission or a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Tiida
The Tiida, to be released in late September, offers the characteristics of a luxury-class sedan at the price and size of a compact hatchback. At launch, the Tiida will be available with the all-new 1.5-liter HR engine. This advanced, in-line four-cylinder multi-valve engine offers improved fuel economy and acceleration compared with previous engines of its size. The Tiida also offers an interior length, measured from the accelerator to the rear seat hip point, which is on par with the Cima luxury sedan, as well as flexible rear seats that slide up to 240 mm.

Fuga
The Fuga is powered by the latest generation of the high-performance 3.5-liter VQ engine, bringing a new level of driving exhilaration to the luxury segment. Developing maximum power of 280 PS and maximum torque of 37 kgm, the Fuga has been optimized for both driving excitement and comfortable long-distance cruising. The Fuga also features an Intelligent Cruise Control system and state-of-the-art safety technologies. It also comes with a personal driving position memory system that recognizes an Intelligent Key and welcomes the driver with his or her preferred driving position. The Fuga, which offers more interior space than any other car in its class, will go on sale in mid-October.

Tiida Latio
The Tiida Latio, which will go on sale toward the end of October, creates a new standard for small cars by offering a first-class interior package in a fresh, modern design. The compact sedan’s interior length is also on a par with the Cima. The model will feature the all-new 1.5 HR engine at launch.

Lafesta
With natural light pouring in through its panoramic roof and large windows, the Lafesta minivan gives all passengers, not just the driver, an unprecedented feeling of openness. The Lafesta will be released in early December.

Note
The Note is a compact car that provides spirited driving performance together with a flexible interior package. Designed for customers wanting the convenience of a compact hatchback but with enough space to support diverse family needs, the Note will go on sale in mid-January 2005.

New technology:
Nissan also announced that it plans to have more than 80% of its domestic passenger vehicle sales certified as Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles

(SU-LEV) by the end of fiscal year 2005. Nissan already leads other Japanese automakers in the sale of Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (U-LEV) with more than 85% of its passenger car sales certified as U-LEVs.

In the area of telematics, Nissan’s CARWINGS navigation system will be made compatible with Bluetooth-ready high-speed mobile phones, starting with the all-new Tiida. Nissan will be the first automaker in the world to provide fastest-route guidance assisted by a 24-hour live operator service.

Source:Autoindex.org

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