Zero emission e-NV200 is transformed for ultimate comfort city transport -introducing the e-NV200 concept for VIPs.

• Luxuriously appointed 100% electric for downtown VIP passenger shuttle
• Two-tone metallic blue exterior and white leather seats
• Limousine-like space and 21.5-inch monitor with digital device connectivity
• Smart Rear-View mirror providing clear rearward visibility in all conditions

Hannover, Germany (23^rd September, 2014) Fresh from launching the game-changing 100% electric Nissan e-NV200 compact van, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer has created a new zero emission concept for VIP transportation – the Nissan e-NV200 VIP Concept.

Designers have upgraded the all-electric e-NV200 Evalia people carrier into a zero emission van perfect as shuttle transport for VIPs. The benefit of being zero emission means that the van can access all current and future clean air zones, as well as drive inside buildings, for the ultimate in discreet convenience.

Behind the spectacular two-tone exterior lies a sophisticated and luxurious interior. The seats are covered in premium quality white leather with blue accents, which contrast with the predominantly black lower portion of the cabin – the trim and carpets are black with a piano black finish on the control surfaces. The top half of the cabin, including the headlining, window surrounds and pillar covers are also white to create a spacious feel.

The two ‘Club Class’ rear seats come with integrated seat belts, armrests and extending leg rests.

By positioning the rear seats well behind the sliding door not only is access to the passenger compartment made as easy as possible, it also extends legroom up to 670 mm and could accommodate the tallest of passengers in incredible limousine-like comfort. Behind the seats there is ample room for luggage, making the e-NV200 VIP Concept ideal for business travelers at airport transfers.

The rear passengers are entertained with the help of a 21.5-inch DSP monitor, which can display movies or other images from a passenger’s digital device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or computer.

The central console between the rear seats incorporates controls for the monitor and room lights as well as housing a drinks fridge. A large LED roof lamp spreads diffused light through the rear compartment, while each seat has an individual reading lamp.

The e-NV200 VIP Concept is equipped with Nissan’s Smart Rear-View mirror, as recently introduced at 2014 Geneva Motor Show. This innovation enables clear rearward visibility under all conditions. The Smart Rear-View mirror is housed within the structure of the conventional rear view mirror, with a built-in LCD monitor that can be activated in place of the conventional mirror. A high-resolution camera, mounted on the rear of the vehicle, provides the driver with a clear unobstructed view of the rear, giving the ability to check blind spots and other traffic conditions.

The e-NV200 VIP Concept is powered by the same 80kW AC synchronous electric motor and advanced 48-module lithium-ion battery as developed for Nissan LEAF and e-NV200.

The drivetrain has proven to be superbly reliable, powering in excess of 135,000 Nissan LEAF vehicles globally, since launch. The driving range will be close to the homologated range of the standard production vehicle and can be easily and rapidly extended by using any of the over 1,200 CHAdeMO-compatible quick chargers across Europe, just like the standard e-NV200.

“The e-NV200 Evalia is already an unprecedentedly quiet and comfortable vehicle, and this concept takes zero emission downtown transportation further, to a new level of serenity. The e-NV200 concept for VIPs is guaranteed to generate interest from luxury VIP operators,” said Dany Boulenger, Nissan’s Global Corporate Sales, Division General Manager.

“Based on demand some of its features could easily be offered as affordable aftermarket conversions,” he added.

 

NISSAN ELECTRIFIES SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES

Innovative e4Business programme will help companies maximise their potential and give them the chance to win a new Nissan e-NV200

HANNOVER, Germany (23^rd September 2014) – Nissan is helping Europe’s small and medium enterprises (SME) to make more of a marketing impact to grow their businesses.

The automotive giant has developed – and is funding – a unique marketing platform that will allow companies to take care of their day-to-day business leaving Nissan to spearhead the marketing effort on their behalf.

Aimed at forward-thinking companies, e4Business will allow SMEs and start-ups to pitch their business or business idea to Nissan, who will then create a web page on their behalf and help to promote the business locally.

At the same time, a jury of Nissan experts will analyse all the submitted proposals looking for the best business proposition, with an incredible prize on offer for the winning entry.

In France, where the initial e4Business pilot scheme is being run, the winner will win a brand new e-NV200 for their business, plus a comprehensive – and free – promotional campaign, using the same marketing expertise that has made Nissan a global success.

From September to October, professionals in France will present their project on the e4Business platforms. From November through December, applicants will have the opportunity to share their content with a wider audience including the Nissan competition jury board. Finally, the winner will be chosen in January and their project will be given the full promotional opportunities on offer through the e4business programme.

Pilot schemes of the e4business programme are also being run in Germany, details of the mechanics will be shared at a local level closer to the time of activation.*

e4Business has been developed to accompany the arrival of the zero-emission all-electric e-NV200 van, a light commercial vehicle that, thanks to its low running costs and positive impact on air quality, is set to become the van of choice for progressive companies.

The programme will give SMEs greater visibility by developing a unique web page for each company and by sharing content over social media – Nissan research has shown that many smaller businesses don’t advertise, either because they don’t have the necessary expertise or the entrepreneurs behind the company don’t have the time to consider promotion as they are building up their company.

Both e4Business and e-NV200 will help them to keep their costs as low as possible. Thanks to much lower maintenance charges and dramatically reduced fuel bills, e-NV200 will make a major contribution to a company’s bottom line while, via e4Business, Nissan will be picking up the marketing and promotional costs.

The e4Business campaign is a long-term platform which will grow exponentially as more and more companies come to realise the contribution that e-NV200 can make to their business model. It will also offer practical help, giving SMEs access to help and advice from e-NV200 ambassadors, carefully chosen local business owners willing to share the secrets of their success.

“In building their business, many entrepreneurs have neither the time nor the expertise to market themselves properly. By buying an e-NV200, however, we know they are forward thinking individuals, and therefore are people who would appreciate and benefit from our marketing knowledge,” said Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Director of Electric Vehicles Europe.

“By having a dedicated web page promoting their company – as well as offering advice on how to maximise their presence on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter – Nissan’s e4Business programme will help entrepreneurs to grow their business to new heights.” added Diernaz.

e-NV200

As well as producing no tail-pipe pollution at all – and thus having a hugely positive effect on city centre CO₂levels – e-NV200’s electric motor produces no noise while its smooth, single-speed drivetrain means a less stressed, more relaxed and therefore safer driver.

Low running costs will make a major contribution to a company’s finances, while its 4.2m³ best-in-class cargo volume and the sheer practicality of its roomy load area – it’s capable of carrying two standard Euro pallets – will be a boon to businesses large and small.

“There can be no doubt that e-NV200 is ready to make a major impact on city centre air quality and will prove to be a hugely effective business tool… something that will be enhanced even further by the innovative and far-reaching e4Business concept,” said Diernaz.

*For further detail of the schemes in France and Germany please visit local Newsroom sites.

 

NV400 STRENGTHENED WITH NEW ENGINES & ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

• More power and improved fuel economy from Twin Turbo engines
• Fuel saving aids including Stop & Start and regenerative braking
• New ECO driving mode, plus Hill Start Assist
• New DAB radios

Hannover, Germany (23 September, 2014) – With a range of efficient new engines offering more performance and lower fuel consumption, new safety equipment, greater comfort and a host of new technologies, the 2015 Nissan NV400 is ready to continue Nissan’s offensive on Europe’s light commercial vehicle market.

Introduced to great acclaim in 2011, the NV400 has proven to be a front-runner in the heavy van and chassis cab segment of the market – thanks to its versatility, the wide choice of models and the strength and standing of the Nissan dealer network.

The new NV400 builds on this reputation to create a formidable range of highly efficient vehicles perfectly in tune with today’s demands for a practical working van with a low cost of ownership.

TURBO ENGINES

Some the most significant changes can be found behind Nissan’s familiar grille where the range of dCi engines has grown to five, offering more performance and greater refinement. But despite the power increases, fuel economy is actually better than before.

All have a common base – a state-of-the art 2.3-litre common rail/direct injection, four-cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel developed by Alliance partner Renault.

A pair of single turbo units produce 110hp/285Nm (previously 100hp) and 125hp/310Nm and these are joined by a pair of newly developed Twin Turbo units, developing 135hp/340Nm and 165hp/360Nm. Also available is a 150hp/350Nm version of the engine that has a variable geometry single turbo and is available only with a robotised semi-automatic gearbox.

The new Twin Turbo models are seen as ideal for vans and chassis cabs needed for heavy-duty work or for longer journeys. The technology uses a small turbocharger to generate increased torque at low revs (up to 1,500 rpm) for more rapid acceleration at city speeds or when fully laden.

At higher engine speeds, the larger turbo takes over to provide more power and a usefully wider torque band that is especially appreciated at motorway speeds. Thanks to this increased flexibility, there is less need to change gear to maintain momentum. This not only reduces driver fatigue but also enhances fuel economy.

The Twin Turbo models also benefit from Stop & Start technology and regenerative braking via a new Energy Smart Management (ESM) system that together enables the 165hp version, for example, to return an impressive economy figure of 6.9litres/100km over the combined cycle.

COST EFFICIENCY

It is estimated that the new 165hp NV400 will consume up to 1.5 litres/100km less than its 150hp predecessor, a significant saving of up to €1,500 over three years.

Drivers can contribute to improved fuel economy as well: the new NV400 has a number of on-board eco-driving aids including driving style and gear shift indicators and an ECO mode switch which limits harsh acceleration by limiting available engine torque as well as optimising the climate control system settings.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

New NV400 also benefits from a number of advanced technologies providing greater safety and enhanced cabin comfort.

One such feature is Extended Grip, which is available on both front- and rear- wheel drive versions of NV400. Operated via a dashboard button, Extended Grip works with the new ESC system to optimise traction in tricky conditions such as mud, sand and snow. Extended Grip transfers engine torque between each of the driven wheels as required and by as much as 25 per cent to help start off and to maintain traction.

Another feature is Hill Start Assist, which automatically operates when pulling away on a slope with a gradient of more than 3 per cent. Primed by pressing the footbrake, when the driver moves his foot from brake pedal to throttle the system ensures the van will not move backwards for two seconds… by which time the driver will be ready to pull away.

Towing safety is addressed by Trailer Sway Control, which is fitted when the tow bar option is specified. Should a trailer start to sway from side to side, the system reduces available engine torque and applies the brakes to the driven wheels to bring the trailer back into line.

A new Wide View Mirror enhances driver visibility. Mounted on the passenger side sun visor, the mirror more than doubles the angle of vision towards the far side of the vehicle, helping the driver to keep a check on traditional blind spots. It also operates as an extra visual aid when reversing.

Passenger versions of NV400, meanwhile, benefit from a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that alerts the driver to a loss of pressure in any of the tyres via a dashboard warning light.

Improvements have also been made to the in-cabin sound system, with a new single-DIN DAB digital radiothat incorporates Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity and a CD player.

The premium sound system combines a CD player and MP3 playback with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity and USB and iPod inputs. Albums and tracks can be selected via steering wheel remote controls with the titles displayed on the multi-media screen.

MODEL RANGE

As before, the NV400 range encompasses a vast array of models and configurations. There are front- and rear-wheel drive versions, three wheelbase options, four different lengths and three different heights while cargo volumes range from 8 to 17 cu m.

There are also a variety of different bodywork options. In addition to factory-built panel vans, combis and chassis cabs for specialist body builders, conversion companies offer crew vans, box vans, tippers, drop-side trucks and minibuses.

NV400 is practical, too, with wide sliding side doors and rear French doors which can be glazed or unglazed and which can open up to 270 degrees. Depending on the model, a standard Euro pallet can be loaded sideways through the side doors: the opening on the three longer models is 1270mm wide ­- easily capable of taking a 1200mm wide pallet.

Generous cargo lengths start at 2583mm in front-wheel drive versions and rise to 3733mm, while rear-wheel drive models start at 3733mm with an impressive 4383mm available in the largest version. This can hold up to, five Euro pallets.

The cargo area can be supplied with wood side paneling and floor trim for maximum protection and there are no fewer than four different partition walls available, ranging from a 1/3 tubular partition behind the driver to a full width glazed wall with protective grille. Lashing hooks are provided on the floor and in the C and D pillars.

“NV400 has already proved to be a versatile and popular vehicle with fleet operators and owners/ drivers alike, and the new 2015 model year version is certain to build on that popularity.

“The improvements we have made not only make it a safer and even more pleasant place to be, but also significantly enhance the driving experience at the same time as reducing overall running costs, thanks to improved fuel economy. It’s a win/win for everyone,” said Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles in Europe.