Nissan's "Easy-Fill Tire Alert" System Named Finalist by AOL Autos for 2012 Technology of the Year Award

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan's "Easy-Fill Tire Alert" system has been named one of six finalists by AOL Autos for its 2012 Technology of the Year Award. The winner will be announced Jan. 9, 2013 at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev.

The "Easy-Fill Tire Alert" system uses tire pressure monitoring sensors to alert a driver when a tire's pressure drops below a safe level. Once the driver stops to add air, the system activates the vehicle's four-way flashers to indicate that the tire is inflating, the horn then honks once to signal that the tire is at its recommended inflation level. If the driver continues to fill the tire with air, the horn honks more aggressively to indicate over inflation and once air is let out of the tire, the horn chirps once more to indicate the correct pressure has been reached, making the whole process fast and easy and with no need for hand-held tire pressure gauges.

AOL Autoseditor-in-chief, David Kiley, explained: "Emerging automotive technology is such an important differentiator between the brands right now. AOL Autos looks forward to continuing to highlight the top automotive technologies for many years to come."

Nissan's "Easy-Fill Tire Alert" system is more than just a convenience. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates a tire that is 25 percent below its recommended pressure is three times more likely to be involved in a crash. Low tire inflation also costs vehicle owners money over the long term in reduced fuel economy and premature tire wear.

Jon Brancheau, vice president of marketing at Nissan Americas said: "At Nissan, we are constantly listening to our customers and adding the technologies they want in their vehicles. We aren't innovators for innovation's sake; we seek to make the driving experience better, safer and more enjoyable."

For the 2013 model year, the "Easy-Fill Tire Alert" system is available on the top-selling Nissan Altima, Quest minivan, all-new Pathfinder three-row SUV, and the redesigned Sentra sedan. Nissan and luxury brand Infiniti plan to introduce Easy Fill system in a number of new and redesigned models in the near future.

The AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award was designed to give shoppers a clear grasp of which emerging vehicle technologies provide a positive or negative impact on safety and the overall ownership experience while bringing together the best and brightest automotive innovations into one industry award. This year's finalists were announced during a special ceremony that took place at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. Winners will be announced in January at the 2013 International Consumer Electronics Show. Until then, the public is encouraged to vote on the Technology of the Year Award by visiting: Autos.aol.com/award. The top vote-getter from the public will carry the weight of one judge on the panel in determining the overall winner.

About AOL Autos
AOL Autos is a team of automotive experts dedicated to helping you make the smartest decisions throughout the entire car buying and ownership process.   We are a free car quote services website that offers pricing information, comparisons, select video reviews and buying guides. The site also offers two choices for bloggers, AutoBlog and AutoBlog Green. You can find quite a few articles, tips and advice about buying and selling cars and trucks. Additionally, a direct link to Kelley Blue Book will provide the value of a new or used car or truck.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/ and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Nissan.

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Media Contact:

Steve Yaeger
Nissan Product Communications
615-725-4443
steve.yaeger@nissan-usa.com