Nissan Altima named a "Top Rated Vehicle" by Edmunds.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan Altima sales continued to soar in March, achieving the best sales month since March 2013, and now potential buyers have yet another reason to select Nissan's top-selling vehicle. Today, Edmunds.com named the 2014 Nissan Altima a "Top Rated Vehicle" following a road and test-track evaluation by the publication. This honor is only given by Edmunds.com to vehicles earning an "A" – equivalent to an "Excellent" rating.

The Edmunds.com Testing Team evaluates about 200 vehicles a year.  Each one is driven on a standardized road-test loop and undergoes instrumented testing in controlled conditions at the Edmunds.com's test track. Time behind the wheel is used to develop ratings to grade how each vehicle stacks up against its direct rivals in a particular size and price class. Following Edmunds.com's assessment, the 2014 Nissan Altima was among the top in its class.

"Coming off the successful launch of the redesigned Altima in the 2013 model year, we were determined to keep momentum going for the 2014 model," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. "A number of enhancements, such as the addition of Mobile Apps to the NissanConnect^SM connected car services and enhanced noise isolation, position the 2014 Altima to compete well among the best midsize sedans on the market. Year-over-year sales gains in February and March, coupled with awards like this top rating from Edmunds.com, show why consumers continue to pick Altima when in the market for a new car."

The 2014 Nissan Altima, the centerpiece of the Nissan lineup and one of the top selling cars in the U.S., offers a premium exterior and interior and driver-focused technology. Its many attributes include outstanding fuel economy of 38 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine only) and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, handling and a fun-to-drive demeanor. Altima is offered in seven well-equipped models to meet a range of needs and budgets – and with a choice of a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are matched to a smooth, efficient Xtronic transmission.

To view Edmunds.com's full list of Top Rated Vehicles of 2014, please visit edmunds.com/car-reviews/car-awards.html.

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 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissanglobal.com/EN.

About Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com is a car-shopping Web site driven to make car buying easy. Almost 18 million visitors use our shopping tools every month to connect with over 9,500 dealer franchises across the U.S. Shoppers can browse our inventory listings for available cars and trucks, and with Edmunds.com Price Promise®, they can get an instant, upfront price on those same vehicles. Recently named by Maritz Research as one of the most trusted online consumer review sites - and the only automotive site listed in the top ten - Edmunds.com is also home to comprehensive car reviews, shopping tips, photos, videos and feature stories. Even when you're at the dealership, we're always by your side. Just call our free Live Advice Line at 1-855-782-4711 or use our acclaimed Edmunds.com iPhone and iPad apps or Edmunds.com Android App. We're based in Santa Monica, Calif., but you can connect with us from anywhere by following @Edmunds on Twitter or by becoming a fan of Edmunds.com on Facebook.

Media Contact:
Phil Lienert
Office: 615-725-5236
E-mail: phil.lienert@nissan-usa.com
www.nissannews.com