Nissan Introduces NV2500 Concept at NTEA's 2009 Work Truck Show

Today, at the National Truck Equipment Association's annual Work Truck Show, Nissan is showcasing its innovative NV2500 Commercial Vehicle Concept. The NV2500 Concept represents a fresh approach to one-box utility vans and is built to highlight Nissan's approach to multi-purpose utility solutions in the real world.

Not only does the NV2500 Concept provide an original take on Commercial Vehicle (CV) design, it also provides a preview of Nissan's entry into the CV market in North America. With Nissan CVs already sold in 75 percent of the world's markets, including Japan, China, Mexico, Europe, South America, Australia and the Middle East among others, Nissan will enter the CV business in North America in 2010.

"As a heretofore untapped market, the commercial vehicle segment in North America represents a strong opportunity for Nissan to grow and strengthen our business," said Joe Castelli, vice president for commercial vehicles and fleet. "With this new effort, Nissan will deliver innovative solutions to commercial transportation needs, rewarding businesses of all sizes with a range of products and services that exceed expectations."

The CV lineup will include all-new products developed in North America, as well as vehicles from the global stable. As a result, in the mid-term, Nissan will offer a multi-segment CV lineup up to class 5 gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

The first of Nissan's new commercial vehicles for North America will be built at its manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss. Construction begins this week on a $118 million expansion of Canton's production footprint to manufacture CVs.

About the NV2500 Concept

The Nissan NV2500 Concept is, as its dimensions suggest, a multi-tasker of large order. One of the largest concept vehicles Nissan has ever produced, the NV2500 Concept, offers fresh design and fresh thinking - including a 3-Zone interior and flexible utility and storage solutions.

"The Nissan NV2500 is a rolling idea lab - bringing a new perspective to the commercial vehicle segment," said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design for Nissan Design America, Inc., which developed the NV2500 Concept. "We see the NV2500 Concept as an ongoing exploration of ways to make these vehicles more than just a box on four wheels. Our goal is to enhance utility through creative design solutions, providing a platform for a wide variety of specific professional applications."

In this configuration, the Nissan NV2500 Concept is designed for construction use. It bears the logo of Habitat for Humanity® only to illustrate the partnership between Nissan and Habitat. Over the past three years, Nissan has donated $3 million in cash, vehicles and house sponsorships, along with thousands of hours of work volunteered by Nissan employees.

The NV2500 Concept's "wall-less" mobile office/workspace design includes a computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table.

A Solid Workhorse Foundation

The NV2500 Concept is conceived first and foremost as a powerful, multi-purpose utility vehicle. Built on a modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup all-steel, fully boxed ladder frame, engine choices would be selected for competitive power and fuel efficiency. Other under-skin components include an automatic transmission and solid rear axle. The wheels are a special 20-inch billet aluminum design, while the Michelin tires include a special tread pattern designed for a good payload capacity and fuel efficiency.

Dimensionally, the NV2500 Concept has a 147.6-inch (12.3-foot) wheelbase and measures a full 19.5 feet bumper-to-bumper. It stands 8 feet tall and is 6.6 feet wide. Inside, from the front of the passenger compartment to rear door, there is room to carry objects up to 10.5 feet long with the passenger seat moved out of the way.

The NV2500 Concept's exterior design is highlighted by a wide grille, pronounced wheel arches, stepped roofline, well-defined fenders and unique window and roof treatments. Along with wraparound-style windshield/front door windows, the NV2500 Concept features lower door-glass cutouts and an oversized, fixed-glass roof panel that stretches from behind the B-pillars to the rear doors - adding a visual lightness to the design and illumination to the interior.

The NV2500 Concept's roof panel includes integrated solar panel technology to power interior equipment, lights and accessories. Additional exterior features include large, retractable outside mirrors, motorized flip-down AMP Research side and rear door steps, LED headlights and taillights, and dual-purpose tow hooks located in the grille that also serve as steps for easier access to the engine compartment.

The most intriguing aspect of the exterior, however, is the multi-use doors. On the driver's side, the Titan King Cab-style Wide Open Door offers unfettered access to the front of the vehicle, with integrated storage compartments for carrying items such as tool/safety vests, ear protection and first aid kit. In the rear of the NV2500 Concept are vertical 60/40 split cargo access "barn" doors with additional storage compartments and power rear step for walk-through capability and easy access.

The passenger side features a combination of a 90-degree opening vertical door directly behind the front passenger door and an awning-style clamshell panel that hinges upward and locks in place, creating a protected, standing workshop table on the outside and an open "picture window" view from the fold-down interior work desk. The passenger side door also has integrated workshop tool storage with fitted compartments for power saws, drills, screwdrivers and drafting equipment.

"The entire rear wall of the NV2500 Concept opens up so, for example, the construction supervisor can see and communicate with associates without leaving the desk," said Campbell. "It also serves as an additional, flat workspace that is protected from the elements, providing unlimited flexibility for whatever task might arise."

An Innovative 3-Zone Interior

Inside the commanding NV2500 exterior is a 3-Zone interior that combines simple, organic solutions with elements of advanced technology.

"The NV2500 Concept challenges the traditional thinking regarding show vehicles, not only in size but in its approach to technology," said Campbell. "Though it features a number of high-tech features such as a RearView Monitor, navigation system and wireless PC, wherever possible we also used 'lower-tech' solutions such as the manually adjusting multi-position passenger/workstation seat and the double-sided workbench that manually converts from an inside table to an outside work surface."

The NV2500 Concept's front Driver/Passenger Zone is anchored by a wide instrument panel with a customizable navigation/audio/climate display. The instrument panel also has an accessory power outlet and a built-in retractable power cord. Overhead is a full ceiling storage console with visor shelves, center shelves and a cooling fan that can be powered by the roof-mounted solar cells. Located behind the driver's seat is a customizable, lighted storage closet designed to hold hardhats, flashlights and work boots - complete with a mudroom-style grated floor for drainage.

Additional storage is provided in the center console's locking compartment and the instrument panel's floating shelf. The wide, front-passenger seat can swing rearward on a sliding arm, manually moving and locking into position in front of the workstation console located behind the driver's seat or pivoting toward the work table. The workstation includes an oversized computer monitor and computer with laser-projected "easy clean" keyboard.

"The passenger seat functions as both a traditional forward-facing seat and a comfortable, swiveling desk chair," said Campbell. "All elements of the interior are designed to be multi-functional and highly durable, able to stand up to the rigors of heavy use at a job site or other real world locations."

As fitting of a true work truck, the centerpiece of the NV2500 Concept is the third zone, the Conference Center/Cargo Bay Zone. Dressed in its construction office configuration, this zone includes a fold-down inside/outside workshop table.

With the awning-style side panel in the open position, the table can also flip 180 degree to become a standing-height work surface. Lights on the awning illuminate the table.

Mounted in the ceiling above the side panel is a built-in laser blueprint printer. The wall also includes 110/220W power outlets and areas for the built-in shop vacuum's air hoses. The opposite wall is dominated by sustainable wood slats for tying down or securing cargo. The engineered sustainable wood flooring includes a custom version of the Titan's popular Utili-track™ cargo tie-down/sliding cleat system. The Utili-track channels run from rear door to front bulkhead on the passenger side of the vehicle. There also are multi-position integrated tie-down hooks and functional task lighting throughout the cargo area.

"The key to the NV2500 Concept's interior is ingenuity as much as innovation," Campbell said. "Every element needs to serve high-utility needs for multi-tasking users."

About Nissan Commercial Vehicles (CV)
Nissan North America, Inc. is entering the CV business through a significant investment in North America as part of its global commitment to the CV segment. Nissan's first commercial vehicle for the United States will go on sale in 2010 for the 2011 model year. To further strengthen future commercial offerings, Nissan has formed partnerships with Cummins Inc. for the diesel engines and ZF Friedrichshafen AG for the transmissions for use in its North American vehicles. Additional information on Nissan's US commercial vehicle business can be found at www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.

About Nissan
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO₂ emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. 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.

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