TRANSCRIPT: Nissan press conference at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show

SHIRO NAKAMURA:

Good morning, and welcome to Nissan.

We strive to design products that challenge conventions... and disrupt the status quo.

That effort has resulted in the Qashqai and JUKE.

They deliver an alternative, and are signs of groundbreaking thinking.

In the past two years, we have presented concept cars that express the emotional direction of Nissan's new design language, with unique signatures such as V-Motion Grill and Floating Roof.

The new design language has already been realized in newly introduced production models, and it will be seen in other models that follow.

Today, I am pleased to present our latest concept model.  It demonstrates how we can adapt these signatures to one of Europe's most competitive segments - the compact hatchback.

With its striking front face, swooping lines, elegant, simple interior and stylish colors... the Sway Concept is designed to add life to the sector.

The exterior blends the distinctive signatures of the latest Nissan design language.  The defining character line starts at the V-Motion grille and runs through the rear of the car, giving it a dynamic, and agile appeal.

The unique Boomerang - shaped headlamps and rear lamps accentuate the front and rear ends.  They resonate with the character line, adding edginess and a sense of emotion.

The Floating Roof, along with the kick-up shaped C-pillar, gives an airy feeling.

Moving inside, the Sway Concept evolves our interior approach of the gliding wing shaped dashboard, which was first seen in 2013, as part of the Nissan IDx concept.  Purposeful Human Machine Interface, featuring a state-of-the-art Display, is about elegant simplicity.  Nissan is a brand that will continue to challenge conventions, and deliver excitement.

With the Sway Concept, we advance the vision of our Design here in Europe.

This is the latest example of how new design direction can expand our product lineup in the future. Now, please join me in welcoming the Chairman of Nissan Europe, Paul Willcox.

PAUL WILLCOX

Thanks Shiro.

An important moment for Nissan and a great design direction! I'd like to explain exactly where the Nissan brand is going.

Globally, Nissan continues to charge ahead, with record sales in calendar year 2014 of over 5.3 million units.

Here in Europe, against extremely tough market conditions, we grew 13.2% on the previous year, achieving 4.1% market share, the highest in our history.

Strengthening our brand, our products, our quality and our service is clearly working.

Last year we launched 12 new cars including new versions of our Crossovers: Nissan Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail. All three models were well-received, and strongly reinforce our crossover leadership.  And, we've just launched the fabulous Juke NISMO RS, here on stand today.

Naturally, our competitors are now trying to imitate Nissan's pioneering crossovers, and we're flattered. We're also determined to stay one step ahead of them.

Our current models are very fresh, award-winning cars, with a deep and long pedigree.

And that's one thing that can't be imitated, copied or faked. One of the advantages of pioneering is we learn before our competitors do.

We're using our massive databank of customer feedback to make Nissan crossovers even better.

And yes, we're even looking at electric technologies for crossovers. You'll be seeing a concept example later this year. Crossover leadership will remain core to Nissan's future.

Recently, we've completely re-defined what Nissan means for our customers.

Bold design, great quality and accessible technology all reinforce Nissan's brand values of innovation and excitement for everyone.

On quality, even premium brand customers are migrating to Qashqai and our other crossovers, because we've set new quality standards in this class.

And we're going to apply the same criteria to the rest of our range, including small cars, with some profound implications to come.

On technology, we already have a track record of bringing the best and latest technology to the mass market.  And our customers love it.

The best-selling version of the Qashqai is the range-topping Tekna, which includes some of the building blocks towards autonomous drive. In fact the Tekna is so popular that it outsells the entire Ford Mondeo range in the major European markets.

Behind all the recent hype and stunts you've seen on Autonomous Vehicles,  the reality is that Nissan has been working on these technologies since the mid-1990s.

We brought Brake Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control to the mass market. As with Electric Vehicles, with Autonomous technology Nissan has been, and will be, the leader.

Our objective is clear, we aim to bring these technologies to as many customers as we can, as soon as we can.

Simplicity.... safety.... and accessibility will differentiate our offering.

In Japan and the US, we're actively testing with our new partner NASA, and aim to make full autonomous driving available by 2020. We're going to turn a good drive into a great, safer drive.

Finally, let me update you on Nissan Electric Vehicles. This year, Nissan will celebrate the LEAF's 5th birthday. With over 160,000 on the road, not only have the EV critics been proved wrong, but our competitors apparently ‘changed their minds' and joined the party. As with crossovers, they are fashionably late.

Nissan leads the world in zero emissions technology, and the Nissan LEAF is the best-selling Electric Car, globally and in Europe. Customers choose LEAF because they trust us - we're the pioneers and experts in EV.  If you want proof: LEAF has a 95% recommendation rate from customers.

The best across the Nissan line-up. And we also have the all-electric eNV200, with both van and passenger vehicle versions. A seven-seat Evalia model is making its debut here at the show today.

We will continue to improve EV batteries with the ultimate aim of offering a driving range that is comparable to conventionally powered vehicles.

Finally, I'd like to thank you for your ongoing support for the Nissan brand. We're on a roll and we appreciate what you've written about us recently. Consistent with our theme of Innovation and Excitement for Everyone, look for us to continue to develop stunning designs, top quality products, and accessible technology on our entire range. We will continue to surprise, to delight, and to deliver a better driving experience for our customers around the world.

Thank you.

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