This press release is issued Jan. 8, 2002 (local time) by Nissan North America.
January 09, 2002
The Nissan Division of Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced 350Z® pricing in conjunction with a pre-order launch program at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. On display in the brand new Nissan exhibit was a production-ready version of the new Z sports car, which is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this summer. Pricing for the new 280-plus horsepower 350Z will start under $27,000. Customers will be able to configure and order vehicles beginning in mid January.
Along with the new Z, Nissan displayed the GT‑R Concept, the star of the recent Tokyo Motor Show, and a totally new dimension in minivan design - the Next Generation Quest Concept.
"The focus at Nissan continues to be on product and here in Detroit we're showcasing three levels of future models --- the production ready Z, the not-too-distant Quest Concept and the still-in-development GT‑R Concept," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "All three demonstrate our commitment to driving performance, exciting styling and advanced technology."
The new product onslaught is driven by the success of the Nissan Revival Plan (NRP), which has accelerated the investment in product research and development efforts around the globe. Midway through the three-year NRP, parent company Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML) has already achieved three consecutive half-years of record profits. On November 20, 2001, NML announced its best financial performance in over a decade --- a consolidated operating profit of $1.57 billion and an operating margin of 6.3 percent for the first six months of fiscal year 2001.
In North America, despite a challenging economic environment, Nissan has showed renewed sales strength, especially in the second half as new and enhanced 2002 products such as the high-value Nissan Altima, more powerful Maxima and sporty Sentra SE-R have come to market. In November, for example, the new Altima set a 10-year monthly sales record for the nameplate with 13,675 units sold.
"Nissan's coming back strong in the United States anyway you measure it - sales, product vitality, brand image, dealer performance and profitability," said Kirrane. "The new Z, with its unmatched combination of high performance, high design and high value, will kick us into an even higher gear in terms of consumer interest and desirability. And, with a new Quest and other products not far behind, the best is yet to come."
The new 350Z represents nothing less than the birth of a totally new car that blends Nissan's sports car tradition with cutting-edge technologies and a fresh design. Continuing the Z heritage of design, performance and value that has remained unchanged since the first-generation model, this new-generation Z car promises to provide all users with immense joy of ownership and complete driving pleasure.
While inheriting the "Z-ness" passed on through successive generations, the 350Z embodies many new features for a sports car, all of which have been perfected to exceptionally high quality.
The new Z features a 3.5-liter V6 designed to produce 280-plus horsepower, available 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension, 17-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/50WR17 (front), 245/50WR17 (rear) tires.
The Z's long wheelbase and wide stance combine with a raised rear deck for enhanced aerodynamics, while inside a combination of classic and cutting-edge sports car interior design provides a stylish, driver-oriented interior environment.
The Z will go on sale in August 2002 as a 2003 model.
Nissan's Next Generation Quest Concept is a bold departure from traditional minivan design, creating a very architectural and fluid alternative to a category marked by "boxes on wheels." The Quest Concept, created at Nissan Design America, Inc. in La Jolla, Calif., features a long, sleek cabin with a flowing beltline gesture, a unique wraparound glass and, to emphasize its athletic performance capabilities, 20-inch wheels and tires pushed out to the corners. The Quest Concept also features a power operated bi-fold tailgate that operates in a limited amount of space, a glass roof to illuminate the cabin and highly efficient fiber optic headlights.
The interior of the Next Generation Quest Concept breaks new ground in minivan interior design, creating an unparalleled vehicle environment for "family and friends." The interior challenges convention with an innovative and efficient instrument panel layout, stylish and comfortable seat design and thoughtful storage locations. The inspiration for the seating design and layout was premium comfort for six people, an experience enhanced by the Quest Concept's open interior atmosphere, centralized information center, advanced rear seat entertainment system and full-length rear overhead console.
The cylinder-shaped instrument panel, with its modern, desktop-like design, pulls away toward the floor, providing a more open floor space and an easier walkthrough to the rear compartment. Other special touches include a sliding center console, woven leather floor material, motorized bike rack, seatback-mounted backpack-style storage and a camera mounted to show an infant's face on the center instrument panel screen when secured in a rear-facing child seat.
With its first United States showing at Detroit, Nissan is providing a preview of what may become the first truly international version of the legendary GT‑R in the guise of the new GT‑R Concept.
"The GT‑R has always been a car that crosses rational boundaries," said Mr. Carlos Ghosn, president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "Now, with left-hand drive, it is prepared to cross international boundaries as well. Though still under consideration and development, the GT‑R Concept clearly signals our intention to maintain the GT‑R's high position in the performance Supercar hierarchy."
"The GT‑R Concept represents what we believe will once again be the world standard for technology and performance," said Kirrane. "This car raises the pleasure of driving to the realm of full sensual involvement, revealing a new dimension of driving performance."
In early November 2000, Nissan announced plans to build a new $930 million manufacturing plant in Canton, Miss., to assemble full-size trucks, SUVs and the next generation Nissan minivan. Production of the first vehicles is scheduled to begin at this facility in the summer of 2003.
As construction continues in Canton, plans are also underway for expansion of Nissan's Smyrna, Tenn. assembly operations, including an additional $50 million investment in preparation for the addition of Maxima production in January 2003. An additional 500 jobs will be created to support this production.
Another key goal in Nissan's continuing efforts to restore and sustain long-term profitability is to reinvigorate its brand power at every point of customer contact. Nissan, as part of a multi-year effort, is undertaking a comprehensive, global cultural change to bring all aspects of the company into alignment with the new brand direction.
Nissan dealers nationwide are beginning a comprehensive facilities redesign program as part of the effort to reinforce a consistent and coherent visual brand image. The program includes upgrading both retail and service environments and dealership signage.
"The future looks extremely bright for Nissan in 2002 and the years ahead," said Kirrane. "With strong consumer response to our 2002 models, we're heading into our non-stop program of new and enhanced products like the Z and Quest Concept with great confidence and momentum."
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