Beijing, June 5 - Nissan unveiled two new sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for the Chinese market at a preview of Auto China 2002 today. One of the models, the Paladin, is making its debut at the Beijing show before anywhere else in the world. It will be produced in China by the Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd., a joint venture.
PALADIN (Prototype)
The Paladin is an all-round SUV with the emphasis on durability and reliability for tackling rough roads and rugged terrain. It is built on a heavy-duty chassis and comes with a choice of two engines: 2.4 or V6 3.3 liters.
"This is a no-nonsense off-roader, adapted to the lifestyles and needs of Chinese drivers," said Katsumi Nakamura, Senior Vice President and head of Nissan's China Business Office. "It will appeal to drivers who need a durable vehicle that is truly dependable. Paladin drivers will depend on the vehicle to carry them through snow, rain and mud, in all weathers, at the peak of dry summer or icy winter."
Production of the Paladin is scheduled to start in the first quarter of next year.
The second SUV being launched at the show is the globally successful X‑TRAIL, designed to offer the optimum balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. The model has been on display in some dealers' showrooms since April to gauge customer reaction.
"The response has been very positive," SVP Nakamura said. "We see the X‑TRAIL leading the way in the creation of a new market segment within the SUV category in China. We're calling it the 'versatile SUV'."
"Versatile SUV owners have diverse lifestyles. They enjoy outdoor recreational activities and so need a vehicle that handles mountain slopes to get to their weekend hideaway, for example. Yet they also appreciate the visual style statement of the SUV, and its convenience and comfort for town use. X‑TRAIL is specifically designed to meet both needs - off-road and on."
The X‑TRAIL features All-Mode 4x4, a newly developed four-wheel-drive system that detects road conditions and instantly provides the optimum torque distribution. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers in China immediately.
In a related move, Nissan launched today a brand new Beijing show microsite. To preview Nissan's models on display at Auto China 2002, click http://www.nissan.com.cn.
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