February 28,2000
NEW NISSAN MAXIMA QX IS STAR OF GENEVA 2000
Nissan will launch more new models in 2000 than in any year previously, and it all starts at the Geneva Motor Show.
Four new vehicles will be on display in Geneva. The star of the show is Nissan's all-new Maxima QX. Also on display is a more powerful Nissan Patrol GR and Nissan's brand new European-built Almera and Almera MPV.
The Nissan Maxima QX is a luxury executive saloon. It provides first class levels of comfort, space, safety, sophistication, performance and equipment. The new car has a restyled exterior, re-engineered suspension and increased interior space for both passengers and luggage.
Under the bonnet it has a choice of refined V6 24-valve award winning engines. There is an economic 2.0-litre unit or a potent 200PS 3.0-litre unit. Nissan expects the new Maxima QX to make a bigger impact on the European E-segment, widening its current customer base.
The introduction of a new, more powerful Nissan Patrol GR will build on Nissan's record 1999 4x4 sales, which reached 53,000.
The new Patrol gets Nissan's potent new DI engine, code-named ZD30DDTi. This all-new 3.0-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel engine - the second to be introduced to Europe with Nissan's M-Fire combustion technology - offers substantial increases in torque and power, as well as efficiency.
The luxurious interior is now matched perfectly to an imposing exterior design, and powerful performance, both on the road, off the road and towing heavy loads.
The all-new European Nissan Almera goes on sale in March and is set to become a leader in the C-segment. The Almera uses Nissan's new MS global platform and is manufactured at Nissan's UK plant, which is the most productive in Europe.
The Almera is powered by a comprehensive range of clean and economical European-built engines including the all-new GQ15DE and GQ18DE petrol units, and the advanced YD22Ddi direct-injection diesel unit -- which uses Nissan's M-Fire combustion technology.
The Almera debuts Nissan's "super-utility" development concept, which reflects the real-use needs of European customers. The Almera delivers unique and intuitive convenience features such as a brief case strap and umbrella holder. The new car has Nissan's unique 3D BIRDVIEW satellite navigation system, which is cleverly integrated into the top of the dashboard.
The Almera introduces Nissan's Active Headrest System, along with other features such as seat belt pre-tensioners with load-limiters. The car also has an anti-lock braking system, which has been improved by the inclusion of Nissan's Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
The new Almera Tino MPV will be built at Nissan's Barcelona plant, using the same MS platform.
The Almera Tino is a resourceful and versatile vehicle, with an interior designed to address the real needs of young families. The rear seats can be arranged into 24 different combinations to allow optimum use of cabin space. There are 20 different storage spaces. Two easily removable storage baskets are located in the rear foot wells. In addition, two multi-purpose storage spaces are located under the rear seats, where valuable items can be stored out of harm's way.
The Almera Tino has excellent driving performance, provided by its advanced suspension. This offers superior road holding, stability and refinement. The car-like handling qualities of the Almera Tino are mirrored in the driving position. Driver comfort and safety are the priority. Almera Tino does not have the "van-like" driving position seen in similar vehicles.
The Almera Tino has a choice of clean and economical petrol and diesel engines, comprising a 1.5 and 1.8 petrol unit and a 2.2 direct injection diesel unit.
Nissan's European operations include styling, design and development, manufacturing, sales, finance and industrial machinery. More than 15,000 people are directly employed in operations, with additional jobs created in over 4,000 Nissan dealerships across Europe
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