April 3, 2000
Nissan AD Van CNGV Becomes the First to be Certified under MOT's Low-Emission Vehicle Certification System for Reducing Exhaust Emissions by 75% from Japan's 2000 Exhaust Emission Standards
--Domestic Release of Certified Vehicle Set for April 17--
Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that the AD Van CNGV has become the first to be certified under the Ministry of Transport's low-emission vehicle certification system as a vehicle that reduces exhaust emissions by 75% from the levels allowed under Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations *1. This certified AD Van CNGV, a small commercial vehicle that runs on compressed natural gas, will be released nationwide on April 17.
The low-emission vehicle certification system, inaugurated by the Ministry of Transport on April 1, is intended to promote the diffusion of vehicles that emit exhaust emissions lower than the levels specified by the 2000 exhaust emission standards. Under this system, the Ministry of Transport fairly evaluates and publicizes the low-pollution performance of vehicles. Vehicles are ranked at three different levels depending on whether they reduce exhaust emissions by 25%, 50% or 75% from the amounts permitted by the 2000 exhaust emission regulations.
The AD Van CNGV is Japan's first vehicle to be certified as one that meets the most stringent requirement of reducing exhaust emissions by 75% from 2000 regulation values. This outstanding emission performance is largely attributed to the use of the newly developed QG18DEN engine, the adoption of a multipoint injection (MPI) fueling system and improvement of the catalyst system.
In addition to its exceptionally low exhaust emission levels, the AD Van CNGV also provides outstanding fuel economy and reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 25% *2. It achieves a class-leading driving range of 275 km on a full tank of fuel, according to Nissan's test data. It also provides best-in-class fuel economy of 17.2 km/Nm3, also based on Nissan's test data. Further, the vehicle ranks at the top of its class in power performance as well, delivering maximum power of 77 kW (105 ps) at 5600 rpm and maximum torque of 149 N-m (15.2 kg-m) at 2800 rpm to provide remarkably smooth driving performance. In addition, it has cargo space equal to that of a gasoline-fueled vehicle and provides superior practicality and utility as a commercial vehicle.
Under the preferential tax measures for low-pollution vehicles, the AD Van CNGV qualifies for a reduction of the automobile acquisition tax and the automobile tax that is levied only on vehicles registered in Tokyo *3. Moreover, customers can receive a subsidy under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry's program to promote the penetration of clean energy vehicles. The subsidy amounts to one-half of the purchase price difference between the AD Van CNGV and the conventional AD Van on which it is based.
*1Emissions of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are reduced by 75% or more from the levels specified by the 2000 exhaust emission regulations.
*2Compared with the performance of the QG18DE gasoline engine.
*3The automobile acquisition tax rate is reduced by 2.7% until the end of March 2001. The tax rate on personal-use vehicles is lowered from 5% to 2.3% and that on business-use vehicles is reduced from 3% to 0.3%. For new vehicles registered in Tokyo between FY 1999 and FY 2001, the automobile tax is reduced by 50%. The reduction is applied the year after a new vehicle is registered and continues for three years. In addition, the AD Van CNGV complies with the exhaust emission standards of the designated low-pollution vehicle system adopted by seven prefectures and cities in the Kanto area, and it also meets the guidelines of the Japanese government's "recommended list of product specifications and materials having minimal impact on the environment."
The AD Van CNGV has been on the market since January of this year. Now that Nissan has obtained the official certification for this model and effected a type change, it will be released anew on April 17 as a vehicle certified for reducing exhaust emissions by 75% from the levels specified by the 2000 exhaust emission regulations.
Sales Target
Nissan projects an annual sales volume of 500 units for the AD Van CNGV.
Dealers Selling the AD Van CNGV
The AD Van CNGV will be sold by Nissan and Motor channel dealers of the Nissan Blue Stage and by Satio, Prince and Cherry channel dealers of the Nissan Red Stage. (This includes Nissan Red and Blue Stage dealers that handle all models.)
Suggested Retail Price Nationwide (excluding consumption tax)
AD Van CNGV
Drive system 2WD
Engine QG18DEN
Transmission E-ATx full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission
Price 2,660,000 yen
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