Nissan Releases Tino HYBRID

March 23, 2000

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic release of the Tino HYBRID equipped with Nissan's NEO HYBRID system. Nissan will accept advance purchase orders over the Internet for the Tino HYBRID, which is built around the popular Tino.

Released in December 1998, the Tino is a tall wagon that delivers all-around superior performance, making effective use of its height and width in a short body to provide a remarkably spacious, comfortable interior. 

Compared with a gasoline-engine vehicle of the same class, the newly released Tino HYBRID improves fuel economy by more than twofold while cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 50%. Moreover, this hybrid vehicle displays driving performance equal to that of gasoline-fueled cars. Tino HYBRID offers a further advantage in providing outstanding utility, enabling five adults to travel in roomy comfort while also allowing ample luggage space.

Nissan has decided to limit the initial sales volume to 100 units and will begin accepting advance purchase orders over the Internet on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 2 p.m. on April 14 (JST). Based on the public reaction to the Tino HYBRID, Nissan then will consider whether to increase the production volume.

Effective ways of addressing environmental issues will become increasingly more important in the years ahead. Nissan has positioned hybrid systems as one key technology for this purpose and will continue its vigorous activities to research and develop these advanced propulsion systems in the coming years.

Major Features of Tino HYBRID

• The NEO HYBRID system is a highly efficient propulsion system that optimally and selectively utilizes a gasoline engine and an electric traction motor.^*1 In comparison with a gasoline-engine vehicle of the same class^*2, the NEO HYBRID system achieves more than a twofold improvement in fuel economy and also reduces CO2 emissions by more than 50%. 
*1: The vehicle is propelled by the motor alone under conditions where the engine operates inefficiently, such as when starting off or traveling at low speeds, and is powered only by the engine at intermediate to high speeds. Under certain operating conditions, such as rapid vehicle acceleration, the motor also provides power to assist the engine. Additionally, the motor regenerates electricity during deceleration to charge the batteries. The engine is turned off automatically when the vehicle is stopped.
*2: This comparison is based on the average values (computed by Nissan) for a 1,500-kg vehicle fitted with an engine of the same displacement class.

• The use of Nissan's HYPER CVT continuously variable transmission allows both the engine and the motor to operate at high efficiency for significantly enhanced fuel economy combined with smooth, powerful acceleration.

• The Tino HYBRID adopts a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery specially designed for hybrid vehicle application and featuring a lithium manganate positive electrode. The use of this battery substantially reduces the battery pack weight. Moreover, positioning the battery pack under the floor near the vehicle's center of gravity has made it possible to achieve the same comfortable interior spaciousness and superb handling and stability that distinguish its base model, the Tino.

• A multifunction display is provided via a 5.8" liquid crystal monitor that enables the driver to know at a glance the operating conditions of the engine and motor as well as instantaneous and average fuel consumption figures. The latest car navigation functions are also provided through the same monitor.

• The battery discharge load has been reduced by adopting solar-absorbing ultraviolet radiation-blocking glass, which improves air-conditioner efficiency while creating a comfortable interior, and rear combination lamps incorporating low-power-consumption light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Specifications of NEO HYBRID System

Method of Purchase
Nissan will start taking advance purchase orders for the Tino HYBRID at this model's Internet website (http://www.nissan.co.jp/TINO/HYBRID) at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 14 (JST).

Retail Price
The Tino HYBRID is priced at 3,150,000 yen excluding consumption tax nationwide.