High Roof Models Added to Serena Lineup Together with Implementation of Further Improvements

June 8, 2000

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the addition of High Roof models to the Serena lineup and the implementation of further improvements to all Serena models, which were released throughout Japan today.

The High Roof models newly added to the 2.0-liter gasoline-engine X and J-V Pack trim grades have an interior height that is 105 mm higher than that of their Standard Roof counterparts. This extra height gives the interior a more open feeling along with an added dimension of spacious comfort. The height of the luggage compartment opening has also been increased by 120 mm, allowing easier loading and unloading of tall items. Moreover, the additional height also increases the Serena's cargo-carrying capacity for enhanced convenience.

Along with the addition of the High Roof versions, further improvements have been made to all Serena models. Standard equipment on all models now includes an ozone-safe full-auto air-conditioning system. The seatbelts of the third-row seats are also available now with child seat anchorages. In addition, specifications and equipment have been further improved by adopting privacy glass and expanding the availability of front passenger's seat armrests, among other appointments.

Another notable feature offered on the X and Highway Star-G Pack trim grades is an optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system that works in tandem with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). This system uses information obtained with a laser radar unit to recognize the host vehicle's lane and the presence of a preceding vehicle. It automatically controls the host vehicle's speed by adjusting throttle opening angle and CVT ratio accordingly, so as to maintain a set headway distance to the vehicle ahead, thereby lightening the driver's workload during high-speed cruising and on long trips. With this ACC system, the speed selected by the driver in a range of 50-100 km/h., serves as the upper limit for controlling the host vehicle's speed. The system delivers smooth acceleration and deceleration without any shift shock by taking advantage of the stepless nature of the CVT which allows the selection of the appropriate speed ratio. The use of the CVT is notably effective in allowing more engine braking to be applied without any shift shock, when the system recognizes that the distance to a preceding vehicle is shorter than that desired by the driver. Moreover, because it works in concert with the CVT, the system is also improves fuel economy in the practical speed range of everyday driving.

<Sales target>
5,500 units/month

<Dealers selling the Serena>
Nissan Red Stage: Satio, Prince and Cherry channel dealers (including Nissan Red & Blue Stage dealers that handle all models)

<Showroom debut dates>
Saturday & Sunday, June 17-18

Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices (excluding consumption tax)

('000 of yen)

☆ Model in the photograph

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission


SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SERENA

Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan affiliate, will continue with the role of customizing the Serena Kitakitsune with the partial improvements of the Serena, and will add a new Serena Kitakitsune High Roof model and newly customized Serena Rider featuring special vehicle specifications. Moreover, High Roof models have also been added to the Life-care Vehicle(LV)* series and the specifications have been further improved, yet the prices of some grades have been reduced. All of the Serena vehicles were released nationwide today. In addition, the Serena Kid's Version, designed for enjoyable and comfortable use by families with small children, was also put on the market today throughout Japan.

*Nissan Group companies use the term Life-care Vehicle (LV) to refer to vehicles that are specifically designed to assist persons with special mobility needs in their everyday lives.

<Overview of Serena Kitakitsune>
The Serena Kitakitsune (meaning a northern fox in Japanese) comes with an improved array of interior appointments that include privacy glass, front passenger's seat armrests and an ozone-safe full-auto air-conditioning system as standard features on all models. In addition to the exclusive seating systems used on the previous model, optional split-folding second-row seats are now available on all models for enhanced convenience and versatility. Moreover, High Roof models have also been added to the lineup.

Major Features of Serena Kitakitsune

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
*Low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification on 2WD models
E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission

<Overview of Serena Rider>
The Serena Rider is a special specification vehicle that adopts exclusive Serena exterior and interior appointments and fully conveys the impressive image and stellar quality look of a customized car.

The exterior appearance is distinguished by the aeroform front bumper with an aluminum horizontal-pattern billet grille, sill protectors, a dedicated grille and a rear underbody protector. In addition, the vehicle is also fitted with brightly polished aluminum wheels, an exclusive large-aperture muffler, exclusive rear combination lamps, a clear back door finisher and a lowered suspension. These and other features combine to create an attractive exterior appearance with a highly customized look.

Interior appointments include exclusive seat covering materials, a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel wrapped in genuine leather and a metallic-looking gray coordination scheme for the finishers and instrument panel, thereby creating a chic interior ambience exuding an impression of superb quality. Moreover, an optional Genuine Leather Package is also available that features an exclusive seat covering combination of white genuine leather/Partner(R) artificial leather and handsome wood-grain panel accents around the cockpit including the steering wheel.

Major Features of Serena Rider

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission
*1Low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification on 2WD models, *2Cabron“ and Partner“ are registered trademarks of Achilles Corporation, a manufacturer of shoes and materials for industrial applications.

<Overview of Serena Enchante>
The newly released Serena Enchante is specifically designed for easy ingress/egress by senior citizens, persons with leg disabilities and others who experience difficulty in entering and exiting vehicles.

o Enchante power step type
The power step type vehicle is equipped with a power sliding step at the sliding door on the left side. With a first step height of just 24 cm, this vehicle provides superior ease of ingress/egress not only for senior citizens, but also for small children and persons wearing a kimono. A High Roof model has been newly added to the lineup, and an optional power sliding step for the right-side sliding door is also available, allowing effective use of the advantages of having sliding doors on both sides.

o Enchante power passenger seat type
This vehicle is fitted with a "Slide-out Lift Seat" on the passenger's side that swivels outside the vehicle and lowers to a height of 49 cm from the ground. A High Roof model has been added to the lineup this time. All the motions of the front passenger's seat are executed with the aid of an electric motor.

o Enchante power second-row seat type
The power second-row seat type vehicle is specially designed for easy access from a wheelchair. The left-side second-row seat swivels outside the vehicle manually and is lowered by an electric motor to a height of 45 cm from the ground, which is approximately the seat height of ordinary wheelchairs. This vehicle type is now available in a High Roof model, and the price has also been reduced. Moreover, a power swivel mechanism is available as an option to motorize completely all motions of the seat, thereby further lightening the workload of caregivers.

Major Features of Serena Enchante

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission
*Low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification on 2WD models

<Overview of Serena Chair-Cab>
The Serena Chair-Cab enables wheelchair users to enter the vehicle in their chairs and travel comfortably with the chair securely fastened.

o Chair-Cab lift type
Based on the newly adopted High Roof model, the lift type vehicle is equipped with a fully automatic wheelchair lift. Because the vehicle has been customized around the High Roof model, it provides an added measure of generous headroom. The lift has been changed to a fully automatic type that is incorporated into the floor to allow a wheelchair to be secured and the seatbelt to be fastened outside the vehicle. Power wheelchair tie-downs and one-touch wheelchair tie-downs (included in a set with a dedicated wheelchair) are also available as options to reduce the hassle of anchoring a chair. The seating capacity including one wheelchair user is six persons.

o Chair-Cab ramp type
The ramp type vehicle is equipped with a fully automatic ramp and a hydraulic kneeldown system that lowers the rear-end floor height by approximately 70 mm, allowing a wheelchair user to enter the vehicle together with a caregiver. In cases where a wheelchair is not used, a fold-up auxiliary seat is available to create a universal-purpose car that can be used in the same manner as an ordinary wagon. The seating capacity including one wheelchair user is seven persons.

Major Features of Serena Chair-Cab

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
*Low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification on 2WD models

<Overview of Serena Kid's Version>
The Serena Kid's Version, a modified vehicle based on the High Roof J-V Pack model, is designed for comfortable and convenient use by families with small children. Adopted as the exclusive seat upholstery is Cabron(R)* artificial leather that resists soiling and lets ordinary dirt be wiped off easily. In addition, it also comes with a Micro-guard Puritron air filter, 100-volt AC power outlet, portable toilet, luggage net and trash box, among other handy features.

Also available is a ceiling mounted television-equipped model that includes a large 8" liquid crystal television monitor for viewing by rear-seat occupants in a set with a video port for connecting a video game console or other entertainment device to allow travel time to be spent enjoyably.
*Cabron(R) is a registered trademark of Achilles Corporation, a manufacturer of shoes and materials for industrial
applications.


Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices (excluding consumption tax)
Serena Kitakitsune

 ('000 of yen)

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission


Serena Rider

 ('000 of yen)

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission


Serena Enchante & Chair-Cab (consumption tax is levied on the Enchante but not on the Chair -Cab)

('000 of yen)

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission
Both the Enchante power passenger seat type and power second-row seat type models are exempt from consumption tax when fitted with a wheelchair lift or rubber wheelchair tie-downs, which are available as dealer options.
*Low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification on 2WD models

Serena Kid's version

 ('000 of yen)

HYPER CVT: continuously variable transmission
*Low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification on 2WD models