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Nissan Eyes 1.5 Million E-Cars by 2016

"Japanese auto giant Nissan is aiming to sell 1.5 million electric vehicles around the world by 2016, the company said this week, as it looks to capitalize on growing demand for green products.

Japan's second-largest automaker behind Toyota said it wants to be the world's largest player in so-called "zero-emission vehicles," including a new fuelcell electric vehicle developed with Daimler.

The company, which is 43.8 per cent owned by French partner Renault, has sold 15,000 Leaf electric cars, the only model it produces, but plans to add seven models across the group.

"More consumers are demanding products in line with their values, including cars and trucks with a lower carbon footprint. At the same time, we are using technology to make our factories greener and more efficient," said Nissan president and chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn.

"Nissan wants to be part of the solution toward a sustainable society - for the sake of the planet and as a significant competitive advantage and a strategic differentiator in the global manufacturing sector."

In addition to the target of 1.5 million electric vehicles, the company said it is also aiming for an average 35 per cent improvement in fuel economy on 2005 figures for vehicles sold in Japan, China, Europe and the U.S.

Last month, Nissan said it was teaming up with U.S.-based General Electric to explore ways to promote the use of electric vehicles.

Japanese firms were hit hard by power and chronic parts supply shortages in the wake of March's earthquake and tsunami, with the likes of Nissan, Toyota and Honda having to sharply reduce production and shut plants due to a lack of crucial components." [Continue reading...]

Nissan JUKE-R - The Engine

Nissan Announces Latest Hybrid, CVT Advances

 

"In addition to selling the only mass-market all-electric no-emissions vehicle in the world – the LEAF – Nissan is continuing its efforts to bring innovation to all with notable tech enhancements to its vehicles powered by internal-combustion engines. This includes recently unveiling two next-generation powertrain systems that will help U.S. drivers achieve higher levels of fuel efficiency beginning in 2012.

The automaker’s all-new XTRONIC continuously variable transmission (CVT), designed specifically for engines with 2.0 to 3.5 liters of displacement, is set to reach North American products starting next year. The advanced transmission builds on Nissan’s longtime industry leadership role in CVT technology with:

• Ratio coverage of a full 7.0 – the widest of any CVT in the world for the aforementioned engine sizes – providing enhanced drivability
• 40 percent less friction for further fuel-economy gains
• The latest version of Nissan’s Adaptive Shift Control, which adapts a vehicle’s shifting patterns to better match different driving styles and road conditions

Thanks to upgrades like these, the new transmission is expected to significantly reduce unwanted powertrain noise and help eliminate over-revving, while also reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent – and more when mated to the automaker’s affordable new hybrid propulsion setup. It’s a system that integrates a compact lithium-ion battery, two separate clutches, a leading-edge electric motor and a 2.5-liter supercharged engine, all in a streamlined package that affords the same power as a 3.5-liter V6, but with much better fuel economy." [Continue reading...]

Nissan Announces U.S. Pricing for 2012 Quest

"Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2012 Nissan Quest minivan, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. The innovation-packed Nissan Quest is offered in four well-equipped models: S, SV, SL and LE. Each comes with a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine and Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ transmission. Key available features include one-touch power sliding doors, fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System, and standard permanent hidden storage. Enhancements for the 2012 model year include standard XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) on Quest SV and SL models, and one new exterior color – Super Black.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2012 Nissan Quest include: [Continue reading...]

Quest 3.5 S	$27,750 USD
Quest 3.5 SV	$31,050 USD
Quest 3.5 SL	$34,500 USD
Quest 3.5 LE	$41,350 USD

Nissan, GE Partner to Speed Use of Electric Vehicles

 

"To help make it even easier for U.S. customers to choose transportation solutions like the all-electric Nissan LEAF, Nissan and GE have recently signed a two-year research agreement aimed directly at developing a robust and reliable EV-charging infrastructure. As a reminder, the LEAF, which is available in an increased number of markets for the 2012 model year, is certified by the EPA to deliver up to 73 miles of driving on electricity alone, at the equivalent of 106 mpg city/92 mpg highway/97 mpg combined.

“As the U.S. and world move toward electric vehicles, the automotive sector is forming new industry connections that extend well beyond the traditional OEM space,” said Mark Little, senior vice president and director, GE Global Research. “One of the biggest connections being made is with companies that generate and provide electricity. As a major provider of power generation equipment and energy services, GE is in a great position to help the automotive industry bring millions of electric vehicles onto the grid.”

The collaboration will be extensive and far ranging, with the two companies working on a number of different initiatives. These will include research into how best to incorporate EV-charging functionality into a home’s or building’s electrical equipment, as well as ways to optimize the nation’s power grid to meet increased EV demand." [Continue reading...]

Nissan Leaf Goes Racing

 "The electrification of the car will be a long process and the development seems fragmented and confusing. Yet with governments keen to support the advancement of zero emissions transport, it’s already a hotly contested battleground. The prize? The general buying public’s hearts, minds and money. From tiny but fast-moving specialists to the industry’s giants, everyone wants a piece of this brave, clean and potentially lucrative new world.

Nissan is at the movement’s very forefront and already sells a full EV model, the worthy but deeply unsexy Leaf, which retails at an eye-popping £30,990. It has a range of 110 miles, offers decent acceleration and a 90mph top speed. It’s seen some success but those numbers are unlikely to win over the average car buyer, who equates electric cars with range anxiety and tedious recharging.

So it’s no surprise that Nissan is desperate to make strides in battery technology and to drive down the price of EVs. How best to achieve that? It seems that, just like the good old days of internal combustion, motorsport still improves the breed…

This monstrous looking racecar is the Leaf re-imagined and reconfigured by Nismo, Nissan’s passionate and meticulous racing arm. Nissan hopes to run a one-make race series for the Leaf Nismo RC in the US and Japan." [Continue reading...]

Nissan Develops 10-Minute-Rechargeable Battery

"A new battery technology from Japanese automaker Nissan may soon speed up the charging time for electric vehicles from eight hours to as little as 10 minutes.

Researchers at Japan’s Kansai University and Nissan modified a capacitor to let it hold more power, according to an article on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

But the article said the researchers do not appear satisfied, planning to bring down the charge time further to three minutes or less.

The article noted that present lithium-ion batteries can take up to eight hours to recharge fully.

In the project, the researchers used a composite from tungsten oxide and vanadium oxide instead of the usual carbon for the capacitor’s electrode.

The article added the modified capacitor also held nearly the same storage capacity and voltage as lithium-ion batteries.

However, it added it may take about 10 years before the technology can be commercialized.

Still, this may help cut production costs for electric cars and make them more popular for drivers in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Nissan also unveiled what may be the world’s first ultra high tensile strength steel to be rated at 1.2 gigapascals (GPa)." [Continue reading...]

Nissan Builds First-Ever Super Crossover

 

"The Nissan Juke has already injected a bit of excitement into the compact crossover segment. However, a new Juke-based concept is ready to infuse a healthy dose of performance into the otherwise demure segment.

Referred to as the first “super crossover,” Nissan says the all-new Juke-R Concept combines a Juke with Nissan’s flagship supercar, the GT-R.

Currently under development, the new Juke-R is a far cry from the stock Juke. It features flared wheel arches, revised front and rear bumpers plus a unique split rear wing. Powering this concept is the same powerplant found under the hood of the GT-R, a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. It’s even being outfitted with a modified GT-R 4WD driveline and prop shaft, as well as 20-inch RAYS forged alloy rims." [Continue reading...]

Nissan Expands Partnership With Habitat for Humanity International

  

"Today Nissan Americas announced a significant expansion of its longstanding partnership with Habitat for Humanity International with a $2.5 million donation. Nissan’s vision is to invite all its stakeholders to participate in the partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Point-of-sale materials in dealerships and communications to consumers will convey information about Habitat activities. Consumers who visit the Nissanusa.com website can click through to Habitat’s site to make a donation or find volunteer opportunities across the country.

“Our relationship with Habitat will lead to new opportunities for Nissan owners and our dealer partners to get involved in future Habitat builds,” said Bill Krueger, vice chairman, Nissan Americas. “Both Nissan and Habitat are committed to sustainability, so it’s fitting that our dollars will also support sustainable construction practices in Habitat affiliates nationwide. Nissan cares about the environment and about giving back to the communities where our customers, dealers and employees live and work. Collaborating with Habitat allows us to carry out these priorities in a tangible, meaningful way.”

Nissan is funding grants and providing Nissan vehicles to 10 Habitat affiliates that make commitments to sustainable construction practices. Habitat will use a portion of Nissan’s donation to conduct sustainability “summits” for affiliates and their local communities. Nissan funding will also support the annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Haiti in November 2011.

“Nissan’s financial support enables us to help more families improve their living conditions in ways they can afford,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, “We are extremely grateful to have a partner like Nissan that shares our commitment to building sustainable communities. This is an exciting opportunity for our affiliates and for our recovery work in Haiti.”

Throughout this partnership Nissan and Habitat for Humanity will share a common goal: to build affordable, sustainable homes in partnership with families in need of decent housing. Nissan-sponsored Habitat homes will be equipped with many “green living” features, including low-flowing plumbing fixtures, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, high-performance windows and ENERGY STAR® appliances. These eco-friendly amenities align with Nissan’s Green Program, which supports efforts to reduce the company’s impact on the environment." [Continue reading...]

Nissan to Build Factory in Brazil

"Nissan Motor Co. plans to spend $1.5 billion to build a new factory in Brazil and develop new vehicles as part of its plan to become the leading Asian auto brand in the country.

The plant, to be built in Resende in the state of Rio de Janeiro, will open in the first half of 2014 and will be able to build 200,000 vehicles per year. About 2,000 people will work at the plant, and Nissan estimates that at least 2,000 more will be hired by parts supply companies.

Brazil is the world's fourth-largest auto market by sales volume. Nissan wants to capture at least 5 percent of the market by 2016, the company said in a statement. Nissan currently has a 1.7 percent market share in Brazil.

The new plant will build models off Nissan's subcompact architecture such as the Nissan March and Versa subcompacts.

Nissan already builds the Livina, Grand Livina, X-Gear and Frontier models at a Brazilian plant run by its partner, French automaker Renault." 

Reblogged from [BusinessWeek.com]

Chicago To Become The Nissan LEAF’s Kind Of Town

 

"Driven by a combination of high consumer demand and extensive support for building an EV-friendly infrastructure, Nissan recently announced it would pull ahead the Chicago-area launch of its all-electric LEAF and introduce the vehicle in the Windy City this fall.

“Governor [Pat] Quinn, Mayor [Rahm] Emmanuel and other visionary Chicago-area leaders have paved the way for mass-market adoption of electric cars in their community,” said Scott Becker, senior vice president, Administration and Finance, Nissan Americas. “Chicagoland consumers want a transportation solution that uses no gas and produces no emissions, and the introduction of the Nissan LEAF to Illinois makes that a reality.”

It’s the culmination of efforts that kicked off in earnest earlier this year, when work began on creating a cutting-edge EV infrastructure for the area, backed a$1 million Clean Cities Grant and a matching $1 million investment from the state of Illinois. The goal is to create a robust network of some 280 charging outlets in the Chicagoland area, including 73 quick-charge stations and 207 Level 2 stations, by the end of the year. In addition, the State of Illinois offers up to $4,000 in rebates for the purchase of EVs, and that’s on top of the federal government’s $7,500 tax credit." [Continue reading...]