Tokyo Show Insight: Nissan SA Manufacturing Plant Still Part Of Future Plans

 

With the local Nissan Rosslyn plant currently in turmoil with the imminent demise of one of the best first cars Nissan made - the NP200 bakkie next year and hundreds of staff members facing retrenchment, Nissan Global CEO Makoto Uchida says the plant is still very much part of the Nissan Global plan.

Currently, the facility manufactures the Nissan Navara bakkie for local consumption and export into Africa and the NP200 which means when its run ends it will only be making one vehicle.

Speaking at the Japan Mobility Show Uchida said that it fits into their plans as part of expanding the journey of the company.

Without divulging any specific details of what can be expected going forward he said: “Yes in South Africa and Africa we are looking at a lot of potential but we need to be prepared for the future and we are looking at what can be done in the region and what the plans for the expansion of the Africa region is, so yes for us it’s very important.”

As the first company to introduce a fully electric mass-produced car with the Nissan Leaf, the company is obviously building on that success with battery electric vehicles (BEV) and their e-power very much at the forefront of development going forward.

“Our corporate purpose is driving innovation to enrich people’s lives and the five concept cars we have on display here have all the essence of what we want to deliver for the future of the company.
“Before Covid, we used to say that the industry has a major shake-up probably once every 100 years, since then the situation has changed a lot. We've had supply chain issues and major challenges throughout the world so what I can say is that we are not going to continue the way we have in the past.

“When you look at the industry today it is evolving at a very fast pace when it comes to electrification and we have to be at the front of it.

“There is huge pressure from the Chinese in every market and from that point of view we have to transform ourselves and that’s why we are planning beyond, we’re working hard on the strategy and direction for the future of mobility.

“What you see with our concept cars is to show what we can deliver going forward, especially with customers’ expectations changing so fast.”

On the question of pricing on Chinese EVs Uchida said that as technology improves pricing is coming down quickly, especially as we move towards having EVs as the best first cars to own in the future.

“We’ve talked about it a lot in our Mission 2030 on how to be cost-effective. That’s one of our key strategies; how to be more competitive and how we can deliver to our customers.”

Asked about Chinese subsidies of production and export of EVs Uchida wasn’t prepared to say whether it gives them an unfair advantage or if the practice will be addressed by manufacturers to various governments.

“A very strong wave of Chinese brands is coming and the question is how do we tackle this as an EV pioneering company at Nissan?

“We have a plan and are intensely discussing how we change our way of constructing and how we are going to address that at a competitive level.”

There are however emerging markets with a limited EV infrastructure and countries like our own and Australia where vast distances are a reality.

“We have various strategies that we are looking at depending on how advanced the market is and as they adapt so of course so will we.”

For now, though expect diesel and petrol still to be part of the local engine offerings.

When it comes to the future of the sports car in the electric age, given that Nissan has an extremely strong heritage with the GTR and Z cars, Uchida was very upbeat.

“I love the GTR. We have A to Z in the company. We have sportscars, GTR, Z, e-Power, electric, diesel and petrol all in our stable.

“GTR and Z are a brand while sports cars and motorsport gives you many options so we’re looking at how that will evolve to ensure it still represents our company and its character.”

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A Car Every Two Minutes For Almost 40 Years

Nissan Reaches Impressive Milestone

The team at Nissan Sunderland Plant are celebrating building their 11 millionth vehicle since production started in 1986.

The milestone means that, on average, a new car has rolled off the line at the plant every two minutes, every hour of every day, for 37 years.

The 11 millionth car was a Blade Silver Qashqai e-POWER, one of three electrified models currently built at the plant. The first car, built in 1986, was a white Nissan Bluebird, which took about 22 hours to build. Today, a top-of-the-range Qashqai e-POWER takes about 8.5 hours.

Adam Pennick, Vice President of manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland, said: “This milestone reflects the vast experience that our world-class manufacturing team has in delivering the quality cars that our customers love.

“We’ve come a long way since production first started with some iconic models on the way. But we’re always looking forward, and our fully electrified range and EV36Zero plan mean we have an exciting and sustainable future ahead.” 

Just picture if the Pretoria plant in Sa managed this kind of manufacturing rate - there’d be a Nissan for just about everyone at Nissan Johannesburg dealers.

The 11 million is made up of nine different models, with 22 variants. Four models, Qashqai, Micra, Primera and Juke have gone past seven figures, with Qashqai the all-time highest at more than four million.

Last year Qashqai was the UK’s best-selling new car – the first British-built model to win the award in 24 years.

The UK’s largest car manufacturer by volume, Sunderland Plant is home to a workforce of about 6,000 people. Nissan also supports a further 30,000 UK jobs in the supply chain, with about five million parts arriving every day at the plant. Nissan could create so many jobs in Johannesburg if they upped the ante at the Rosslyn plant.

Last summer Qashqai e-POWER and Juke Hybrid both went into production in Sunderland which, added to the all-electric Nissan LEAF, means the full range at the plant is electrified.  So far more than 50,000 Qashqai e-POWER and 20,000 Juke HYBRID have been built.

The plant is also moving forward with its EV36Zero project, which consists of three main elements: a new electric vehicle, a 12GWh gigafactory with the company’s battery partner Envision AESC, and a microgrid to deliver 100% renewable energy to Nissan and suppliers.

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Info shared from https://uk.nissannews.com/

Bakkie Brawl: Nissan Navara PRO-2X versus Ford Ranger Stormtrak

With the launch of the upgraded and now locally-built Nissan Navara a few years ago, Nissan wants to reclaim the prime spot it once enjoyed on the bakkie sales charts with its earlier Hardbody models, while also rising to prominence in those sometimes fiery braai-side bakkie debates.

The past few sales months have seen it fighting with the GWM P-Series for fourth spot, but Nissan has the burning ambition to be in the top three with its vastly expanded Navara range.

But does the new Nissan Navara have what it takes?

We recently had the opportunity to test the new Navara PRO-2X double cab model alongside the Ford Ranger Stormtrak special edition and it made for an interesting comparison. And yes, we know that the Hilux should be here too, and that’s what we plan to do when the new Ranger hits the scene later next year.

In another comparison between the Hilux and the Ranger, we found them to be relatively equally matched so for this test the Ranger acts as the proxy for the traditional rivals. Of course, the playing field could change drastically when the new Ranger hits the scene, but you’d be surprised at how competitive the current generation still is.

So let the games begin!

ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY

While the imported pre-facelift Nissan Navara was fitted with a modern 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, Nissan South Africa opted to revert back to the previous D40 generation’s 2.5-litre mill for the locally-built Navara, which it felt was more suited to the local and African market, and perhaps more cost-effective. But thankfully in high-output form, the 2.5 matches its more modern counterpart’s outputs of 140kW and 450Nm.

The Ford Ranger, on the other hand, comes equipped with a thoroughly modern, and locally produced, 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that trumps its rivals with outputs of 157kW and 500Nm.

While the Nissan’s engine is certainly capable and competitive, delivering decent performance, the Ford’s more modern unit does have the upper hand, albeit not by a wide margin. The Ford’s heavier kerb weight of 2 098kg (versus the Nissan’s 1 943kg) does erode into its output advantage, with the Ford producing 75kW and 238Nm per ton versus the Nissan’s 72kW/t and 232Nm/t. However, Ford’s engine feels more effortless and refined in its operation, while its 10-speed automatic gearbox swops cogs with precision, although with all those ratios it can get a bit busy at times.

Although the Nissan’s cabin is well insulated, its 2.5-litre engine does sound a bit more industrial by comparison, albeit not to the point of annoyance. It’s a decent engine package all around, paired with a seven-speed auto box, but the Ford just does things a little better here.

As for fuel economy, Nissan claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.1 litres per 100km, while Ford claims 7.8. Both test units consumed a shade under 11 litres per 100km during their time with us.

RIDE, REFINEMENT AND HANDLING

Things rapidly shift in Nissan’s favour when the conversation turns to ride quality, however. But first, it must be said that the Ford Ranger rides really well for a leaf-sprung bakkie and is arguably the best of that bunch.

However, the Nissan’s dual-rate 5-link coil rear suspension simply takes things to the next level. The Navara doesn’t ride like a bakkie at all; instead, it provides the kind of bump absorption that you’d normally expect from an SUV.

When it comes to the actual driving sensation, the Ranger has a slightly more positive feel to it, thanks to its relatively well-weighted and communicative steering system. The Navara’s steering, on the other hand, feels too light and disconnected.

OFF-ROAD ABILITY

Because the Nissan that arrived at our offices for testing was a 4x2 model, we decided to compare it with the rear-driven version of the Ranger Stormtrak. However, it’s worth noting that both are available with competent four-wheel drive systems that feature low range and all the hardware that you’d expect from a proper off-roader.

Both would get you to difficult-to-reach places without much fuss but very few people actually drive their bakkies on hardcore 4x4 trails and it’s more likely they will spend time on dirt roads getting to their destination. In that department the Navara inches out the Ranger thanks to its suspension especially if you’re loaded with luggage and the road is corrugated.

CABIN AND FEATURES

Moving to the cabins, the Nissan somehow manages to impress and disappoint at the same time.

The dashboard wasn’t given an update when the model was facelifted, and many of its plastic surfaces look a little low-rent. That said, the steering wheel, with its red Nissan logo, looks great and we loved the uniquely quilted seats with red stitching, which are fitted to the Pro2X and Pro4X models.

The Ford has its fair share of glamour, with the special edition featuring Stormtrak logos, illuminated treadplates and red stitching throughout. We couldn’t really fault the quality of plastics and dashboard surfaces and clearly, Ford made a good call when redesigning the Ranger’s cabin when it was facelifted a few years back. It has aged rather well.

When it comes to practicality, both are relatively equally matched, offering a fair amount of rear legroom but nothing too extravagant in terms of stretching space.

In terms of spec, both pack all the luxuries you’d expect at this level, including leather trim, climate control and touchscreen infotainment systems.

The Ford’s Sync3 infotainment and navigation system with Tracks4Africa offers more than the Nissan and its resolution is better too.

They are also fairly well equipped when it comes to active safety kit, with both packing autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping alert, driver alert system, and blind spot warning. However, whereas the Nissan has conventional cruise control, the Ford comes with the adaptive kind as well as lane keeping assist and semi-automated park assist. However, the Nissan claws back slightly with its rear cross-traffic alert and surround view monitor.

LOADABILITY

Nissan claims a payload of 1 086kg for the Navara Pro2X, but like most bakkies on the market, the load bin comes with a lot of wasted paint and no rubber lining.

The Ford Ranger Stormtrak, however, is significantly more practical when it comes to loading everyday items such as shopping and luggage. This is thanks to its cargo bed divider and electrically operated roller shutter. It also has a drop-in bedliner to protect the bin from everyday scratches and scuffs. The Ford’s payload is slightly lower, though, at 957kg, but it’s a small price to pay for the extra versatility.

VALUE AND PARTS PRICING

The Nissan Navara Pro2X retails for R699 000, while the Ford Ranger 2.0 BiT Stormtrak 4x2 commands R775 200. However, the Ranger Wildtrak, which also competes directly with the Pro2X, is priced at R735 000, which still represents a premium over the Navara.

However, when it comes to parts pricing, the Ford wins by a huge margin. Earlier this year the Automobile Association published a parts pricing survey and in the double cab section, it listed a Ranger 2.0 single-turbo model and Navara 2.5 LE. The Ranger’s overall parts basket worked out to just 13.6% of its purchase price, while the Navara came last in the pack at 43.7%.

The Navara’s service price parts came in at R11 332, double the Ranger’s R5134 basket and the gap was even wider when it came to body repair parts (R256 929 vs. R79 515).

On the flip side, the Ranger no longer has a service plan as standard, while the Navara comes with a six-year/90,000 plan.

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Shared from https://wheelsgalore.postach.io/post/bakkie-brawl-nissan-navara-pro-2x-versus-ford-ranger-stormtrak

Solid Reasons You Should Be Buying The New Nissan X-Trail

Nissan’s new XTrail SUV is a perfect choice for families

Nissan is now widely regarded for its crossovers, which are some of the most popular vehicles of this type around. 

It’s the Qashqai and Juke that dominate the sales charts, but there’s another Nissan SUV you shouldn’t ignore – the Nissan X-Trail. It’s been around for far longer than its two sibling models and has recently returned for a new, fourth generation, bringing some significant advancements in the process. Here are five reasons to consider one.

It’s Nissan’s largest and most spacious SUV

As we’ve mentioned, the Juke and Qashqai are two very popular models in Nissan’s line-up, but it’s not stopping there, as the X-Trail sits above them as the Japanese firm’s largest and most spacious SUV. 

An ideal choice for families because of its impressive practicality, the X-Trail can also be specified with seven seats for greater flexibility, The cabin is generously sized throughout, offering noticeably more room than the Qashqai, for example. 

Generous equipment levels

Nissan is well known for its cars’ generous equipment levels, and the X-Trail is no exception to that rule. Particularly when it comes to safety kits, this SUV is laden with features to help keep you and your family safe. Highlights include front and rear automatic emergency braking to avoid collisions, as well as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring with intervention to stop you from changing lanes if there’s a risk. 

You only have to step up to the mid-spec Acenta Premium to get a whole manner of features too, including keyless entry, a reversing camera and an eight-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay. 

All versions feature hybrid technology

Nissan has really committed to electrification, with the firm already having two popular EVs in its line-up and a variety of hybrid models. 

The X-Trail continues with this, as Nissan is selling this SUV with hybrid powertrains abroad only - SA variants come with a 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine pushing out 135kW and 244 Nm, combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Kicking off the line-up is a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid, which uses electrical assistance to provide greater torque. A lithium-ion battery and starter generator allow the engine to be turned off in certain scenarios to maximise fuel economy. 

The real highlight of the X-Trail, though, is the new e-Power version. Different to a regular hybrid, its 1.5-litre petrol engine serves solely to power the electric motor, giving the car an almost EV-like feel behind the wheel, and feeling far smoother than other hybrid powertrains.

Premium interior

Nissan has really stepped up the interior of the latest X-Trail, and its cabin is an excellent place to spend time. There are new technologies at play, including a large head-up display, touch screen measuring up to 31.24 cm and digital dial display, which all help to lift the X-Trail’s cabin. 

The rest of the interior feels particularly upmarket, especially on higher-spec models that benefit from full leather upholstery (quilted leather seats are included on the range-topping Tekna+), as well as a 10-speaker Bose sound system and heated front and rear seats. 

Genuine off-roading ability

The X-Trail has always had a key selling point in the fact it’s one of only a handful of crossovers in its class that offer genuine off-roading ability, and this latest model remains the same. 

In fact, it’s actually improved on this new model thanks to the addition of Nissan’s ‘e-4orce’ system, which is able to maximise traction for improved grip on trickier surfaces. There are dedicated ‘Off-road’ and ‘Snow’ modes too. 

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Shared from https://myheartbelongstonissan.mystrikingly.com/blog/solid-reasons-you-should-be-buying-the-new-nissan-x-trail

Nissan’s All-Electric Ariya SUV Targets Semi-Luxury EV Market

 

Nissan pulled the veil off an all-electric SUV that will challenge both Tesla and Ford, the latest mainstream automaker to embrace electrification.

The new Nissan Ariya offers all-wheel drive, 480 km of range, fast charging capabilities and automated driving functions. Its multimedia system, electronic architecture and chassis also will receive regular over-the-air software updates.

The Ariya EV arrives not a moment too soon as both the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y enter full production by the fall. In addition to its Tesla levels of range, the Ariya had a starting price of $40,000 when it went on sale in late 2021.

The Ariya (pronounced R-eee-Ah) also was the first Nissan to wear its new logo. The badge is a simplified, thinner-weight illuminated version displayed across the grille.

Four powertrains will be offered: A 65- or 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that pairs to either front- or dual-motor all-wheel drive, dubbed e-4ORCE. The single motor makes the same 214 horsepower as the Nissan Leaf Plus, which uses a 62-kWh battery, but with a slightly lower torque rating of 221 pound-feet.

The dual-motor version delivers an impressive 389 horsepower and 442 pound-feet. Both ratings are much stronger than the inline-four-cylinder engine used in compact SUVs like its top-selling Rogue.

Nissan only provided the range estimate for the big battery and the starting price for the smaller battery with the single motor, but these early figures are right in line with Ford and Tesla. The base Mustang Mach-E is expected to get 230 miles on a single charge and cost around $44,000. The base Tesla Model Y costs $39,000 and will also have 230 miles of range.

Other more attainable EVs include the more established Chevrolet Bolt, which starts under $40,000 and can travel 259 miles on a single charge. Nissan’s own Leaf Plus offers up to 226 miles of range and hovers around $40,000.

Hitting a 480 km range also will closely align it with the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace and the $100,000-plus Porsche Taycan Turbo S.

The Ariya’s styling is close to the concept Nissan revealed in 2019. The arresting SUV has a sloping black roof and sits atop 20-inch wheels that resemble futuristic saw blades. The roof spoiler is split from the tailgate to allow air to flow underneath. The solid V-shaped grille with geometric patterns fades into the angled LED running lights. It boasts a much more striking look than the Mercedes-Benz’s electric EQC crossover, which will likely cost double.

The contemporary styling represents a departure for Nissan. The all-electric Leaf hatchback has a more conventional appearance that fits in with the rest of the automaker’s sedan lineup (this wasn’t always the case as the Leaf initially sported more distinct alternative powertrain looks). Compared with Nissan’s new X-Trail, the Ariya’s wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer. It shares the same overall length but appears sportier due to a lower and wider stance (it sits 1.5 inches lower and 2.4 inches wider).

The interior has enough space for five passengers thanks to Nissan’s placement of the battery low into the frame of the Ariya’s new chassis. The minimalist dashboard is framed by a single piece of matte wood and a copper line. Dual 12.3-inch screens take up much of the real estate and serve as the infotainment and gauge cluster. Touch-sensitive climate control buttons, a hard button for volume control and the power button are the only elements that sit below the screens. The Ariya’s untraditional centre console is attached to the floor and is power-adjustable fore and aft. All functions but the computer mouse-like shifter and driving mode selections are within the two high-res screens.

While it’s unlike the large vertical displays in the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan’s infotainment system and digital instrument panel are brand new. It features a wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an onboard voice assistant and a version of Amazon Alexa that can be used inside or outside the car. Much like Tesla, Nissan says it will use over-the-air software updates for the multimedia as well as the powertrain, battery and other major functions.

Optional is ProPilot Assist 2.0, an enhanced version of Nissan’s suite of advanced driver-assistance safety technology that allows hands-free driving for an unspecified amount of time on marked highways if the infrared eye tracker on the wheel detects the driver’s eyes are on the road. This version will use 3-D mapping data, which has several times the accuracy of GPS, to ensure the SUV stays in its marked lane. The Ariya also will be able to perform automated lane changing, passing and highway exits.

Other than its advanced powertrain and high-tech systems, the Ariya is an ordinary crossover but with much less space than the Rogue, which swallows a segment-leading 39 cubic feet of cargo behind its second row. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Ariya only offers 15 cubic feet of space. Cramped cargo space coupled with a possible price tag north of $50,000, when equipped with the larger battery, will likely put the Ariya out of reach for most Nissan customers.

Electric vehicle buyers shopping in the luxury segment may find a lot to like, however, such as the all-wheel-drive system’s ability to route 100 percent of the torque to either axle and intelligent software that tries to minimize the body’s dive and squat when accelerating and braking in traffic.

Another large plus is the Ariya’s fast-charge port. It will be able to handle up to 130 kW of juice on a Level 3 DC fast charger or up to 7.2 kW on a Level 2 240-volt charger. Nissan didn’t specify charging times, but similar to any EV other than a Tesla that can recoup quickly when plugged into its super-fast charging network, regenerating power will still take more time than filling a gas tank. The Ariya will undoubtedly raise the bar for mainstream electric vehicles but considering the competition, it needs to be brilliant out of the box.

While Nissan buyers in South Africa won’t have the opportunity to test drive or buy this magnificent EV - we’re allowed to fantasize.

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Article sourced from https://www.forbes.com/wheels/news/

Nissan’s New Upstyled Magnite Red Edition

 

Nissan is offering customers the chance to snap up its racy new Magnite Red Edition.

Based on the popular Magnite Acenta, this limited edition Nissan Magnite model stands out with a plethora of sporty red accents that help to accentuate the crossover's curves and edges. Nissan has also bolted on a set of red brake callipers, fitted exclusive badges and graphics package as well as pimping the tailgate with an eye-catching chrome finisher. Customers can choose between two exterior paint colours – Onyx Black or Storm White. 

The Magnite Red Edition's interior is amplified by stylish red accents, a red-themed dashboard as well as LED scuff plates. Wireless charging is also included as standard as is an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, hill start assist, traction control, ABS, cruise and hill descent control. 

Powering the stylish newcomer is Nissan's 1.0l three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine pushing out 74kW and 160Nm of torque when paired to the five-speed manual gearbox. Opt for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and maximum drops to 152Nm.

At the time of writing only 600 units of the Nissan Magnite Red Edition have been earmarked for the South African market with prices starting at R302,900 in 2023. This includes a comprehensive six-year/150,000km warranty and a three-year/30,000km service plan. 

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Reshare from Nissan’s New Upstyled Magnite Red Edition – The Nissan Fan (home.blog)

WATCH: Nissan NP200 Review

The Young Car Wiz reviewed a used Nissan NP200 1-ton bakkie.

Watch this video review of the Nissan NP200 for sale here:

It’s important to note this review is of a used NP200 model that has seemingly not been taken care of very well.