Check out more news on the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

“There is an increasing need for a ‘right-sized’ van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price – the exact sweet spots of the innovative new Nissan NV200,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet. “Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light – smart, innovative, and professional. NV200 does that and much more.”

If you’v already head of the Nissan NV200 – then that’s because the van is already sold in more than 40 countries around the world and like usually – we’re the last ones to get it.

Alright let’s lay out the figures you van guys are waiting for – The Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van offers:

• Cargo capacity of 123 cubic feet (estimated using SAE J1100 rev 2009).
• The body has been extended 7.9 inches (200 mm) versus the models sold in other global markets. Longer body length offers additional cargo carrying capability for North American buyers (because we’re special).
• Measures 186.2 inches in overall length, on a 115.2-inch wheelbase,
• Allows for 1,500-pound (estimated) maximum payload.
• Cargo area dimension between the wheelhouses allows for loading standard U.S. 40×48-inch pallets. There are standard integrated mounting points, which and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area.
• You can add business signage and graphics.
• Tall 40/60 split opening doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees).
• Offers ‘Mobile Office’ functionality with a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual upholders.
• 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel is standard, along with an available 12-volt power point in rear of center console.
• Passenger-side underseat storage tray, drive computer, battery saver feature, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers.
• Optional Navigation System, Bluetooth wireless communications, XM Satellite Radio, RearView Monitor, and telematics pre-wiring (Nissan Fleet Tracker).

Power comes from a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine mated to at Xtronic CVT transmission. Hang on for pricing info.

- By: Omar Rana

Nissan today previewed its interior design planned for the new NV200 Taxi, which was selected by New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) as the exclusive taxi of New York City starting late 2013. The design was shown to a host of New York City officials including Taxi & Limousine Commissioner David Yassky

“The NV200 Taxi design reflects the input of hundreds of taxi owners and drivers, and thousands of passengers from all walks of life, who shared their ideas and priorities with Nissan designers and engineers,” Nissan said in a statement. “It also reflects ongoing collaboration with organizations long at the forefront of the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ program, including the Design Trust for Public Space and the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.”

Interior features planned for the NV200 Taxi include:

• Spacious cargo area to accommodate luggage for four passengers
• A transparent roof panel to provide unique views of the city
• Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles for easy entry and exit
• USB charging access for passengers
• Independent, passenger controlled rear-seat heat/air conditioning with a grape phenol-coated air filter to improve cabin air quality
• Flat floor – with no hump
• Enhanced interior materials intended to help passenger cabin smell fresher
• Breathable, anti-microbial, easy-to-clean and environmentally friendly seat upholstery

“Over the past century, New York City’s taxis have become known around the world for iconic exterior styling,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Fleet & Commercial Vehicles. “Now, with the NV200 Taxi, Nissan is bringing iconic design inside the taxi, while improving the comfort and safety of passengers and drivers. We’re committed to sustaining the New York City taxi’s heritage while meeting the modern needs of 600,000 passengers every day, and we’re looking forward to hearing New Yorkers’ feedback after they sit in this display property and fully experience the vehicle’s many first-of-a-kind features and amenities.”

- By: Omar Rana

Nissan NV200 Taxi

Just because New York City is an all-American city, doesn’t mean that it will have it will have to choose a domestic automaker for the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow.’ Nissan announced today that it the nation’s largest taxi fleet has selected Nissan to design and supply the next-generation taxi.

The announcements were made today during a City Hall press briefing that included Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares.

The Nissan NV2000 was selected by New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) as the exclusive taxi of New York City starting late 2013. The award comes after a rigorous selection process that occurred over more than two years.The other two finalists included Ford and Karsan, a Turkish vehicle manufacturer.

“Nissan is proud to provide the next generation of taxis for the City of New York,” said Tavares. “The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day.”

Nissan said that the NV200 taxi will be built at the company’s facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico and will be a modified version of the compact commercial vehicle. Total manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the Nissan NV200 taxi will be around $29,000.

Nissan NV200 Taxi:

Planned innovations, which respond to direct input from drivers, owners and passengers, include:

• 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet;
• Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, substantially improved over current taxi models;
• A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, helping reduce noise pollution;
• Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit;
• Transparent roof panel (with shade) that will provide unique views of the city;
• Independently controlled rear air conditioning with a grape phenol-coated air filter to improve cabin air quality;
• Attractive, breathable, antimicrobial, environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean seat fabric that simulates the look and feel of leather;
• Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings;
• A mobile charging station for passengers that includes a 12V electrical outlet and two USB plugs;
• A six-way adjustable driver’s seat that features both recline and lumbar adjustments, even with a partition installed;
• Standard driver’s navigation and telematics systems.

Nissan also focused on passenger safety when designing the NV200 taxi. Key safety features include:

• Front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags, as well as seat-mounted airbags for the front row;
• Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC);
• Sliding doors to reduce the risk of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists getting struck by doors opening unexpectedly;
• Lights that alert other road users that taxi doors are opening.

- By: Omar Rana

Nissan has unveiled the production version of the NV200 prior to its Geneva Motor Show debut. A lot has changed from the concept version of the NV200 that made its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show – mainly to make the new more road legal and safer.

The Nissan NV200, designed to be a commercial or passenger vehicle, will be available in three different configurations including a van version with the largest load space, a Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more family oriented version. In the van version, which Nissan hopes will help expand its LCV business, the NV200 has a load bay that’s more than 2m long (6.5 ft) with a cargo volume of 4.1 cubic meters. The Combi and family passenger versions have room for seven with an optional rear-side window and twin side hinged “French” doors.

The NV200 is built on a modified version of Nissan’s B platform. Powertrain choices include one gasoline and one diesel engine. The gasoline model is powered by a 1.6L HR16 making a total of 106-hp with a maximum torque of 112 lb-ft. The diesel version is powered by a 1.5 dCI producing 84-hp. Power is transferred to the wheels through a 5-speed gearbox.

Nissan says that the NV200 will be a global model available for multiple regions. It will arrive in the European market first followed by other markets.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

2010 Nissan NV200:

Press Release:

NV200: NISSAN’S NEW SMALL VERSATILE PEOPLE CARRIER AND VAN

ROLLE, Switzerland (February 24, 2009) – Nissan is preparing a move into the global small van market with the introduction of its all new spacious yet compact NV200 small van.

At a glance

    - Three different configurations of NV200
    - Sliding side doors for ease of entry
    - 4.1m3 of loading space in van version
    - Economical petrol and diesel engines
    - Low cost of ownership
    - Family version is seven seat people carrier
    - Global model for multiple regions

Designed from the outset as both a commercial and a passenger vehicle, the Nissan NV200 brings new levels of space, comfort and practicality to the small van market, both in Europe and other global markets.

NV200 will be available in three different versions: a van with the largest load space in its class and two seven seat variants – the functional Combi version for loads and passengers, and the more plush passenger car version, which will be shown at Geneva Motor Show next month.

“The Nissan LCV business is in a phase of expansion even in these challenging financial circumstances,” said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Global Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “We aim to expand our business with smart new products and services that meet the needs of our customers, both in Europe and around the world.”

He added: “The NV200 is our proposal for a global small van. It offers outstanding utility and smart convenience with low cost of ownership, packaged in a highly functional design. With this vehicle, Nissan aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a functional, adaptable light van. We will launch the NV200 in Japan before summer, in Europe in autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets.”

Maximised cargo area
NV200 uses innovative packaging ideas to create the largest and most practical cargo area in its class. Although a little under 4.4m in overall length, the van version of the NV200 has a load bay that’s more than 2m long (2040mm).

With front-wheel drive and the adoption of a highly compact rear suspension system, the NV200 can house two standard Euro pallets in the cargo area at a time. At 1.84m high NV200 is no taller than its rivals, while at 520mm from ground level, the floor itself is the lowest in the class to ease loading, helping to boost the cargo volume to 4.1m3. Maximum payload is 771kg.

Spacious interior
A large cargo area is a vital attribute for a van, of course, but the generous interior dimensions of NV200 also translate into ample passenger space in the Combi version.

Unlike some other manufacturers that fit removable seats – which are invariably heavy to lift and need to be stored elsewhere when not in use – the seats in the Combi stay with the vehicle at all times. The middle row backrest has a 60/40 split to increase versatility and the entire assembly tumbles forward to fold flat against the front seats, while the rear pair fold individually to either side of the load area.

Throughout the creation of NV200, attention has been paid to ensuring the highest levels of quality with shut lines and panel gaps in line with the expectations of passenger car buyers.

While the van optionally is available with a side window it, differs from the passenger versions at the rear where it has twin side hinged “French” doors. Both seven-seaters have a fully glazed top hinged tailgate – though the Combi will be available with French doors – while the windows on both side doors have a sliding section for extra ventilation.

Road car platform
Built on a modified version of Nissan’s B Platform, NV200 has fully independent strut type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight yet robust wide leaf spring rear axle.

Performance comes from a choice of two engines, one petrol and one diesel.

The petrol version will be powered by Nissan’s renowned all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, as found in Micra, Note and Qashqai. Displacing 1,598cc, the 16-valve unit develops 79kW (108PS) and 153Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The diesel, also found on Note and Micra, is Alliance partner Renault’s acclaimed 8-valve 1.5 dCi (K9K) 1,461cc engine. Developing 200 Nm of torque and 63kW (86PS), it offers an ideal blend of performance, refinement and fuel economy. Power is transmitted through a five-speed gearbox.

To create more space in the cockpit, the gearlever extends not from the floor but from the two-tone wrap around centre console. Above the gearlever, the centre section houses the heating and ventilation controls and the double DIN radio slot. Heating and ventilation extends to all three rows of seats.

Well equipped
The NV200 is availble with an optional rear view parking camera, a first for a van in this segment, while the cabin is full of storage spaces, pockets and cup/bottle holders. There is also a secret storage space large enough to hide camera, mobile phones or vital documents within the upper portion of the glovebox.

Joining the parking camera, other car-like items of standard or optional equipment include features such as Nissan’s Intelligent Key, power windows and ESP. Safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist (BA) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) as standard. Driver and passenger airbags are also standard with side bags available as an option.

Pedestrian safety has also been considered with extra crash absorbing material in the bonnet and the adoption of an energy-absorbing bonnet.

Low cost of ownership
Cost of ownership is projected to be among the lowest in the class thanks in part to the low running costs and high efficiency of the engines and drivetrains, but also thanks to the safety structure which helps to minimise crash damage to vulnerable under bonnet parts such as the radiator.

“With its intelligent layout and packaging helping to give it the largest cargo area in its class, NV200 delivers the right combination of functionality and efficiency. That same practicality can be found in both the Combi and passenger version, but with the added benefit of car-like comfort and features”, said Dominique Correze, Vice President, Nissan’s European LCV Business Unit.

Nissan announced today that it will hold the world debut of the Qazana (reported as Qazan before) concept car and the production version of the NV200 passenger version of the new compact LCV at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show

As we reported last week, the Qazana concept will hint at a future small Nissan Crossover. The concept will feature five doors, with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of ‘suicide doors’.

The production version of the NV200 concept will be a family vehicle with three rows, sliding rear doors, and a roomy interior. Nissan will offer van and Combi versions at a later date.

Nissan will also show the 370Z, Nissan Cube, Pixo and the X-Trail Platinum in Geneva.

Follow the jump for the press release for more details.

Press Release:

Nissan at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show

    - World debut of Qazana concept car
    - World debut of NV200 passenger version of new compact LCV
    - European debut of new 370Z and Cube
    - Pixo: Nissan’s new accessible, green city car
    - New X-TRAIL Platinum, now with Scratch Shield paint and 18″ alloy wheels

Nissan will have a host of new cars for Europe on display at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show.

Qazana Show Car
The star of the Nissan stand will be Qazana, a show car. It is best described as a small Crossover, and has been conceived to challenge conventional wisdom about what buyers of small five-door cars should expect.

The striking design is dominated by large, wide wheelarches and a lower shape which gives a feeling of strength, while the upper body is dynamic, assertive and sporty. Qazana is a five door, with the rear doors opening forwards once the front doors have been opened, in the style of ‘suicide doors’.

Qazana will reinforce Nissan’s position as a pioneer of Crossovers, building on the success of the Murano – now in its second generation, the Qashqai and recently introduced Qashqai+2.

NV200
Another world premiere is the debut of the passenger version of the forthcoming NV200 line-up. Designed to offer accessible, practical family transportation, NV200 is a three row vehicle, with sliding side doors for easy access to the rear. The roomy interior can be configured differently to accommodate up to seven occupants and is designed to be flexible, comfortable and convenient, with lots of storage space, which is essential for large families on the move.

The van and Combi versions will be introduced at a later date.

370Z
Being shown for the first time in Europe, Nissan’s all new Z-car picks up where the popular 350Z left off. Using an enlarged version of the VQ V6 engine, now producing 331PS, and driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, which is available with the world’s first synchronized down/up shift rev control system, or an all-new paddle-operated seven-speed automatic.

The 370Z is more agile, thanks to a shorter wheelbase and overall length, as well as being lighter by 32kg. Interior comfort, quality and refinement have been improved, but the uniquely fun, adventurous driving characteristics of the Z remain. Customer deliveries start in July.

Cube
Already an icon in its home market of Japan, the all new Cube will be introduced for the first time in Europe in November, where its unique, friendly design will appeal to European car-buyers who are looking for something genuinely new and different.

Its large, open and airy interior will win the hearts of city-dwellers who are not traditional car ‘fans’, but who will find Cube appealing as it is an extension of their personality – creative, fun and distinctive. In Europe, the Cube will come with both a 106PS DPF-equipped 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol, producing 111PS.
Pixo
With European consumers demanding more value for money, combined with low emissions and fuel consumption, the time is right for Pixo to join Nissan’s line-up. Powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, it produces just 103 g/km CO2 and delivers fuel economy of 4.4 l/100km (64.2 mpg) on the combined cycle. These figures will position PIXO among the most affordable eco-cars in the small city car category. To further add to its appeal, Pixo will be one of the most affordable cars available on the market with an automatic gearbox. Customer deliveries start in June.

X-TRAIL Platinum
Also on display will be the new X-TRAIL Platinum, which reinforces the X-TRAIL’s natural strengths of comfort, practicality and dynamic performance.

Externally, X-TRAIL is now available with Scratch Shield Paint, giving the exterior a degree of protection from light stone chips and damage typically sustained in a car wash. More visibly, the top X-TRAIL Platinum will be fitted with new 18″ alloy wheels, adding presence and style to the vehicle’s appearance.

The X-TRAIL Platinum provides added appeal thanks to the availability of a bespoke eight-speaker Bose® premium audio system. An auxiliary input plug has been added to all X-TRAILs in the central armrest storage compartment, allowing occupants to connect their MP3 player, while also leaving it hidden when they leave the vehicle. Customer deliveries begin in March.

The Nissan press conference will be hosted by Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd at 17:00 on Tuesday 3rd March.