Other dates...

MARCH 14, 2000

Many of you have written to us noting that the most recent issue of Automobile magazine has a news snippet about the next generation R35 Skyline coming to America. We can't easily confirm whether or not that will happen. We have some doubts since Nissan will probably want to make the new Z it's flagship sports-car in the States. 

A well respected source states the following..."There is a new Z in the works. Nissan is downsizing on the number of platforms and going to more "world" (platform) cars. The new (R35) Skyline for Japan - will probably be called the Z in the US. Same car - one left hand drive one right hand drive. Normally aspirated , RWD cars - same though out the world."
 

MARCH 14, 2000

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun has reported that Nissan is indeed selling it's Fuji Heavy Industries shares to GM in a deal worth 20 billion yen. Fuji Heavy Industries is the parent of company of Subaru which struck a deal with GM in a comprehensive alliance in late 1999. GM had agreed to acquire 20% of Fuji. As of last September, Nissan was the largest sole owner of the stock with about 4.1% ownership of the company. According to the paper, Nissan will sell each share at an estimated 800 yen per share. The transaction will take place before April, so Nissan will post an extraordinary gain of roughly 15 billion yen on its fiscal 2000 earnings.
 

MARCH 12, 2000

Reader "RM" sent us an article reporting that Mitsubishi Motor's President has accepted DaimlerChrysler's offer to buy up to 34 percent of the company this Friday. Under Japanese law it will give Daimler effective control of the company. Mitsubishi is concerned about the 80,000 workers it currently employs and being able to keep it's brand name. DaimlerChrysler is still concerned with Mitsubishi Motors debt that it may ask the Mitsubishi parent conglomerate for assistance in helping to reduce financial liabilities.

Another reader, "RSBH" sent us a note that he ran across an extensive and well designed four page insert in well circulated Runner's World magazine for the new Sentra. If you've spotted any other Sentra ads, let us know. Email us!
 

MARCH 11, 2000

In a stunning revelation reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune; Jerry Hirshberg, Nissan North America's chief designer has announced his pending retirement in June. Hirshberg plans to travel and spend more time with his family. He states that the decision to leave is a purely personal one and he will remain as a consultant to Nissan. Hirshberg has headed up Nissan Design International in La Jolla, California for over two decades. He states in the Union- Tribune report that he told top Nissan brass of his plans to retire in 2000 in 1995. 

Hirshberg and his team have churned out cars and trucks such as the Infiniti J30, Alitma, Quest, and the Xterra. He has also been starring as Nissan spokesman in many of it's TV commercials. NDI's latest two designs, the newly restyled Frontier and Sentra were revealed at the Chicago Auto Show and Detroit Auto Show respectively.

Our take: We have one question...who's going to take over NDI? Could it be possibly the Frontier's chief designer, Diane Allen, who was in the public limelight a few weeks ago at Chicago Auto Show? If you are interested in learning a bit more about Jerry Hirshberg, read 
our interview with him from earlier this year in January.
 

MARCH 10, 2000

News tidbits...Japanese business daily, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, has reported that Nissan Motor Co. is not planning to give their workers a wage increase anytime soon. Carlos Goshn, Nissan COO, during the "shunto" spring wage negotiations expressed Nissan's desire to return to profitability and to avoid spending any extra costs in order to meet the bottom line.

Also in what we view as a clever PR tactic, Nissan has dampened the significance of high number market sales numbers, lowering their yearly sales target to 772,000 units (the lowest in 32 years). Nissan has managed to hang on to it's 20 percent Japanese market share but it may shrink if archrivals Toyota and Honda increase their target sales.

Instead of quantity, Nissan is seeking to capitalize on the quality of their cost reductions in parts, marketing, and logistics - transforming into higher profits for each car sold. Dealers will be a cornerstone of more efficient sales. Ever since the Nissan Revival Plan was unleashed, many local Nissan dealers have been consolidated as well as Nissan's internal sales force. Goshn remarked, "Dealers are our partners. I would like to enhance communication with them."
 

MARCH 8, 2000

An important car for Nissan Europe will be the new Almera - competing in the competitive small car segment that accounts for the majority of car sales in Europe due to space and fuel consumption issues more prevalent in Europe than the United States Shown. At the Geneva Auto Show the redesigned Almera sedan and hatchback made it's debut. 

The car is based off the global small car platform (codenamed MS) also used in the Japanese Sunny and our Sentra. Notice the rear taillights are very reminiscent of the I30/Cefiro/QX. The interior remains much more similar to it's Sentra cousin. Like the Sentra, the exterior design was primarily carried out by a regional Nissan studio - in this case Nissan's European studio. 

The car will be powered by three different engine options; two QG series engines in 1.5L and 1.8L displacements and a 2.2L diesel direct injection engine. Two interesting features unusual for the small car segment include; Active Head Restraints (also found on the Infiniti I30) that move the head rests forward reactively when a rear end collision occurs reducing the injury known as "whiplash." The other is the optional "Birdview" GPS/Navigation system sprouting from the center of the dash board.

The Almera will be built in Nissan's well regarded Sunderland UK plant. The Almera also gains a minivan like cousin called the Almera Tino which will be instead built in Nissan Spain's Barcelona plant.


 

MARCH 8, 2000

Many readers have asked us about the new Pathfinder's availability and pricing in our Community Forums. Good news for those seeking this information. Nissan North America has announced the pricing on the new 240 bhp 2001 Pathfinder sport utility vehicle. The truck will go on sale March 15, 2000 at more than 1,100 Nissan retailers nationwide. The more powerful Pathfinder starts at $27,649 for the XE 4x2 model. Nissan points out it's the same MSRP as the 2000 model equipped with the XE Popular Package - despite an extensive list of refinements and new features including a new 3.5L DOHC 24 valve V-6 engine. The popularly equipped 2001 Pathfinder SE 4x4 with automatic transmission and standard popular package remains at $30,349. We'll post a more comprehensive pricing matrix soon.
       

MARCH 8, 2000

Although not Nissan related (but certainly in their backyard) we wanted to briefly mention DaimlerChrysler may purchase up to 33 percent of Mitsubishi Motors. Chrysler and Mitsubishi have had a long technology and manufacturing relationship. Mitsubishi engines have been used in many Chrysler cars and the two companies share a plant in Illinois. 

Nissan and Daimler had met in early 1999 to discuss possible merger but was called off reportedly because of Nissan's high debt. Mitsubishi currently has 1.75 trillion yen in debt. Like Renault's partnership with Nissan, DaimlerChrysler is looking to further establish an Asian market presence.

What is uncertain is Mitsubishi's future platform sharing and manufacturing relationship with Volvo (now a Ford Motor Co unit).
       

MARCH 8, 2000

Dot.coms are doing it, why shouldn't Nissan? Well Nissan Motor Co. in a recent press release announced a "Stock Incentive Program" that will reward Nissan executives with the Japanese version of stock options. Nissan executives will be rewarded depending on their performance relative to their contribution to the Nissan Revival Program. Executives have the right to resell the stocks only after March 2003, ensuring Nissan executives will be thinking long term growth. Here's the full press release (Warning: May cause headache).
 

MARCH 7, 2000

Reuters yesterday reported that Renault is making a bid for Samsung Motors. Renault has proposed the creation of a joint company, owned 70 percent by Renault and 30 percent by Samsung Motors parent, the Samsung Group.

The newly formed company would acquire the remaining assets of Samsung Motors for $450 million, $50 million of which would be paid immediately in cash with the remainder coming from profits generated by the joint firm.

Renault would provide initial seed for the new group of $235 million, with an additional $100 million coming from the Samsung Group. Renault has been in discussion with Samsung Motors since early January to acquire the assets of its car making unit. Samsung Motors and Nissan have an established technology transfer agreement that saw Nissan technology used in it's state of the art factory and a Maxima based vehicle. Samsung Motors' ultra-modern Pusan factory is capable of producing up to 200,000 vehicles per year according to Renault.

Gaining a foothold in South Korea would allow Renault to better take advantage of it's relationship with Japan's Nissan Motors and establish a foothold in the second largest Asian auto market.

Should Samsung agree to the terms Renault would be securing this presence at what analysts consider a bargain price.
      

MARCH 3, 2000

Many Nissan enthusiasts don't know what the XVL is. Obviously you've seen it on our site for a while now (above, in the cars page, and on the navbar) and we haven't really dwelled into it even though it is quite an important vehicle. The XVL is Nissan's near production concept that is a rolling showcase of technology and new design discipline. To learn more, read our new XVL Concept Preview.
     

MARCH 2, 2000

Another sign of Nissan North America's recovery? Today Nissan released it's February sales figures with an impressive 19.5 percent increase over the same period last year. Out of the 59,805 units sold - trucks totaled 24,807 units with 8,808 units being Frontier models and 7,010 Xterras. The Maxima posted gains of 49 percent increase with 13,665 units. Last years  1999 model Sentra sales figures were relatively low at 2,893 units. That should change substantially once the new 2000 Sentra is released on a full scale roll out sometime in March.

The Infiniti division saw it's best February with 5,856 units. Out of that the I30 models account for 3,452 units sold (an increase of 55.4 percent versus 1999) validating  the new redesign is indeed a step in the right direction. As for other models: The QX4 SUV had 1,020 units sold. The G20 sedan posted sales of 990 units. And the flagship Q45 added another 394 units to the count.
     

MARCH 2, 2000

We previewed some of the offerings at the Geneva Auto Show a few days ago. Now let's take a bit closer look at two of the vehicles that Nissan have up their sleeve at the Geneva Auto Show. Let's start off with the new Maxima QX or simply QX in certain European countries. 

As you can see the design is very similar to the Japanese Cefiro and the US Infiniti I30 with the exception of the grille wearing Nissan Europe's trademark twin kidney. Power will be offered with V-6 engines in a 2.0L or 3.0L displacement. Hopefully this redesign will make much more of an impact in the mid-size segment for Nissan European sales. The previous QX was a bit of a disappointment in terms of styling and features when compared to Europe's best.

Nissan also introduces it's new Patrol GR SUV. The new Patrol gets Nissan's potent new engine, code-named ZD30DDTi. This all-new 3.0-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel engine offers substantial increases in torque (est. 267 ft-lbs) and power (est. 170 bhp), as well as better fuel efficiency. In addition to the engine, the Patrol GR also gets a new interior restyling.

Next week, we look at Nissan's new redesign of the popular Almera small car as well as some pictures of Renault vehicles possibly to be reborn as Nissans. 
    

MARCH 1, 2000

We all know that the new Sentra was released last Thursday (Feb. 25th) and now maybe you're asking, "okay so...where are the Sentra print advertisements or TV commercials?" 

Well you're gonna have to wait. Nissan allocated a maximum of two new Sentra cars per dealer...we've heard of some dealers receiving only one. The Sentra's we've ran into at Southern California dealers are feature loaded SE models. Sometime in March, we expect a full rollout. We're interested in seeing how the production XE and GXE models stack up to the SE. We're working on a full feature review on the new Sentra. Stay tuned!
   

FEBRUARY 29, 2000

The Geneva Motor Show is coming up and features a couple of debuts from both Nissan and Renault. Renault will show another of their outlandish concepts, this time in the form of a Hybrid 4X4 off-roader. Dubbed the Koleos, this weird SUV features an electric engine and a 2.0L turbocharged 170bhp engine.

It’s rumored that Nissan was deeply involved in design of the off-road aspects of the truck. It features a four wheel drive system and a variable-height suspension that can raise the truck from a sedan height to a normal SUV height. Highlighting the interior is a system like Mercedes COMMAND control system. If produced, it is reported that it could become a Nissan as well.

Nissan’s product debut will be a mid-size sedan that will go into production. The QX is Nissan Europe’s mid-size sedan that is based off the Maxima/Cefiro/I30 platform. It could either look a lot like the Cefiro or could be different if styled at Nissan’s European design studio. The current Maxima/QX in Europe has been generally criticized for a stale exterior - designed more for Japan and America than European tastes. Stay tuned for more information after it’s debut.
   

FEBRUARY 28, 2000

The US' "Big Three" automakers recently announced a new online system for buying parts from suppliers. A Japanese newspaper, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, has quoted officials at Nissan Motor Co. as saying the company will take part in that venture with it's French partner, Renault. The joint venture, announced Friday by GM, Ford Motor Corp.and DaimlerChrysler, would create an Internet company charged with building a network to streamline business with suppliers. The auto makers have said the system will be open to other automakers, which will be offered stakes in the company. Mazda (controlled by Ford) is expected to part of the new company. Other Japanese car companies are reported to be weighing in their different options.
   

FEBRUARY 26, 2000

If you haven't seen our front page recently we've added a new preview on the upcoming 2001 Fontier truck. Time will tell whether the restyling or it's new Supercharged model will either help Nissan's growing truck sales or hurt it in the upcoming year.
 

FEBRUARY 25, 2000

Today the new Sentra is officially on sale at your local Nissan dealer. We think the new car is a substantial improvement over the previous B14 Sentra. One of our Speak your mind: moderators, Mike Jez had an opportunity to test drive the car. Here's what he had to say about it...

"It felt quick, and in comparison to the 98-99 Sentra SE, its by far faster.." He added, "The car is fun to drive, fast, nimble and looks very good."
   

FEBRUARY 24, 2000

A few days ago we reported that Nissan's deputy financial officer declared their commercial truck affiliate, Nissan Diesel, not part of their core business indicating a need to sell it off. Many news sources are today reporting that Nissan/Renault is close to a deal with DaimlerChrysler (DCX) to sell off it's Nissan Diesel shares. You may recall before the Renault bailout, Nissan and DCX were in merger talks but later cancelled. Analysts are suggesting that if the deal is made, Nissan Motor Ltd's recently ailing stock (ADR: NSANY) will recover along with a more positive outlook for the revival plan.
   

FEBRUARY 24, 2000

After we read Nissan's press release for the new Sentra yesterday, we had a couple of questions regarding the SE Performance package. We got some answers today. The SE Performance Package (for SE models only) according to the Nissan document, adds bigger wheels, spoiler, side sill extensions, "sport tuned suspension," and viscous limited-slip differential (VLSD). Our question was whether A/T cars would also get a VLSD? Unfortunately that won't be the case. Only M/T cars will recieve the VLSD hence the package is $200 cheaper on A/T cars. We clarified what the SE Performance Package means; even stiffer springs, anti-roll bars, and gas charged struts/shocks are part of the package.
  

FEBRUARY 23, 2000

We've just received Nissan's pricing for the new Sentra. The car will go on sale on this Friday (Feb. 25th) beginning at $11,649. Nissan points out this is $150 less than the base 1999 Sentra XE it replaces. The popular Sentra GXE model starts off at $13,499 with manual transmission and $14,299 with automatic transmission. The GXE comes with these standard features: power windows, power door locks and mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, and a 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system. For a piddly $150 more, buyers can opt for the GXE Convenience Package (expected to account for around 80 percent of GXE sales) adds a remote keyless entry with trunk release (trunk release is rare in this segment), 60/40 rear seat, valet key, cargo net, and a rear auxiliary power outlet. Want more? As a $649 option, the GXE Luxury Package ups the ante with 15-inch alloy wheels, vehicle immobilizer and security system, and a 180-watt 7-speaker audio system (gasp!).

Driving enthusiasts will be more interested in the SE model which has the world famous SR20DE engine, this year good for 145 bhp. Among the SE's features are 15-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, fog lights, titanium gauges, a front strut tower brace, and stiffer suspension. An option for those who can't get enough, the SE Performance Package ($899 for MT and $699 for AT) adds a rear spoiler, side sill extensions, 16-inch alloy wheels, sport tuned suspension and a viscous limited-slip differential. The SE in 5 spd manual form costs $14,899 and $15,699 in 4 spd automatic dressing.

A fourth model in the line up is the Sentra CA (Clean Air) which is proclaimed to be the world's cleanest gasoline powered car will retail at $14,799 available only with an automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for our test drive!
 

FEBRUARY 21, 2000

We've heard from one of our sources that even though Nissan has scrapped plans to show off the new Z at the April New York auto show, progress is being made in choosing designs submitted by it's Japanese and North American (NDI) studios. Both studios have jettisoned the retro styling of the Z concept shown in 1999 for more contemporary styling but may retain some heritage cues.
 

FEBRUARY 21, 2000

Two news tidbits...
In Japan, Nissan Motor Ltd. reported domestic productions tumbling by 18.8% to 96,157 in January with sales decreasing by 5.4% to 49,961 and exports plunging 22.5% to 44,395. This further caused Nissan's Japanese market share to drop 1.8 percentage points to 20.1%. Toyota and Mazda actually reported improved sales. Toyota's production rose 11.8% to 256,045 units in January. Toyota holds a 43.5% share of the Japanese automotive market.

Nissan savior Renault is still pondering take over of troubled Samsung Motors. (Remember that Nissan has licensed technology to Samsung.) Louis Schweitzer, Renault chairman, indicated that Renault would not enter the foray of recovering Samsung without partners. "Ideally, we would find Korean co-investors to take part in this operation, such as banks or the Samsung group itself," said Schweitzer.

Last Friday (18th), The Wall Street Journal reported Thierry Moulonguet, Nissan's deputy chief financial officer Nissan, has determined Nissan Diesel isn't a part of Nissan Motor's core business of making cars and light trucks. He did stop short of saying Nissan immediately intends to sell its commercial truck unit. Over the past two years, Nissan has been actively seeking a partner to bail out it's troubled Diesel affiliate. Many analysts believe that one visible step to Nissan's recovery will be the sale of it's Diesel unit.
 

FEBRUARY 19, 2000

We've finally added a Silvia feature article for the link above. Yeah...it's about time!
 

FEBRUARY 18, 2000

We've further clarified NDI's involvement with the new Q45. According to our source, NDI didn't actually style the vehicle but was shown near production designs for their input. However the extent of changes based on NDI's input is unknown.
 

FEBRUARY 17, 2000

We've got more new Z car info...some bad and some good. We'll start off with the bad. We've confirmed with various sources that  the new Z car will not be previewed at the April New York Show. Bummer...

Well the good news is that we were able to get a grubby mits on some preliminary specs. Sit down as you may fall off your chair. The new Z will have a 3.5L V-6 with over 300 bhp and prerequisite rear wheel drive for under $30,000. Is it too good to be true? We're counting the days.
 

FEBRUARY 16, 2000

Nissan North America has promoted Debra Sanchez Fair to Vice President of Corporate Communications, a position opened by Jason Vine's departure on Feb. 11th. Sanchez has worked at Nissan affiliates  in various communications and PR positions since 1990. Her previous position was Director of Corporate Communications. She was born in Okinawa, Japan and graduated from the University of Southern California in 1982 where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, with an emphasis on sports information/public relations.
 

FEBRUARY 16, 2000

We're proud to offer FreshAlloy readers a new feature, Motorex's Skyline GT-R Community Forum. What's the Skyline GT-R? In short, it's considered by some to be the world's best all around sports car. It's only available in Japan, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. And now you can own one in the United States. 

To learn more, visit Motorex's web site. Afterwards, visit our Speak your mind:s for any questions or comments you may have regarding the Skyline.
 

FEBRUARY 16, 2000

We've learned from another source that Nissan plans to have a high performance stable mate for the new Z. Nissan plans to resurrect the SE-R name...not for the Sentra but for the Maxima! The source affiliated with Nissan tells FreshAlloy the new Maxima model is basically ready to go and only needs the green light from the bigwigs in Japan. The source also tells us that major Nissan dealers will get their first look at it this fall to gauge the reaction the general public might send. 

We're guessing the new Maxima SE-R will sport a 3.5L VQ series V-6 that could pump out about 260hp. Remember that the new Pathfinder and QX4 will also use the new 3.5 VQ spreading the cost of manufacturing. The new Maxima will probably retain it's front wheel drive architecture (to the dismay of some enthusiasts yearning for a rear wheel drive sport sedan from Nissan) and most likely have a VLSD to put power down to the asphalt with less drama. Hopefully we'll see the new SE-R sometime next year on dealer lots.
 

FEBRUARY 16, 2000

To those who were looking forward to seeing the new Z in April at the New York Auto Show, we have bad news. According to our source the new Z won't be completed in time for public consumption. The new Infiniti Q45 is so far on schedule and will be shown in New York.
 

FEBRUARY 15, 2000

Here's a couple of news tidbits today...
We've learned from an anonymous source that Nissan North America VP, Jason Vines' departure was not on bad terms nor "jumping of the sinking ship" as some in the press may claim. According to the source Vines' work schedule in Gardena, California (Nissan NA Headquarters) and commuting to his family residence in Detroit posed too much of an inconvenience.

According to a Reuters' report, Lehman Brothers has a positive outlook on Japanese car manufacturers. Lehman believes the Japanese auto market will grow or recover 1.4 percent year-on-year in 2000 and 5.3 percent in 2001. Lehman's analyst recommended a buy on Honda and Mazda. As for Nissan, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, they have a neutral stance on their stock because of what they view as their lack of appealing entry level car models.

In other news, Nissan plans to sell it's Aerospace division to Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. The aerospace division builds and develops rocket technologies. Nissan first started the division way back in 1953 and currently has 920 employees. For financial year 1998, the division reported net revenue of 51.2 billion yen. The transaction is planned to be completed by August of this year.
 

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