Nissan Motors is making significant progress in its quest to be one of North America’s top automakers. Nissan Motors, long in the shadows of Japanese giants Toyota and Honda, is now fighting back. Will they be successful? Let us take a look at the four attractions that will soon be available at your Nissan dealer.
Nissan VersaThe Scion division of Toyota has proved to be a huge success with youth. Nissan is trying to offer models that are affordable and can attract new drivers. The Versa is expected to be released in Summer 2006. It will feature a 1.8L four-cylinder engine. It will be built in Mexico and has a expected starting price of about 12 thousand dollars. FYI: Mazda Verisa (a similar name, but not related small car) is only sold in Japan.
Nissan CubeYou are still in the “maybe it will be imported”The new Cube, Nissan’s answer to the Scion xB or the Honda Element on stage is the Nissan Cube. The Cube can seat five to seven people and is essentially a car on wheels. According to reports, the Cube is expected to be available for purchase in the North American market in 2008.
Nissan SentraAs a 2007 model, a new Sentra is scheduled to debut in the second half 2006. Nissan intends to change the styling of the vehicle and push the market in an effort to be more competitive with Mazda 3 and VW Golf 3.
Nissan AltimaThe Altima will soon get a hybrid engine. This new Altima model, which will hit Nissan showrooms in Fall 2006 is actually a borrowing of Toyota technology. It will also be the first Nissan hybrid. Nissan will provide the engine and battery, but Nissan needs help from Japan to get into the hybrid market.
The updated Quest van will be available to consumers in 2008, with minor changes made on other Nissan vehicles. Other models are still in concept and will be displayed at future auto shows.
While it’s too soon to confirm the models in question, Nissan intends to expand its market share for the Generation. “Y” market. If the Cube or Versa makes their debut, Nissan will likely score points in young drivers’ eyes because of two things: price and style. Toyota, look out Honda!