Nissan in world

Tomorrow (January 8, 2002) during the late shift of Nissan’s Sunderland plant in England the first new Primera scheduled for Baltics will roll off the production line.

The first car destined for Baltics is ‘Ecosse’ blue, 2.0 litre M-CVT gearbox, 4-door saloon. A lucky customer will drive it off the forecourt in the beginning of March 2002.

Preparations for the new Primera’s production began two years ago. Since then, £215 million has been invested in new Primera, £104 million of that used to cover the cost of new and improved facilities at the factory. This brings Nissan’s total investment in the Sunderland plant to £1.8 billion.

Managing director of Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, John Cushnaghan, said: "The investment we have made in the new car has resulted in a product that will not only give our customers the reliability they expect from a Nissan, but also one of the most distinctive and technologically advanced D-sector cars on the road."

Since it replaced the Bluebird in 1990, more than 1,189,000 Primeras have been built at Sunderland. Exports of the new car are expected to be around 80 percent of the model’s annual production (120,000 units) with the main markets being in eastern and western Europe.

Ringo Rahumeel
Nissan Baltics Ltd
Marketing Department

Nissan Wins 2002 ‘North American Car of the Year Award’

NISSAN ALTIMA

2002 Nissan Altima acknowledged for its aggressive design,increased performance and high value - Detroit (January 6, 2002) – The all-new 2002 Nissan Altima was named “North American Car of the Year” today at an announcement at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The award is given to the vehicle receiving the most votes from a group of 50 top automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. It is based on a comprehensive evaluation of all new and significantly redesigned vehicles for the 2002 model year.

“The North American Car of the Year award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the automotive industry – it’s a tremendous honour for Altima,” said Jed Connelly, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Nissan North America Inc. “We are pleased with the consumer and media response to the Altima since it hit dealership showrooms in August.”The awards committee judges eligible vehicles based on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for money.

“The 2002 Altima is a distinctive sedan with spirited performance and style designed to go head-to-head against the longtime class leaders in the midsize sedan segment,” said Connelly. “This award proves that it does just that.”

The all-new, third generation 2002 Altima represents a total revision and rethinking of Nissan’s midsize sedan – it brings a level of design and performance that currently does not exist in its class. With a choice of a 240-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 (first time a V6 is available in Altima) or 175-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and an all-new 4-wheel independent suspension, Altima offers spirit with state-of-the-art technology. An aggressive new exterior design with increases in all major dimensions and a driver-oriented interior with myriad of convenience and luxury features set Altima apart in the highly competitive sedan marketplace.

Altima has a base MSRP of $16,349 for the Altima 2.5 model with manual transmission, while the top-of-the-line 3.5 SE with automatic transmission starts at $23,149.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissandriven.com or contact the corporate media line at 310/771-5631.

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