New Nissan X-Trail launched in China to shake up fast-growing SUV segment

by News Feeder, 23-02-2025, 03:53 PM

Refreshed exterior features distinctively styled "V-motion" grilleIntelligent technologies redefine expectations and embody Nissan Intelligent MobilityCHONGQING, China – Nissan is poised to capture a larger share of the burgeoning SUV segment in China as it unveils the new Nissan X-Trail today in Chongqing, the nation's western hub.The new X-Trail is a classic model upgraded and aligned to the needs of young families, with more stylish design, more comfortable space, improved driving performance and new advanced safety technologies. It will go on sale in China at a starting price of RMB 188,800.Communicating a high sense of style, the new X-Trail's exterior features an enlarged Nissan "V-motion" grille, updated headlights with a "boomerang" LED signature, and new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Its refined interior includes a new D-shape steering wheel, giving it a robust and premium feel."We adapted Nissan's latest design direction to the new X-Trail to elevate its dynamic presence as the evidence of evolution," said Mamoru Aoki, executive design director at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Expanding its safety technology features to give drivers more confidence, the new X-Trail will also be available with Intelligent Emergency Braking, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication and Cross Traffic Alert. A number of advanced safety technologies related to Nissan Intelligent Mobility are already available for the current X-Trail, such as Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Around View Monitor.The new X-Trail also integrates a host of other intelligent features. Its Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a set distance between the X-Trail and vehicles in front, even applying the brakes to help maintain that distance. Its smartphone-connected system features a new user interface that makes it easy to make and receive calls using a steering wheel button and enables the driver to operate a smartphone by touching a 7-inch screen. "With its strengthened qualities and advanced technologies, the new X-Trail can surely satisfy the growing individualized and diversified requirements of Chinese consumers. And it is the ultimate partner to help our customers bring forth the exciting shifts of their moving lives." said Airton Cousseau, managing director of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co.The current X-Trail has broken sales records for three straight years since being introduced in China in 2014. It has won a reputation among Chinese customers for stylish design and superior driving performance in both cities and suburbs. More than 180,000 X-Trails were sold in China last year, making it the world's largest market for the model after the U.S., where it is known as the Nissan Rogue.About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2015, the company sold more than 5.4 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 12.2 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan Leaf. Nissan's global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: ASEAN & Oceania; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America and North America. Nissan has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and Mitsubishi Motors since 2016 under the Renault-Nissan Alliance.For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/. You can also follow @NissanMotor on Twitter.About Nissan in China Nissan entered the Chinese market in 1973, and the brand has been developing rapidly in China since the 1990s. As the wholly owned subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. based in Beijing, Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. manages Nissan's investment in China together with the parent company. Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. is a joint-venture between Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Corporation. Under it, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company, Dongfeng Infiniti Motor Co., Ltd. and Dongfeng Venucia Motor Company mainly produce passenger vehicles, while Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. specializes in light commercial vehicles.In calendar year 2016, Nissan sold more than 1.3 million vehicles in China, including imported, passenger and light commercial vehicles.About Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (Dongfeng Nissan) Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (Dongfeng Nissan) is a business unit of DFL, Nissan's joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd. Dongfeng Nissan is engaged in research and development, manufacturing and distribution of passenger vehicles in China. # # #Media contact: Joyce CHENG | [email protected] Communications Management Division, Public Relations Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. Tel: +86 10 5925 1989 / +86 137 0125 3479

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Private concert for employees as production of Nissan Kicks begins in Resende, Brazil

by News Feeder, 23-02-2025, 02:56 AM

Brazilian pop-country singer Daniel stages private concert to 1,800 employees at industrial siteResende plant received additional R$ 750 MLN investment to make the crossoverSpecialists trained in Japan and Mexico to enhance manufacturing processesCountry concert kick-starts 3rd anniversary of Nissan's Industrial ComplexResende, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – During daily operations at Nissan's Resende Industrial Complex, in southern Rio de Janeiro State, AGVs (Automatic Guided Vehicles), or mobile robots, swing into action following a playlist of up to eight songs. However, this Tuesday the playlist was given an exciting boost. On the first day of production of the Nissan Kicks, 1,800 employees who work at the industrial site celebrated it with a private concert by Brazilian pop singer Daniel, whose performance lasted more than one hour in the middle of the production line.The show started shortly after a presentation of results from the Nissan Latin America chairman, José Valls, and president Nissan Brazil, Marco Silva, and other executives from the company's management.A success in Brazil, the Nissan Kicks formerly was imported from Mexico. To meet the brand's premium Japanese quality standards, local production required an additional R$ 750 million investment channeled into installation of new machinery and training of hundreds of highly skilled employees.Indeed, more than 700 employees were specifically trained to manufacture the new compact SUV, with a focus on onboard technology and an array of safety systems that are part of the Intelligent Mobility concept, particularly the 360º view camera integrated into the in-dash radio display, the Moving Object Detection, as well as the Chassis Dynamic Control, Active Trace Control, Active Ride Control, and Active Engine Braking.Specialists were trained at the Global Pilot Line at the Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Japan, as well as in Mexico's Aguascalientes plant, where the Kicks models are already manufactured. The international training sessions allowed employees to fully absorb the entire manufacturing processes in order to perfectly perform their operations in Resende."Production of the Nissan Kicks in Resende results from close collaboration between highly skilled professionals who work with cutting-edge equipment", says Hitoshi Mano, vice president, operations and manufacturing, Nissan LATAM.The Resende Industrial Complex received more than 150 new machines, in addition to new manufacturing and quality inspection areas to make the Kicks in Brazil. New processes and machinery allow performing safe and precise operations to assemble the rear door and the floating roof rack. Advanced technology systems were also implemented to calibrate the 360º cameras of the Around View Monitor, a technology that offers drivers a 360º panorama of the car's surroundings through four cameras, in addition to acoustic parking sensors and in-dash warning lights.The Kicks' floating roof, with its original two-tone paintwork distinguishing the roof from the rest of the body, required the creation of two new highly specific procedures to allow masking the body to delineate the areas that are painted in a different color. The two-tone paint is an exclusive feature that is increasingly luring Brazilian consumers. Known as 3-WET, the automated painting system is both innovative and sustainable, as it significantly reduces process time and energy use at paint booths. Paint robots apply three layers of paint in succession – primer coat, colored base coat and clear top coat – while still wet, without drying in between. In addition to the use of water-based paint, the eco-conscious production process is ensured by the use of paint cartridges that allow reducing waste of solvents and coats, while decreasing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions. The whole process is completed by 10 cutting-edge robots that work in conjunction with highly skilled operators.The innovations were added to high-end machinery and processes adopted at Nissan's Resende Industrial Complex, in operation since April 2014. Pop singer Daniel's performance in the middle of the production line also marks the start of the plant's third anniversary celebrations. There are currently 1,800 employees working at the site, where the Nissan March, Nissan Versa and Nissan Kicks – as of today – are made, in addition to 1-liter 12V and 1.6-liter 16V engines. Since 2016, cars and powertrains made locally are sent both to the domestic and overseas markets in Latin America. Nissan KicksWith a dynamic and bold style, the Nissan Kicks was created for customers in big cities who lead busy lives and must deal with all the challenges set by the "urban jungle."As one of the first Nissan models that apply the "Intelligent Mobility"concept, it encompasses many engineering, building and technological resources to provide the right balance between performance and fuel economy.The Nissan Kicks has a modern engine, a state-of-the-art XTRONIC CVT gearbox, less weight than its competitors, and an aerodynamic design that makes it efficient. Additionally, the Nissan Kicks is equipped with useful safety technologies, such as a 360° camera, as well as Moving Object Detection, Dynamic Chassis Control, Active Trace Control, Active Ride Stabilizer, Dynamic Brake Control and Active Engine Brake, in the high-end models.The Nissan Kicks was globally launched in Brazil, followed by other Latin American markets, and it is ultimately expected to reach more than 80 countries.Resende Industrial ComplexIn operation since April 2014, the Resende Industrial Complex has a complete manufacturing cycle to meet the brand's high global production standards. Unlike other local carmakers, it has its own stamping shop and plastic injection molding shop, whose complex processes required strong investments. As they are integrated into the manufacturing process, the company saves time, improves quality and production flexibility, in addition to reducing manufacturing inventories.The Resende Industrial Complex received one of the largest investments of the local auto industry. The comprehensive manufacturing site was built thanks to an R$ 2.6 billion investment, for a total capacity to make 200,000 vehicles and 200,000 engines a year. Since April 2016, the Resende plant exports to Latin American markets, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, among others.Sustainability at Nissan's Resende Industrial Complex goes beyond the use of the latest generation machinery and production processes to make cars and engines. Since the architectural design phase, the manufacturing site was meant to be a green construction and one of the brand's most sustainable plants.Buildings are equipped with natural lighting and venting solutions to reduce energy consumption and protect the environment. Special attention was given to the implementation of waste management practices, with water reuse and selective extraction of disposed waste. The purpose is to reduce emissions of CO2 and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) released by the manufacturing process.Nissan is also committed to protecting the ecosystem where its manufacturing site is located. Thousands of trees of 20 native species were planted in the surroundings of the Resende Plant to create a green belt. Additionally, Nissan contributed to implement an Environmental Protection Area at the Turfeira Lake, located next to its industrial site. # # #

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The University of Tsukuba and Toyota Jointly Open the R&D Center for Strategic Fronti

by News Feeder, 23-02-2025, 02:56 AM

The National University Corporation University of Tsukuba and Toyota Motor Corporation announce that the R&D Center for Strategic Frontiers in Social Planning (Director: Isamu Takahara, Specially Appointed Professor, University of Tsukuba, and Project General Manager of Toyota Motor Corp.) had opened at the University of Tsukuba this April for research and development into social infrastructure for communities of the future. The center is planned to operate for five years, and will employ an open laboratory system for genuine collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

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Q&A Part 2: Accepting new technologies, with Osaka University Professor Hiroshi Ishig

by News Feeder, 22-02-2025, 01:47 AM

Geminoid™ HI-4: Osaka University Autonomous driving and androids are both new technologies. Can humans accept new technology without resistance? Professor Ishiguro, a leading expert in robotics engineering, spends his time thinking about how people will accept new technologies and shared his thoughts with us. Geminoid™ HI-1 : ATR Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories Q: How do you think people will react to new technologies coming out, such as the androids that you are researching?People will have to learn how to use new tools and machines, so they may initially be reluctant. However, this is something that has been repeated throughout history. In addition, people will feel less resistance toward the newer technology. That is because the new technology is more human-like.For example, if it has the ability to operate things through voice recognition, there will be no need to read the instructions, right? Technology will be more and more human-like, hence making it easier for people to use. Therefore, people will embrace it immediately. When you compare learning how to use a PC with learning how to use a smartphone, the interface on a smartphone is more creative. In other words, technology will be much easier to utilize.Feeling resistance as a user, and society being resistant to accepting technology, are separate issues. In 10 or 20 years, voice recognition will evolve, allowing a more human-like interaction and use through speech. No one will feel resistance toward something like this. Resistance toward technology is something totally different and depends on your perspective.Q: With autonomous driving, it takes courage to leave the driving up to technology. Wouldn’t there be a lot of people who would hesitate to use autonomous driving?I don’t think so. Think about getting your driver’s license. Would you rather learn to drive and get a driver’s license, or would you rather just choose autonomous driving? Nowadays, people choose to get a license to drive automatic transmissions. When I got my license, I learned to drive with manual transmission, so I was afraid to drive a car with automatic transmission. However, these days, people prefer automatic transmission.If it is suggested that it would be better to have cruise control, then that function would become available by default. If you ask people if they prefer to acquire driving skills themselves or have something with technology drive for them, obviously people would choose the latter. Geminoid™ HI-1 : ATR Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories Q: How do you plan to gain recognition of the social value of robots?I think it is important to simply make robots more widespread. They have to be designed so that they can be utilized in different ways by using various software. This is a capability available to PCs and smartphones, but it has not yet been realized in robots. Powerful applications that can only be used by robots will need to be designed, and with this at their core, robots should become more widespread globally. I think it is only a matter of time before this kind of content becomes available.Q: So does that mean it must first be introduced to the masses?I think there are two patterns here, and one would be to make it available for the masses, and the other for specific purposes. Meaning, niches where people are willing to spend any amount of money out of necessity, or where there is a problem that needs to be solved. For example, there are some patients with autism or dementia that can only converse with robots, so one way would be to start with specific purposes, such as in the medical field. There are two more ways, such as making them usable by everyone through gaming consoles, smartphones and PCs, so that people can enjoy them as different games, or suddenly just making them available at once as an infrastructure. Geminoid™ HI-2 : ATR Hiroshi Ishiguro Laboratories Q: How do you envision the future of society as a whole 10 or 20 years from now?It is possible that a humanoid communication robot could be popularized in two to three years. No one can predict what will happen for sure. There was a strong necessity for automobiles and refrigerators, so they were created as products. However, there is no such necessity for robots. Society will need to adapt to new technology as well, so there is a need to introduce something that is easily adaptable. Put simply, more human-like technology may be rapidly adopted. This just means older technology will be replaced with something that people can feel more affinity toward. Like the difference between the iPhone and old-school cell phones.The same goes for cars. If autonomous cars only had the ability to take a person from one place to another, I don’t think it would change the world. Like I mentioned earlier, if the idea is to create a partner, unless it makes life fun, even in rural areas the experience would not be like the time when people switched over from cell phones to iPhones. Human brains are wired to accept something that looks human. Our hearing abilities allow us to pick up human voices, and with vision, we have many cells that respond to human-like faces. Since all human brains are made for human beings, everything made to be accepted by people will become a more intricate part of their lives.# # #

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New lexus ls 500 f sport to make global debut in new york

by News Feeder, 21-02-2025, 01:31 PM

TORRANCE, Calif. (April 4, 2017) – Following the recent debut of the LS 500 in Detroit and the LS 500h in Geneva, Lexus announced today the all-new LS F SPORT will make its world debut in New York ahead of the upcoming 2017 New York International Auto Show.



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New Lexus LS 500 F SPORT to Make Global Debut in New York

by News Feeder, 21-02-2025, 01:31 PM

Following the recent debut of the LS 500 in Detroit and the LS 500h in Geneva, Lexus announced today the all-new LS F SPORT will make its world debut in New York ahead of the upcoming 2017 New York International Auto Show.

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Evolution of my Evolution X

by valo, 21-02-2025, 01:13 PM

Just thought I would write up the (not so many) mods to my Evo X, since I got some new wheels for it this week.
So far mods done are as follows:
XXR 527 18"x9.75" chrome black alloy wheels
Reversing camera
Red LED footwell lights

Still to fit:
Eibach lowering springs
Custom under tray

Since having the car I've also had to buy 2 new wing mirrors and a new key & tracker fob otherwise I think I would have had some further carbon bits fitted.

I will post some pics of the car on the new wheels soon.

Super GT championship to be shown live on NISMO.TV

by News Feeder, 21-02-2025, 01:18 AM

YOKAHAMA, Japan – This year's Japanese Super GT championship battle will be shown live on YouTube across the globe on NISMO.TV.The championship kicks off this weekend at Okayama in Japan with Ronnie Quintarelli and Tsugio Matsuda aiming to repeat their 2016 victory.The new-look GT500 class this season features new cars with less downforce than was used previously compared to the 2014-2016 spec cars.Nissan dominated during that period including another strong season in 2016:Victory in 12 of the 24 races staged from 2014-2016Three GT-R entries won races in 2016Championship success in 2014 and 2015Victory in five of the eight races in 2016 Click image to enlargeThe NISMO.TV coverage can be seen on YouTube everywhere around the world outside of Japan. The coverage is a huge bonus for Nissan's international Super GT drivers including Quintarelli (Italy), JP de Oliveira (Brazil) and GT500 newcomer Jann Mardenborough (United Kingdom)."Fans in Japan have of course known about the spectacular action that happens in Super GT, but thanks to NISMO.TV we've been able to share that with Nissan and NISMO fans around the world," said Quintarelli. "When I'm racing here in Japan, I am of course a long way from home in Italy, so it is brilliant for my friends, family and fans to be able to watch every race live. Tsugio (Matsuda) and I will hopefully give everyone something to cheer about. We missed out on the championship last year, but we're very keen to grab it back in 2017."Former GT Academy winner Mardenborough will team with Hironobu Yasuda this season in his GT500 debut aboard the No.12 Calsonic IMPUL GT-R."I can't wait to get started in GT500 for the first race at Okayama," said Mardenborough. "Testing has been great, but I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into the race season. To have the entire year live on NISMO.TV on YouTube is brilliant too. I've had my family friends come over and see me race in the championship last year, but the fact the entire season will be live around the world is awesome. I'm really looking forward to joining forces with Hironobu (Yasuda), getting our Calsonic IMPUL GT-R to the front of the pack, and giving it our best shot for the fans." NISMO CalendarApril 8-9 Super GT, Okayama, Japan IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Long Beach, California, USA Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, Symmons Plains, Tasmania, AustraliaApril 15-16 FIA World Endurance Championship, Silverstone, EnglandApril 22-23 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, Monza, Italy Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia # # #ContactPaul Ryan Global Motorsport Communications Nissan/NISMO Marketing and PR Manager Phone: +1 678 644 0404 [email protected]

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Honda to Reveal All-new 2017 Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan via YouTube on April 6

by News Feeder, 21-02-2025, 01:18 AM

Global debut of next-gen sporty Civic Si production models, Thursday, Apr. 6 at 8:00 am PDT on Honda YouTube channel at honda.us/2017CivicSiReveal The all-new 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan will make their first appearance later this week in a dynamic video reveal on Honda's YouTube channel at honda.us/2017CivicSiReveal on Apr. 6 at 8:00 am PDT. An exciting, fast-paced on-track video will showcase the dynamic capabilities of the sportiest and most agile Civic to ever wear the renowned Si...

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American Honda Nets New March Sales Records

by News Feeder, 20-02-2025, 12:23 PM

American Honda trucks have best-ever March sales. rising 8.4 percent Honda Division trucks also set new March record with a 12.6 percent gain Honda CR-V sails past previous March best with a 23 percent increase Honda HR-V continues record pace, gaining 19.6 percent for the month Acura MDX sales rise 1.3 percent in March ahead of new Sport Hybrid model launch American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported total March sales of 137,227 Honda and Acura vehicles, a decrease of 0.7 percent over March ...

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