University Nissan Blog

Electric, hybrids grab concept vehicle awards

THE ELECTRIC LEAF IS COMING SOON!

Electric vehicles ans hybrids swept the 2010 North American Vehicle Awards. The Nissan Leaf, Audi E-tron, and BMW Vision EfficientDynamics won the awards, which recognized the most significant concept vehicles automakers introduced at the top auto shows in North America, reports Mark Phelan at the Detroit Free Press. The 2010 awards also mark the firs time US based automakers did not win any of the awards. Chrysler and General Motors cut back sharply on the number of cencept vehicles they created as they went thru bankruptcy reorganization last year. The global economic meltdown led automakers all over the world to create fewer concepts in 2009, leading the jury to reduce the number of awards from five to three. The Nissan Leaf was named the best production preview concept, the award for vehicles that are very close to a model the automaker will produce. The Audi-Etron and BMW Vision EfficientDynamics.

Renault-Nissan, Mercedes Team Up

More information on merger

Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche and Renault/Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn have signed an agreement to share technologies abd platforms, with a miniscule 3.1 percent equity exchanging hands. The two chiefs lead a 12-member committee to identify and work on projects where the three auto giants can find synergy.

This is the latest in a long line of attempts by Mercedes to partner with a mass-market automaker that can help with popularly priced models without tainting the three-point star. The three expect to realize cost savings and added revenue of about $5.4 billion from the deal, which is open-ended in time and number of potnential projects. It also helps Renault/Nissan fill up its underutilized capacity and helps both better compete with the Volkswagon Group juggernaut.

Here's how:

Next Smart to share Gen III Renault Twingo platform The next Twingo, due in about calender year 2013, will share its platform with the next fortwo and a new smart four-door hatchback that could revive the short-lived forfour name. Renault/Nissan will supply the three-cylinder engine for both the Twingo and the larger smart. The new Renault platform is versatile enough to underpin the tiny smart fortwo, the front-engine Twingo and the rear-engine four-door smart hatchback, which will feature slding rear doors, previewed by the Mercedes F800 2010 Geneva show car. Electric powertrains are planned for the next-generation smarts, and were likely to see a proliferation of models beyond fortwo and the four-door.

Mereceds small cars to share the Nissan Leaf EV technology

Mercerdes next generation A- and B- class models will share vehicle technology with Nissan, which is about to launch the Nissan Leaf. The new Benz small cars will be built on a flexible shared platform that allows double floors, like the curretn A-class, for ultimate package efficiency, as well as the ability to build sporty and specialty models, including a sporty hatchback to compete with the Mini, and a small two-seat roadster. Teh small Mercs also will be available with a new family of Renault three-cylinder engines and upgraded turbo four-cylinder gas and diesel engines.

Nissan-Renault hires former Toyota Boss as advisor

Former Toyota , Chrysler Boss Jim Press hired

The Renault SA-Nissan Co. alliance has hired JIm Press, former head of Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. unit, as a consultant for the groups global sales and marketing. According to Automotive news, Press, 63, who most recently was Chrylser group's vice chairman and president, has worked for Renault-Nissan for about 4 months, said Simon Sproule, a spokesman for the alliance. "He's visited with our dealers in the States, Europe and Japan and has already begun providing substantial input," Sproule said by phone.
Toyota in 2007 names Press to its board of directors, the first such appointment of a non-Japanese executive. He left the company later that year to join Chrylser after it was purchased by Cerberus Capital Managment and departed last fall following Chrylser's emergence from bankruptcy under the control of Fiat S.p.A.
Accourding to TheCarConnection.com, this is a crucial move for Renault-Nissan, which in the past has been looking to form an alliance with several U.S. automakers. Press' in-depth knowledge of the US market should help Renault-Nissan with any expansion plans it may have, including the possible re-launch of the Renault brand locally.

Nissan LEAF SOLD OUT!

Reservations are sold out!

Reservations for the new all-electric Nissan LEAF opened the middle of April, and according to a story in the Detroit Free Press, Nissan annouced they have sold out on pre-orders. The story said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said they received 13,000 orders for the LEAF. Nissan LEAF begins rolling out to select markets in the United States, Japan and Europe in December, with increased availability beginning in Spring 2011, and full market rollout in 2012.

A story from Bloomberg/Businessweek said Nissan was explaining why they lowered the base price of the U.S. version of the car significantly lower than the version that will be sold in Japan. Nissan announced the MSRP for the all new EV would be $32,780 but after a U.S. federal tax credit, the price will drop to well below $26,000. This price is a lot cheaper than the $40,000 price tag the Japanese version has, the story said.

Also, this week Nissan announced they broke ground for the manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn. where they will produce the lithium-ion batteries for the LEAF.

Nissan Titan is Affordable!

Deep discounts on Titan

The Nissan Titan was chosen by Forbes as the #2 vehicle for best discounts. The 2010 Nissan Titan XE 4-door King Cab pickup truck has $4000 Customer Cash on it with a MSRP of only $26,540.

What a Deal!

If you are in the market for a truck, now is the time and University Nissan in Boone NC is the place.

We are on top of the Mountain looking down on higher prices!

Nissan National Tent Event

Specials on all Nissan Vehicle

Nissan is at it again! It is time for the Nissan National Tent Event and here at University Nissan, we are ready. Just come see us at 2462 US Hwy 421 S in Boone, NC and look for the big tent by the road.

We have a great selection of inventory in stock and are ready to do some Spring cleaning. You will not be disappointed if you come and take a look, take a test drive or talk to one of our knowledgeable sales staff for more details.

There has never been a better time to buy with all the great specials Nissan is offering and the fact that Spring is here and Summer is coming. Why not upgrade your life with a new vehicle. Nothing will make you happier.

Nissan is a great company with a great product and here at University Nissan we pride ourselves even further by being the only locally owned and operated import dealer in the market.

Don't go anywhere else until you come see our great selection of new and used vehicles and take advantage of our great customer service because, after all, it is all about you!

VACATION OFFER

BUY A NEW VEHICLE/GET A FREE VACATION

GETAWAY

Want a LEAF?

Lining up for The Nissan Leaf

Just two days before Earth Day, Nissan began switching into high gear with its Nissan Leaf battery electric car. The company's challenge is to get the 115,000 "hand waivers" who registered their interest on the internet to sign on the electronic line and pay a $99 registration fee. That process started on April 20th.
According to Nissan's Mark Perry, the goal is to have 25,000 customers lined for the Leaf, which has a range of 100 miles on lithium-ion batteries, by December when the first cars will go out the door. That's a challenge but probably doable. After all, we've got a lot of pent up demand from talking about the coming electric vehicles for the last couple of years. The company is stoking that demand with a series of TV commercials and strategic YouTube postings.
Want a Leaf? Start the process by going to NissanUSA.com and registering. You won't be able to glom onto one of the first 25,000 cars (those are going to the early hand raisers), but you might be able to get one delivered by May next year. Once your registered and have paid the registration fee, Nissan will drop by your house and give you an estimate for putting in an electric vehicle (EV) charger. Expect it to cost about $2000, but 50% of that is currently covered by a federal tax credit.
Did I mention that location matters? The early cars are going to five EV-friendly places where utilities want to work with Nissan to make charging easier. California's on the list, for instance, because you can get a $5000 cash rebate from the state when you buy one there. The Leaf starts at $32,780, but when the $7500 federal tax credit is applied, plus the $5K rebate, you can theoretically take a Leaf home in the Golden State for $20,800. That's a bargain, and California is likely to be the biggest early-adopter state.
Other early Leaf markets are Seatlle, Phoenix and the states of Oregon and Tennessee (where Nissan is based). By the end of 2011 the Leaf will be available nationally.
Jack Nerad, executive director at Kelly Blue Book (famous for its used car price guides), thinks the Leaf will take off like a Ferrari, but it might also run out of gas. "There's not a good deal of uncertainty about their selling the first 25,000 cars," he said. "It's not hard to believe that they'll find that many environmentalists and technology-oriented customers in a country of 300 million. But what about after that? Is this a consumer product with legs, or will the demand dry up?"
Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center in Michigan, has a remarkably similar viewpoint. "There's clearly a hard-core niche of people who love EVs and will buy them," he said. "Beyond that I'm not sure I see a market there, unless there's an even greater escalation in fuel prices. Having said that, though, I think EV's are great, and in the long term I think that's how the market will move."
The industry is definitely worried about demand, and several executives have said in Senate testimony that they'd like the federal government to buy fleets of EVs to kick things off.
"We'll get a good read on consumer demand starting this week," Nissan's Perry said. Early registrants were supposed to receive an email on April 20 asking them to pay up and convert to reservation status. Nissan will build cars to meet the emerging demand in the U.S., Europe and Japan (where there are 7000 to 8000 registrations, mainly from fleet and municipal government fleets). "We don't want to overpromise," Perry said. That's maybe a good thing as the rubber finally hits the road.
original blog by Jim Motavalli

Daimler, Renault-Nissan create partnership for small cars, powertrain

2 auto companies swap shares of stake in their companies

Daimler AG, Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. agreed to global share-swapping aliance that will have the German automaker and its French-Japanese partner cooperating on the development of small cars, commercial vehicles and future powertrains.

Under the agreement, Daimler plans to take a 3.1 percent stake each in Nissan and Renault, while Nissan and Renault will each take a 1.55 percent share of Daimler.

The move is part of a push by Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn to broaden cooperation with other automakers, drive down costs and share the burden of developing new technologies to meet stricter emissions regulations. The three-way partnership follows similar tie-ups between Fiat SpA and Chrysler Group and Volkswagon AG and Suzuki Motor Corp.

Renault and Nissan have an alliance dating to 1999. Today, the French automaker holds a 44.3 percent stake in its Japanese partner, while Nissan has a 15 percent stake in Renault. "In the area of new technologies, demands from regulators and consumers are intense and unrelenting." Ghosn said at a news conference in Brussels. "We have to continue to develop a wide range of new technologies to stay relevant and competetive, and the investments required on the front end are significant."

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said his company could tap new synergies through the deal.

"Our skills complement each other very well," he said in a statement.

"Right away, we are strengthening our competetiveness in the small and compact car segment and are reducing our CO2 footprint--both on a long term basis."

Ghosn said the Daimler tie-up will generate 2 billion euros in cost reductions and new revenue for the Renault-Nissan alliance over the next five years.

Zetsche said Daimler would reap similar synergies. Speaking at the press conference, he dismissed suggestions the deal might turn sour, like the merger of Daimler and Chrysler. He said the Chrylser deal failed because it failed to pinpoint shared projects.

He called the 3.1 percent-holdings in this case merely "symbolic."

"When we came together with Chrylser, we were in agreement about the merger, but we hadn't thought much about the content of collaboration," Zetsche said. "Here it's very different. We have worked together on very scpecific projects for a number of months now."

Among the new projects is a focus on developing small cars, including the next generation Smart ForTwo and the Renault Twingo, the companies said. Those models will be launched in 2013 onward and be offered with all-electric drivetrains from their debut.

It will also target sharing and co-development of 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines from the Renault-Nissan side to be used in those vehicles.

Meanwhile, Nissan's luxury Infiniti brand will get 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines from Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. ghosn said this will strengthen the Infiniti line up in the United States, China and emerging markets.

The companies will also collaborate on light commercial vehicles, they said. Renault will provide a new commercial van that will be the base for a new Mercedes-Benz van planned for 2012. Daimler will also purchase diesel emgines from Renault-Nissan.

Ghosn and Zetsche said neither company planned to increase the shareholdings beyond the 3.1 percent stakes. ghosn called the share swap a motivational tool.

"The cross shareholding is a lever to give a signal inside the company to cooperate." ghosn said. "It's not short term: it's going to be long term. Please open up the books and exchange your know-how."

COMING SOON TO NISSAN

THE ALL NEW JUKE

The 2011 Nissan JUKE Crossover vehicle is in with the times. Known as THE JUKE, Nissan says the model is closer to a conventional hatchback than a typical SUV. The 2011 Juke will go on sale worldwide later this Fall as alternative to the traditional C-segment hatchback, says Nissan. The design of the Nissan Juke was apparently inspired by rally cars and motorbikes fused into a "part SUV, part sports car" feel. The model is based on Renault Nissan Alliance B-platform and has a 92.5 inch wheelbase and is 61-inches tall.

In Europe, the 2011 Nissan Juke will be available in 3 different choices including one diesel and two gasoline. Sitting at the top of the range will be a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline unit that makes 187-hp and 177 lb-ft torque. A naturally aspirated 1.6L making 113-hp will be available as well. The diesel engine option will be a 1.5L dCi common rail making 110-hp.

The 2WD 1.6L turbocharged model will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the all wheel-drive model will get a CVT with 6-speed manual model. The naturally aspirated 1.6L unit will be mated to either a 5-speed manual or the updated XTRONIC CVT - the diesel will only get a 6-speed manual.

The 2011 Nissan JUKE will make its stateside debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show - stay tuned for U.S. spec details.

NISSAN ADDS NEW ROGUE KROM EDITION

FEATURES SPORTY STYLING, EXCLUSIVE 17-INCH WHEELS, SPORT-TUNED EXHAUST

FRANKLIN, TN (Oct. 23, 2009) Nissan North America, Inc. today announced the latest addition to its Krom Specialty vehicle lineup, the 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom Edition, which is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in December 2009. The new Rogue Krom edition is designed to offer a unique dimension to traditional compact sport utility vehicles with its aggressive sport styling, exclusive 17-inch wheels and a center-exit sport-tuned exhaust. Nissan also offers a Krom edition of the popular Nissan Cube.

The limited production Krom edition is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and in just three exterior colors - venom red, wicked black and gotham gray.

Built on the solid foundation of the Rogue S, the Krom edition adds 17-inch brilliant finish aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/60R Continental Conti 4x4 contact tires and a unique grille embedded in the aggressive front fascia with integrated lights. In the rear, the Rogue Krom edition includes a boldly sytled sport fascia with integrated center-exit exhaust, a body-colored rear spoiler and rear privacy glass. Body-colored power outside mirrors, a Krom emblem and steering-wheel mounted audio controls complete the Krom equipment modifications.

"The new Krom edition expands Rogue's already strong appeal, bringing its unmistakable sporty and active design to buyers seeking to stand out from the crowd of ordinary compact SUV's, said Pat Steiner, director, Specialty Vehicle Group, NNA. "Just a our NISMO models add enhanced performance straight from the factory, the Krom lineup offers, intriguing, customized design right off the showroom floor."

Based at NNA headquarters in Franklin, TN, the Specialty Vehicles Group was formed in August 2006 to develop niche derivatives of Nissan vehicles. "Krom adds a level of style and appearance, along with a sense of intrigue, excitement and self-expression. The Krom name suggests 'cars with attitude,' rather than a literal interpretation of chrome wheels or trim," added Steiner. "We leverage our speed and flexibility in bringing exciting new products to the market - faster and for less than 'mainstream' models."

-About the 2010 Nissan Rogue-
The 2010 Nissan Rogue crossover SUV continues to satisfy both the functional needs of the buyer and their emotional needs - including the versatility provided by a large 58 cubic feet of cargo space. For 2010, Rogue is available in three offerings, Rogue S, Rogue SL and the intriguing Rogue Krom edition - each equipped with a standard 170-horsepower 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anit-lock Braking System (ABS) and available with and intuitive All-wheel drive system. Rogue SL and Rogue Krom include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Chrome door handles are now standard on all Rogue models.

Rogue's interior includes a driver-oriented cockpit with available leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated seats and 6-way power drivers' seat. Versatility is enhanced by numerous convenient storage and ultra-finctionality features, including an oversized glove compartment, a large center console and an innovative available rear cargo organizer. Available technology features include Nissan Intelligent Key. Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold seperately) and a powerful Bose-developed audio system with Md Richbass woofer and MP3 playback.

Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including front seat-exit side impact supplemental air bags and roof-exit curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

For 2010, Rogue S models are available with a new 360 degree value package, which includes unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, privacy glass, integrated rearview mirror rearview monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a rear spoiler and chrome grille.

Nissan unveils the all electric LEAF

The World's First Electric Car designed for Affordability

(August 2, 2009) Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled Nissan LEAF, the world's first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, Nissan LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirments.

Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility - the sero-emission era. The car ist he embodiment of Nissan's radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research.

"Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment - one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride," said Presidnet and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality - the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero-not simply reduced-emissions. It's the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey-for the pwople all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry."

Key charaterisitcs of the ELAF include:

1. Zero-emission power train and platform
2. Affordable pricing
3. Distinctive design
4. Real-world range autonomy - (100 miles)
5. Connected Mobility - advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

The "LEAF" name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competetively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditionsl gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as the environment.

New LEAF Electric Car Reservations to begin in US in Spring 2010

(October 1, 2009) In response to strong initial demand for the Nissan LEAF zero-emission car, Nissan North America, Inc. announced it will begin taking reservations for LEAF on Spring 2010. Nearly 22,000 people in North America have contacted Nissan since the company unveiled the car in August.

"The groundswell of interest, especially from people in our initial lauch markets, demonstrates to us the importance of a reservation system," said Carlos Tavares, head of Nissan's operations in North, Central and South America. "Our goal is to confirm at least 20,000 reservations for Nissan LEAF by the time we deliver the world's first mass-market zero-emission car in late 2010."

Nissan will invite people to "opt-in" and receive updates and information about LEAF through a reservation system that will tell them when the electric car is available-either for test drives or to take home. Participants will receive the latest news about the comapny's zero-emission activities as well as information about the Nissan LEAF and how to become "plug-in ready."

"We'll continue to reach out to this enthusiastic and rapidly growing group as we approach launch," said Tavares.

About 70 percent of the people in North America who have contacted Nissan about LEAF reside in markets where the all-electric zero-emission car first will be brought to market.

Of those who have contacted Nissan, about half report they want to obtain LEAF as soon as it's available, and another 45% indicate interest in owning an electric vehicle within the nest two to three years. Metro areas with the strongest consumer responses are San Diego, Calif., Tucson, Arizona., Seattle, Protland, Oregon, and Los Angeles - all of which are among the first markets where LEAF will be available globally.

More than 90% of the people who have contacted Nissan indicate that they drive less than 100 miles daily, which is the range of LEAF when fully charged. Meanwhile, 75% indicate that they are members of two-car households - prime candidates for an efficient commuter car like the all-electric, zero-emission LEAF.

People invested in zero-emission mobility will have the opportunity to see Nissan LEAF starting November, on the heels of its appearance at the Tokyo Motor show, when it will be on tour throughout the major lauch markets in the United States. the tour will kick off in Los Angeles at a dedicated event.

Nissan is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. Beginning in late 2010, Nissan will manufacture LEAF and its advanced lithium-ion battery pack for the US market at the company's plant in Smyrna, TN. Initially, LEAF will be manufactured in Japan.

Nissan LEAF will be available for private and fleet customers. People who wish to particiapte in the registration program can visit www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car. Details about the program and pricing are being finalized.

In the United States, Nissan - in conjunction with the Renault-Nissan Alliance - is exploring ways to promote zero-emission mobility and the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure through partnerships in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County and San Diego California, Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz., Washington D.C., Seattle, and Raleigh, N.C. Additional partnerships will be announced in the near future.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive desing, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.

Nissan Announces Dates for Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour

(October 22, 2009)

Nissan North America announced that the Nissan LEAF zer-emission, all electric car willmake its North America debut in Los Angeles on Nov. 13. the Los Angeles showing will be the first time people in the United States will be able to see the five-passenger, five-door, gasoline-free car, which is embarking on a nationwide tour.

The Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour will make stops in 22 cities, in 11 states, the District of Columbia, and Vancouver, Canada, offering the opportunity for interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students to learn more about the Nissan LEAF and the benfits of zero-emission driving,

Follow the tour, get updates on the final schedule and specific showings, and sign up for more information, at www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car. Look for Nissan LEAF to make public appearances in the following areas during these times:

Southern California
Los Angeles: Nov. 13-17
Orange County: Nov 18
Sand Diego: Nov 19-21

Northern California
Berkeley/Walnut Creek: Nov 23-24
San Francisco: Nov 25-29
Santa Rosa: Dec. 1
Sacramento: Dec 1
San Jose: Dec 3-6

Pacific Northwest
Seattle: Dec 8-12
Vancouver, Canada: Dec. 14-15
Portland, Oregon: Dec 17-23

Southwest
Pheonix/Tucson: Dec 30-Jan.5
Las Vegas: Jan 6

Midwest/East Coast
Detroit: Jan 11-13
Knoxville/Chatanooga, Tenn.: Jan 16
Middle Tennessee: Jan 19-21
Washington, D.C.: Jan 26-28
Raleigh, N.C.: Jan 29
Orlando: Feb 1-2

Texas
Houston: Feb 5-6

New York
New York City: Feb. 9-14

Nissan is the only automaker committed to making all-electric vehicles available to the mass market on a global scale. through the Nissan LEAF Zero Emission Tour, Nissan will be showcasing the electric vehicle and battery technology as well as the company's zero-emission mobility objectives. Nissan already has partnered on the development of an electric-vehicle infrastructure through partnerships in the State of Tennessee, the State of Oregon, Sonoma County, Sand Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, Washinigton D.C., Seattle, Raleigh and Vancouver. Additional partnetships will be announced in the near future.

NITROGEN FILLING STATION NOW AT UNIVERSITY NISSSAN

Why use Nitrogen?

University Nissan now offers a NITROGEN Filling Station

Why use Nitrogen?

....For Safety and Savings!

Improves Fuel Economy
Increases Tire Life
Less Loss of Tire Pressure
Helps prevent uneven Tire Wear
Reduces Wheel Corrosion
Tires Run Cooler Adding Tire Life

A Nitrogen fill replaces the oxygen. The larger Nitrogen molecules ae less likely to "leak" through the tire rubber helping to maintain the proper tire pressure.

What is Nitrogen?
Nitrogen (N2) is a clean, dry, nonflammable, inert gas which makes up 79% of the air you breathe...simple! It has been used for years to inflate airplane tires, off-road truck tires, military vehicle tires, and race car tires for improved performance. Now the benefits of Nitrogen tire fill are available to you.

Tire manufacturers support the use of Nitrogen tire filling basedon its ability to better retain tire pressure ove a longer period of time.

Nitrogen does not permeate through the rubber tire wall like the oxygen (O2) in the air will, therefore, tires maintain pressure longer which improves fuel economy, increases tire life & helps to ensure safety.

Nitrogen reduces oxidation to tire rubber, also a contributor to better tire wear, contributing to lengthening tire life significantly.

Nitrogen reduces oxidation to tire rims normally caused by oxygen and moisture found in compressed air.

The pressure in Nitrogen filled tires does not fluctuate with temperature change like tires filled with standard compressed air, therefore decreasing the likelihood of seeing the tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) indicator/warning light.

*Maintaining the pressure in your tires to the manufacturer's tire pressure specifications improves fuel efficiency by up to 4%.

(At today's gas prices, who can afford no to try to increase fuel efficiency?!!)

Comparison Test

Nissan Murano vs Toyota Venza vs Ford Edge

First Place: 2009 Nissan Murano LE AWD. Click here to read the full article from edmunds.com.

Nissan Cube

http://autos.aol.com/article/2009-nissan-cube

Bigger Inside Than A Chevy Tahoe
by Alex Nunez | http://www.autoblog.com
Posted: Apr, 07 2009

One of our favorite cars last year was a cream-colored, second-generation Nissan Cube that Nissan loaned us for a few days of commuting and assorted daily driving duties. It was a fantastic car, with excellent styling, an ingenious 4WD system, a practical interior, and -- bless its heart -- a front bench seat. But that car last year wasn't made for America; it was only sold in Japan. Nissan was passing around the keys because it wanted to build up buzz for the arrival of the third-generation Cube, which would break free of the right-hand-drive market prison to which its predecessors were restricted. The Japanese-market Cube was indeed a tasty appetizer, but now the main course has arrived. Once again, we were given the keys to a Nissan Cube for a few days. Only this time it was brown and, more importantly, you can actually buy it in the U.S.

The 2009 Nissan Cube is the third-generation of the nameplate. The previous model is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the "original" car, but the real first-gen Cube, which bowed in 1998, preceded it. It wasn't much of a design statement (a pretty generic-looking hatch, really) compared to the car that followed, which is probably why folks outside Japan forget about it.

One of the biggest concerns we had relating to a left-hand-drive Cube was whether Nissan would go all the way and carry over the car's now-signature asymmetric bodywork while retaining market specificity. Doing this would require much more than just moving the steering wheel to the opposite side of the dash. Determined to make the Cube a true global vehicle, Nissan spent the money necessary to develop the car so that it is indeed sold wearing market-specific sheet metal. For instance, the blackout panel ahead of the lone D-pillar is on the driver's side. The extra window and wraparound-look glass are on the passenger side. The big fridge-door rear hatch is hinged on the driver's side. Put a new U.S.-market Nissan Cube next to its Japanese counterpart and you'll see that they're exact mirror images of each other.

Styling-wise, Nissan sought to retain as much of the second-generation car's charm as it could while meeting all of the regulatory requirements in export regions like the United States. In the Cube's case, this concession to the global marketplace manifests itself in the form of more bulbous front and rear bumpers that add some Leno in front and Beyonce out back. The styling is still eye-catching, but the last Nissan Cube was the better-looking car -- a design classic, even. That said, most North American shoppers aren't car dorks, so they won't even be aware of the previous Cube. Ignorance is bliss, and most people will be captivated with the new Cube's looks. Men and women, young and old alike stopped us with compliments on the car. "It's neat!" was uttered on more than one occasion.

The 2009 Cube has narrow headlamps that arch up slightly at their inside lower corners where they're bridged by a simple, dark panel with grillework made up of twelve small slats -- six on each side of the Nissan badge. A larger intake sits high on the bumper below forming the Cube's "mouth" as it were. Finally, there's a lower intake on the front bumper that's flanked by the fog lamps, or in the case of our base Cube S, blacked-out circles where those lamps would go on higher trims. Head-on, the Cube looks anthromorphized, as if it were to strike up a conversation with neighboring vehicles at any moment.

The sheet metal around the side glass is beveled, so the windows themselves look recessed. On the driver's side, the blackout panel aft of the passenger-door window features a ripple effect on the plastic -- a recurring theme that's reinforced inside the car. We'll get to that in a moment. Pronounced wheel arches echo the theme established by the softer, rounder bumpers. Out back, the tail lamp strip echoes the shape of the headlamp/grill combo on the car's nose. The rear end is where the Cube's asymmetry is most evident, with a pillar on the left side only. On the right, the glass just wraps around. It sets the Cube apart from the rest of the (suddenly, increasingly crowded) box-wagon segment. Despite its curvier front and rear bumpers, the rest of the Cube's shape is straightforward, two-box stuff. Oh, and our Cube features a very tasty "Bitter Chocolate" finish. The more brown cars, the merrier!

Climb into the Cube, look up and you'll see the new car's calling card: the ripple effect. It dominates the headliner and is repeated in the bottoms of the cup holders and on the speaker grilles. We were a little concerned that the roof ripples would come off as gimmicky in person, but they add personality to the econobox interior. Our test car's dark, charcoal-hued interior is not the one we'd choose for ourselves, however. It comes off as a little dour for a vehicle with such personality. If your tastes run similar to ours, go for the lighter interior -- it's more cheery, makes the interior feel even more spacious and, on higher trim levels, can be ordered with a two-tone instrument panel.

That instrument panel is basic and functional with a wave motif that's likely intended to capitalize on the ripple-effect details we mentioned earlier. The "crest" of the wave is in the center where our tester's AM/FM/CD head unit was stationed. The stereo's fine, but one small issue is that the AUX jack for an iPod or other digital music player is a fair distance away from the floor console where you'll rest the device, so expect to have a prominently dangling wire if you use a portable player for tunes. The Cube S has standard A/C with exceedingly simple controls (The higher-level models get automatic A/C with a different interface). Drivers get simple and easy-to-read primary analog gauges with a digital multifunction display (fuel level, odo, etc.) shoehorned between them. The driver also gets a high-mounted cup holder just to the left of the gauge cluster, which is helpful because the secondary cup holders (arranged in the shape of Mickey Mouse's head) are a long reach away on the floor. Storage up front, however, is basically limited to the glove box, which is a good size. You can leave some stuff on the console tray between the front seats, and Nissan offers accessory bungee cords that can be used as impromptu map pockets in a pinch, but our tester wasn't equipped as such.

You'll notice that we mention a console between the seats. That's because unlike the previous (and current) Japanese-market Cube, the U.S. model is only available with a pair of front seats and not the wonderful front bench we experienced in last summer's JDM tester. Nissan told us that this was due to some regulatory issue, which we have no trouble believing. As such, American drivers get a floor shifter, whether it's the CVT or the 6-speed manual, the latter of which is what we got to play with. The stick is an easy reach from the cushy, cloth-covered driver's seat, which affords a good view outward. Headroom for all passengers is simply abundant. 42.7 inches in front. 40.2 inches in back. Put into practical terms, those numbers are better than what you'll find in a Tahoe. Rear seat comfort is good, too. The 60/40 split seatbacks recline, and the seat itself also slides fore and aft, allowing for increased legroom or rear cargo space depending on what you need at any given time. Cargo space behind those seats is recessed (like a minivan, actually), and if you need more room than that, you can fold down the seatbacks. Note that they merely fold -- no tumbling forward or anything like that for additional room, so it's essentially bi-level storage back there. The non-mechanical cargo space privacy cover included with the tester was very simple to use -- attach to the rear seatbacks with Velcro and hook the fixed panel to wall anchors with elastic loops. It does its job perfectly well, and removes in seconds if you don't feel like using it.

Power comes exclusively from the same 122-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder featured in most Versas. It is an able motivator for the 2,795-pound Cube, especially with the manual gearbox. There's plenty of juice on tap, so we never felt ourselves wanting more power, either on local roads or the highway. It's pretty easy on gas, too. We averaged north of 29 mpg over four days, with a healthy amount of highway driving built into that. In fact, we exceeded the EPA's 30 mpg highway rating on a weirdly traffic-free St. Patrick's Day commute into NYC, racking up 32 mpg on the round-trip (around 70 miles or so total). The manual's shift action is easy, if a smidge on the notchy side, and the overall driving experience is very pleasant. Don't look for sportiness here -- you're barking up the wrong tree. The Nissan Cube moves well with the tools it's got, but it's clearly designed for comfort. Steering effort is super-light and super-assisted. Feel is more a theoretical concept than it is an actual sensation here. The Cube's suspension is dialed in to soak up potholes, not carve corners. Attempt the latter, and the body rolls heavily in protest. On the upside, while you're pounding the pavement in urban environs, the pavement doesn't pound you back nearly as hard.

Ultimately, we left the Cube liking it about as much as we liked the Japanese version last year. (And that, we liked a lot.) It's totally cool looking, roomy, comfortable and comfortable to drive. It's also reasonably priced. Our Cube S with no options (power windows, the manual gearbox, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD, air conditioning, and 15-inch steelies with plastic covers are all part of the standard package) stickered at $14,675. Taking a lesson from Scion, Nissan will gladly take more of your money should you care to accessorize with stuff like a shag-carpet dash-topper. The Cube arrives on the scene amid competition from the likes of rival boxes, the Scion xB and brand new Kia Soul. Being square, it seems, is cool again. Look for the Cube to be available in early May.

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