Nissan Buzz: Future Cars
Nissan Motors continues to make important strides in becoming
one of the highest quality automakers on the scene in North
America today. Long living in the shadow of Japanese stalwarts
Honda and Toyota, Nissan is fighting back with a series of new
or updated models to cut into the Honda-Toyota dominance. Can
they succeed? You be the judge as we take a look at four coming
attractions soon to make their appearance at a Nissan dealer
near you!
Nissan Versa - Toyota's Scion division has been a hit
with the youth, while Nissan has been scrambling to provide
models that can capture the interest of new drivers while being
at the same time affordable. Scheduled for release by Summer
2006, the Versa will come with a 1.8L inline four cylinder
engine and be available as either a five door hatchback or a
four door sedan. The car will be manufactured in Mexico with a
starting price in the neighborhood of 12 thousand dollars
expected.
Nissan Cube - Still in the "maybe it will be imported"
stage, the new Cube is Nissan's response to the Scion xB and the
Honda Element. Seating five to seven adults, the Cube is exactly
that: a box on wheels. Published reports suggest that the Cube
will be released to the North American market by 2008.
Nissan Sentra - A new Sentra is expected to bow during
the second half of 2006 as a 2007 model. Significant styling
changes and an up market push are planned by Nissan to help the
car compete more effectively with the VW Golf and Mazda 3.
Nissan Altima - The big change coming for the Altima is
the introduction of a hybrid engine. Scheduled to hit Nissan
showrooms by Fall 2006, this new Altima model will actually
borrow Toyota technology to create Nissan's first hybrid. The
engine and the battery will be all Nissan, however; Nissan
apparently needs an assist from its Japanese rival to enter the
growing hybrid segment.
Beyond 2008 consumers can expect to see an updated Quest van
makes its appearance with subtle changes on the remaining
vehicles in Nissan's line up. Additional models are in the
concept stage; expect some to be shown at upcoming auto shows.
Although it is too early to confirm each of the four featured
models, Nissan's thrust in the coming years is to increase its
share of the Generation "Y" market. Should the Cube and Versa
make their appearance as hoped for, Nissan is likely to score
some points with young drivers in two areas: style and price.
Look out Honda and look out Toyota!
About the author:
Matt Keegan is an auto enthusiast and contributing writer
for Auto Parts
Warehouse, a wholesaler of premium auto parts including
discount Nissan parts and accessories for your
Maxima, Pathfinder, Sentra, or other fine Nissan vehicle.
Written By: Matthew C. Keegan
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