Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (ダイハツ工業株式会社, Daihatsu Kōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha) is a Japanese manufacturer of cars, well known for its smaller models. Many of its models are also known as kei jidosha (or kei car) in Japan.

The name "Daihatsu" is a combination of the first kanji (Chinese character, also shared in Japanese language) for Osaka (大) and the first of the word "engine manufacture" (発); when put together they are pronounced "dai hatsu". (In Japanese, it is pronounced as Da-i-ha-tsu, NOT Dai-hat-su, but in practice, even in Japanese, the name is often slurred and doesn't sound too different than the latter pronunciation.)

It was reported on 31 March 2005, that Toyota would exit Daihatsu from the Australian market, after sales fell heavily in 2005, in spite of the overall new-car market in Australia growing 7%. Daihatsu wound up its Australian operations in March 2006 after almost 40 years in the market.

Daihatsu's operations in Chile – where Daihatsu is a well-known brand for its 1970s models such as the Charade or Cuore – were also threatened after very low sales in 2004 and 2005. However, Toyota has stated that it intends to persist in the Chile market for now.

Daihatsu has supplied cars under different badges to various different automakers in the past, and also supplies engines and transmissions to one of Malaysia's largest car makers, Perodua, which sells cars in the United Kingdom.


Terios/Taruna/Kembara

The Daihatsu Terios is a mini SUV, first released in 1997 by the Japanese car manufacturer Daihatsu. The engine was a modified Daihatsu Charade 1.3 litre engine, with constant four wheel drive. It comes in 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission. The second generation of Terios is co-developed by Daihatsu and Toyota.


Tanto

The Daihatsu Tanto was introduced in the 2003 Tokyo show as a concept vehicle based on the Daihatsu Move 'tall' body style. The car was introduced into Japanese market in 2003. The Daihatsu Tanto is a Kei car. The Daihatsu Tanto Custom was added in July 2005.


Sirion/Storia/Boon/Toyota Duet/Passo

The Daihatsu Sirion is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu since 1998. Various versions of the Sirion have also been known as the Daihatsu Storia and Boon, and the Toyota Duet and Passo.

The Sirion was launched in 1998 and has since undergone two upgrades, one in 2001 and another in 2004/2005. The version of the Sirion on sale in Europe and Australia in 2005 was first released in Japan in June 2004 under the names Daihatsu Boon and Toyota Passo.


Move

The Daihatsu Move is a kei car, produced by Japanese automaker Daihatsu since August 1995. The Move is design to be as tall as compact cars like the Suzuki Wagon R. Daihatsu successfully sold 500,000 Moves during its first three years of production. The Move is built upon the chassis of the Daihatsu Cuore but with a taller body. The second generation Move (L900) used the same chassis as the first generation (L600). In 2002, the third generation Daihatsu Move (L150/L160) was introduced.

In October 2006, the fourth generation Move was introduced. A KF-VE-type non-turbo engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) were available on this model, providing superior acceleration performance and higher fuel efficiency of 23 km/L.

Variations on this model include the Grand Move, Move Latte (Simply known in the US as the Latte (Perhaps sold under the Toyota marque since in February 1992, Daihatsu phased out of the US) (Arriving In Toyota Showrooms for the 2008.5 model year)) and Move Custom. The Daihatsu Naked (only available in Japan) is also based on the Daihatsu Move bodyshell, although with a different facelite, body and door trim. They come in a variety of trims and optional accessories. Recently, a hybrid version of the Move, based on the Daihatsu Pyzar, has been manufactured. It uses both gasolin and electricity.

In addition to the 660 cc engine, the Move is also supplied with 850 cc and 1000 cc engine for export markets.

In Malaysia, Perodua also manufacture a version of the Move called the Kenari.

In China, under the joint venture between First Automobile Works and Toyota, a petrol and electrical version of Miles ZX40, based on the Daihatsu Move, were manufactured.


Trevis/Mira /Cuore/Domino/Charade

The Daihatsu Mira (also known as the Cuore, Domino or Charade outside of Japan), is a kei car-type vehicle built by the Japanese car maker Daihatsu. It comes with a variety of options and chassis variations, with the latest variant having four models: "Mira", "Mira AVY", "Mira Gino" and "Mira VAN". The Mira is basically an upgraded and renamed version of the Daihatsu Fellow. It was sold alongside the names of Mira and Cuore. The commercial version was dropped when the Mira was released in later years as a Charade. Out of Japan, the Mira also offer with 850 cc engine. In Australia, the two-seater version was known as a "handivan" and was later renamed as just Handi.

In July 1988, the Daihatsu Mira arrived to replace the Daihatsu Max Cuore. The second generation (L70) of the Mira was introduced in 1985, and the third generation (L200) in 1990. The third generation of Mira also sharing the identical look with the 1986-1992 Daihatsu Leeza. The fourth generation (L500) was introduced in 1994 and was still based on the same chassis as the L200. October 1998 saw the fifth generation (L700) introduced, 2002 the sixth generation (even though the Mira Gino (L700) was still in production until 2004), and in 2006 the seventh generation model.

The Mira Gino, with its distinct retro-style looks, is marketed as the Daihatsu Trevis in Europe. The first generation of the Daihatsu Mira Gino is based on the L700 Mira. In 2004, the second generation Mira Gino was ultimately replaced, and no longer shares the same identical body as the Mira.

The L70(second generation) and L200(third generation) Mira also available in Drop off or Pick-up style. The pick-up version were drop from production after the L200, the Drop off style still available in L500(fourth generation) before it was discontinue.

The L200 variant (1990–92) had two engine sizes: a .65L 3-cylinder 660 cc engine was available in Japan, while in Australia and other part of the world, a more powerful variant with 847 cc and a 4-speed manual gearbox was in use from 1990–91. A 5-speed manual transmission came into force in 1992. The L500 Mira is the first kei car from Daihatsu which offer 4-cylinder 660 cc engine.

The 660 cc Japanese variant of the Mira had a rather unusual feature for a modern car: the rear passenger seats were designed and manufactured without rear seat-belts being fitted.

The Daihatsu Mira is one of the lightest four-seat passenger cars in the world weighing just 580 kg (1279 lb).


Materia/Sirion/Coo

The Daihatsu Materia is a mini MPV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu.

It is based on the platform of the second generation of the Daihatsu Sirion and is largely identical to the second gerneration of the Toyota bB.

Comes in 1.3L and 1.5L varieties with a 4WD version in the pipeline, manual and Auto versions. (Currently in UK they only have the 1.5l Version 16/11/2007) 0-60 times 10.8 for manual, and 13.7 for Auto (UK Versions).

Esse

The Daihatsu Esse is a Japanese kei car launched in December 2005, that at launch was the cheapest new car in Japan. Its current price range is ¥682,500 - ¥1,123,500. It has 4 seats and a 658 cc engine.
According to Daihatsu, Esse means 'Eco, Smart, Simple & Easy'
It is available as a 5 door hatchback in 2 distinct styles - Esse or Esse Custom.
Esse is available as Eco, D, L, and X in FWD and 4WD. Esse Custom was added in November 2006 and is available as Custom and Custom 4WD.
Its main rivals are the Suzuki Alto, Subaru R1, Mitsubishi eK and Subaru Pleo.


Copen

The Daihatsu Copen is a 2-door roadster with an aluminium retractable hardtop built by the Japanese car company Daihatsu. It debuted at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show as the Copen concept, based on Daihatsu's front-wheel-drive light-car platform.

The Copen was originally designed with a 660 cc turbocharged engine in order to meet Japanese kei car regulations. However it no longer meets environmental emissions standards in several countries, so in these markets the Copen is fitted with a more powerful 1.3 L powerplant.

At the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, Daihatsu revealed two new models of the Copen, a 1.3l and the 'ZZ'.


Kancil/Nippa/Ceria

The Perodua Kancil (also known as the Perodua Nippa in the United Kingdom, and the Daihatsu Ceria in Indonesia) is a small car manufactured by Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Malay for "Second Automobile Manufacturer") in Malaysia. It has been in production since 1994. The Kancil is named after the mousedeer (chevrotain) native to Malaysia.


Hijet/Atrai

 

The Daihatsu Hijet is a microvan and pickup truck produced by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu. Despite the similarities between the Hijet name and Toyota's naming scheme for its trucks and vans (Hiace and Hilux), the name "Hijet" has been in use for Daihatsu's kei trucks and vans since at least the 1970s, over two decades before Toyota took control. "Hijet", when transliterated into Japanese, is very similar to "Midget", one of Daihatsu's other mini-trucks.

Available engines for 2006 include the DVVT equipped 660 cc EF-VE, making 39 kW (52 hp) at 7000 rpm and 63 N·m (46 ft·lbf) of torque at 4000 rpm, and the 660 cc EF-SE, making 33 kW (44 hp) at 5900 rpm and 57 N·m (42 ft·lbf) of torque at 3600 rpm. The base model is mid-engine, rear drive, but four-wheel drive versions are available.

In Japan, a more luxury of Hijet is know as Daihatsu Atrai. Also powered by a 660 cc Turbo engine produce 64 bhp (48 kW).


SONICA

DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) announced the launch in Japan of the new SONICA^*1 mini passenger car on June 19.

The SONICA is a new concept car, developed in the pursuit of innovatively high quality driving performance for a small car. With target buyer focus on commonly known "freestyle couples" who place great importance on their own personalities and private time, this car anticipates recent lifestyle changes in Japan, as well as the shift of user preference toward smaller cars. The SONICA is the result of Daihatsu's continuing quest for passenger cars that give their users the driving enjoyment and cruising comfort they are seeking.

The Nissan GT-R is a high performance automobile created by Nissan, released in Japan on December 6, 2007, and expected to be released internationally by the beginning of 2008. Nissan and the automotive press frequently refer to the GT-R as a supercar.

Nissan Skyline GT-R

Between 1969 and 1974, and again between 1989 and 2002, Nissan produced a high performance version of its Skyline range, called the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This car proved to be iconic for Nissan and achieved much fame and success on road and track. The Nissan GT-R, although no longer carrying the "Skyline" badge, has heritage in the Nissan Skyline GT-R. Like the Skyline GT-Rs R32 through R34, the Nissan GT-R is All-Wheel-Drive with a twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine; however, the evolutionary, incremental changes between Skyline models R32 through R34 have been done away with. The four-wheel-steering HICAS system has been done away with, plus the traditional straight-6 RB26DETT engine has been replaced with a new V6 VR38DETT. Because of the GT-R's heritage the chassis code for the all-new version has been called CBA-R35, or 'R35' for short, carrying on the naming trend from the R34 Skyline GT-R.

Concepts

The Nissan GT-R Concept was initially unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001 to preview what a 21st century GT-R would look like.

GT-R Proto

At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled a redesigned concept, the GT-R Proto, stating that the production GT-R would be 80-90% based on this concept.

The production version of the GT-R has debuted at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, with its launch in the Japanese market scheduled for 6 December 2007. The U.S. launch will follow in June 2008. Europe will be the third market, where it is expected to be launched late 2008. The large time distance between these releases is due to Nissan having to build GT-R performance centres where the car is built and serviced. Also the engine and rear-mounted dual-clutch gearbox are built by hand, limiting production to around 1000 cars a month. Prices start at $66,675 for the base model, $68,580 for the Black Edition (with forged wheels and black/red leather) and $71,900 for the Premium edition (forged wheels, beige leather seats, Bose premium speakers and a Thatcham alarm as standard fit).

It has already been driven by Autoweek in Germany in the new Nürburgring, in the autobahn and in small roads. Also, photos of the production vehicle were published a week early since Motor Trend broke the embargo.

Specifications

• 3.8 L twin-turbocharged DOHC V6 engine (VR38DETT)
• Induction: Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) turbochargers with intercooler
• Power: 480 PS (473 hp/353 kW) @ 6400 rpm
• Torque: 588 N·m (434 ft·lbf) @ 3200-5200 rpm
• Curb weight: 1740 kg (3836 lb)
• ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R)
• 6-speed dual clutch automated manual transaxle with triple cone synchros and 3 shift modes
• Redline: 7000 rpm
• Drag coefficient: C_d of 0.27
• Environmental performance: California ULEV(Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) cleared. 

 Performance

• Top speed: 310 km/h (193 mph)
• Acceleration: 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) in 3.5 seconds
• (measured Japanese production spec 0-60 mph (97 km/h), 3.3 seconds by Edmunds)
• Standing ¹/₄-mile: 11.6 s at 190 km/h (118 mph)

A test of the Japanese production spec GT-R by online auto-magazine Edmunds provided a 3.3-second 0-60-mph run, and 11.6 at 120.9 mph (194.6 km/h) quarter mile with launch control. Edmunds speculated that faster times may be achievable on better road conditions than provided by the runway which they used for the test. Dynamometer tests on early production versions have shown that the GT-R makes its advertised power at the wheels, which means actual engine output (before driveline losses) could be as high as 550-575 bhp SAE net.

Aftermarket Tuning

The new GT-R has been reported by both the automotive press as well as sources within Nissan as being harder to modify than the previous Skyline GT-Rs, due to the supposedly 'untuneable' ECU, the drivetrain accesories and the design of the turbochargers (integrated into exhaust manifolds). Nissan has also gone through lengths to safeguard the car against modification with sensors alerting the dealer of any performance modifications and nullifying the warranty. However, it has been reported that Nissan has given access to the car to select tuners, already Japanese tuning houses Mine's, MCR and Top Secret have been seen testing modified GT-Rs with the former two having conducted tests at the Tsukuba Circuit.

Motorsport

Nismo, the motorsport arm of Nissan will be entering the Nissan GT-R in the Super GT race series in the GT500 class for the 2008 season, replacing the Nissan 350Z. A prototype has recently been spotted testing around the Suzuka Circuit.

The Nissan GT-R will make it's world motorsport début in Australia's Targa Tasmania tarmac rally.

Design

Nissan chief creative officer, Shiro Nakamura, has likened the new GT-R to the eponymous giant robots of the Gundam series. Nakamura states: "The GT-R is unique because it is not simply a copy of a European-designed supercar, it had to really reflect Japanese culture." Specifically, Nakamura noted that the GT-R's square lines and vents were influenced by Gundam. Designers from Japan, America, and Europe contributed to the final GT-R shape.

Gran Turismo creators Polyphony Digital were themselves involved in the development of the GT-R, having been contracted to design the GT-R's multifunction display.

Nissan Motor Company, Limited (日産自動車株式会社, Nissan Jidōsha Kabushiki-gaisha^?) (TYO: 7201, NASDAQ: NSANY) is a Japanese automobile manufacturer, which formerly marketed vehicles under the Datsun brand name and is one of the largest car manufacturers.

For the truck and bus maker "Nissan Diesel", it is a separate company from Nissan Motors, please see UD instead.

The company's main offices are located in the Ginza area of Chūō, Tokyo with disassembling by 2013, but Nissan plans to move its headquarters to Yokohama, Kanagawa by 2010, with construction starting in 2007. In 1999, Nissan entered an alliance with Renault S.A. of France. Nissan is among the top three Asian rivals of the "big three" in the U.S. Currently they are the third largest Japanese car manufacturer.

The Nissan VQ engines, of V6 configuration, have featured among Ward's 10 Best Engines for 12 straight years, since the award's inception.

Much like its brother Renault, the pronunciation of its name is different in different markets. In the U.S., the brand is pronounced /ˈniːsɑːn/, while in the UK it is /ˈnɪsən/. In Japanese, it is IPA: [nisːãɴ].



Altima

The Altima (pronounced ALL-teh-mah) is a mid-size car (formerly compact) currently being manufactured by the Japanese automaker Nissan, and is arguably a continuation of the "bloodline" that began with the Nissan Bluebird in 1957. It has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima.

In addition to North America, the Altima is available in the Middle East. In other markets, Nissan sells a related mid-size sedan called the Nissan Teana, built on the same FF-L platform.

350Z

The Nissan 350Z is a sports car manufactured by Nissan Motor Co, LTD. The 350Z is the fifth (and current) generation of Nissan's Z-car line, originally introduced in 1969 (as a 1970 model year) as the Datsun 240Z. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. It is currently available in several trim packages and is sold as both a 2 door coupé and roadster.

Armada

The Nissan Armada (formerly called the Pathfinder Armada) is Nissan's full-size sport utility vehicle. It shares its body-on-frame F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Titan pickup truck, Nissan Xterra SUV, Nissan Frontier pickup truck, and Nissan Pathfinder SUV. An upscale version of the Armada is sold as the Infiniti QX56. All Armadas are currently built in Canton, Mississippi. The Armada's competitors are the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Dodge Durango/Chrysler Aspen, Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia.

The Armada has a 5.6 L 317 hp (227 kW) VK56DE V8 engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Armada was designed for North America and introduced for the 2004 model year. The switch to the Armada name was made in 2005, where it got new badges.

It has a towing capacity of 9,100 lbs.

According to Consumer Reports, the Armada and QX56 have been very unreliable primarily due to problems with the brakes. But as of the 2008 model year, many of these problems have been reportedly solved.

There are some Armadas that are capable of using E85. It is currently the only Japanese vehicle sold in the U.S. other than the Nissan Titan that can use E85.

Cedric

The Nissan Cedric is a large luxurious automobile produced by Nissan since 1960. It was developed to provide upscale transportation, competing with the Prince Skyline and Gloria which were later merged into the Nissan family. In later years, the Nissan Skyline was positioned as a sports sedan/coupe, whereas the Nissan Gloria was turned into a sporty version of the Cedric (with identical styling but using a different radiator grille and front & rear light clusters). In Japan, the Cedric/Gloria series was affectionately called Cedglo, and this long running series finally came to an end in October 2004, replaced by the Nissan Fuga. The Cedric name is still in use though, on the Y31 fleet vehicle, updated in 2005 and still in production.


Cefiro

The Cefiro disappeared in 2003, but the name continues to be used in some export markets, using the Nissan Teana J31 as a new replacement model.

The current J31 Teana is sold under the name of Teana in Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia & China. The same car is sold under the name of Cefiro in Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, Latin America & Caribbean and Maxima in Australia.

The Cefiro is a grey import that is popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Russia.


Cima

The Nissan Cima is a large luxury sedan produced by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for the Japanese market.

The fourth-generation Cima arrived in January 2001. The timing was early in the Nissan Revival Plan, so the Cima did not have the Skyline's FM platform. Instead, it features an updated version of the old platform, with a new rear suspension. However, Nissan's new design identity was thoroughly worked into both the exterior and interior. This Cima became known for its unique 7-reflector headlights.

The new VK45DD direct-injection V8 features in the Japanese Cima, alongside the VQ30DET, both producing 280 horsepower (209 kW). The V8 in the Infiniti version produces 340 horsepower (254 kW).


Crew

The Nissan Crew is a midsize sedan manufactured by Nissan Motors and only sold in Japan, where the cars are mainly used for police and taxi purposes and for fleet use, alongside the Nissan Cedric Y31, which is mechanically related, but larger. Its main competition is the Toyota Comfort. It was introduced in June 1993 and was updated in 1998, 2001 and 2005. The Crew is powered by an NA20P engine, similar to the RB20E, but supports the use of LPG fuel and produces 85 PS.

As of 2004, the Crew was offered with the RB20E inline-six (130 PS) and a 2.8 litre inline-six diesel engine (Type RD28, 94 PS). Model line-up consisted of the base LS-F and the more comprehensively equipped LS and LX.

The Crew forms the basis for the Galue I sedan by Mitsuoka.

Cube

The Nissan Cube is a mini MPV produced by Nissan and sold in the Japanese market. Like its name suggests, the Cube is very square-like in its shape, with only the front end sticking out from the box shape of the design. Around 20% of Nissan Cubes were formulated for disabled customers. The Cube was popular with disabled people because of the simple design and easily modified chassis.

The second generation of the Cube, released in 2002 with a more spacious interior and a modern combination of angled and curved surfaces, was based on the third generation of the March, powered by a 1.4 L engine. A CVT was optional once again, and was made available in a stretched wheelbase version with seven seats, called the Cube³. For 2005, both models were upgraded with the new HR-series 1.5 L engine from the Nissan Tiida, and are now available with the new "e4WD" system, which transfers power to the rear wheels when the front wheels spin.

In January 2008, Ishiro Nakamura, Nissan's global design director stated that the Cube will be coming to the U.S. market. The U.S.-bound Cube will get 37 MPG and will be equipped with "e-4WD", which includes an electric motor operating (when demand dictates) alongside the gasoline engine. The Cube's U.S. release is scheduled to occur in late 2008 or early 2009.


Elgrand

The Nissan Elgrand is a luxury van manufactured by Nissan sold in Japan and other Asian markets including Hong Kong. It is available in seven and eight passenger variants, with rear wheel drive.

In Hong Kong presently (2007), 2 models are offered, the Elgrand XL and the Elgrand Highway Star which is an eight passenger variant. The Elgrand is packed with options including the AFS (Active Front Lighting System) that can also be found in the third generation Toyota Previa/Estima.The Elgrand comes in 6 different colors and is equipped with twin sunroofs and Xenon headlamps with the Auto on-off system. The base price of both the Elgrand XL and the highway star are the same at $486800 Hong Kong Dollars.

The Exterior of the Elgrand has changed a lot since its predecessor, it is now equipped with remote controlled electronic doors, side mirrors with signal lights, a rear roof spoiler, and 16 (XL) or 17 (HWS) inch Aluminium Alloy rims. The new front styling ( including new chrome front grill) gives the Elgrand an enhanced sporty look that will prove its name on the highway.

The Interior is full of luxuries that will keep the user busy, with captain seats, a nine speaker Bose sound system, a DVD player with a nine inch screen etc. The Elgrand is also equipped inside with an eight inch LCD monitor at the front near the dashboard that provides Vehicle Information and is part of the Vehicle information system or also known as VIS. Both versions also come with a heated drivers seat and a heated front passenger's seat as well. Electronic curtains can also be found on the Elgrand along with a perfectly made Black genuine wood -grained Leather steering wheel.

Like most of the newer models Nissan makes, the Elgrand comes with the Keyless-go feature. This enhances convenience for the user. An Optional GPS system for the Hong Kong and China Guandong province can be installed into the 8 inch LCD screen that provides vehicle information.

The Elgrand uses a V6 3.5 liter VQ35DE engine from Nissan's VQ engine series combined with a five speed automatic transmission with manumatic shifting. It uses Multi link rear suspension along with a four-wheel ventilated disc brakes as the braking system.

From 1997 to 2002, the E50 Elgrand was rebadged as Isuzu Filly for the Japanese market exclusively. A filly is a young female horse, the male equivalent being colt.


Frontier

The Nissan Frontier, which is also known as the Navara in other parts of the world such as Australia, is a pickup truck made by Nissan. Nissan was the pioneer of the compact pickup truck market in 1959, joined in the 1960s by Toyota. Since 1959, Nissan is known for a number of notable firsts in the compact pickup truck market, including the first extended cab body style (in the 1976 Nissan King Cab) and the first crew cab compact pickup in North America, in the 2000 Frontier. Frontiers are currently built in Smyrna, Tennessee, like its immediate predecessor, the Nissan Hardbody Truck.

Initially, the Frontier was considered a compact, but beginning with the totally redesigned model year 2005 Frontier (introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show), it became more mid-sized. It uses the new Nissan F-Alpha platform and exterior body styling resembles that of the company's full-size Nissan Titan truck.

The new truck's wheelbase is 125.9 in (3.20 m) with a 205.5 in (5.22 m) overall length. Towing capacity is 6500 lb (2,950 kg). A 4.0 L VQ-family V6, the VQ40DE, is the standard engine, and it produces a respectable 265 hp (198 kW) with 284 ft·lbf (385 N·m) of torque. Also available is the QR25DE four-cylinder engine, which is also found in the Sentra SE-R Spec V sports sedan. A six-speed manual is standard with a five-speed automatic optional. Both rear and four-wheel drive are available. Traction control and hill-descent control are also available.

The Frontier is called Navara when sold in Europe. The engine is a 2.5 L diesel, with 144 hp (107 kW) or 174 hp (130 kW). The stronger version has a massive 403 Nm of torque.

Suzuki will market an as-of-yet unnamed Frontier-based mid-sized pickup that will be produced by Nissan North America at the Smyrna plant. The truck will reportedly debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show as the Suzuki Equator.


Maxima

The Nissan Maxima is a car manufactured by Nissan that is in a line of upper mid-size executive and sports sedans. The Maxima debuted in 1976 as an upscale version of the Bluebird and was spun into its own line in 1980, having been made continuously since then. Most pre-2004 Maximas were built in Oppama, Japan, until the current North American Maximas started being assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee.

The Maxima models are also known as Nissan Cefiro or Nissan Laurel in various markets.

Unlike most of the competition, which uses belts to drive the camshafts, the Maxima engine has internal chains for the twin overhead cams, eliminating the need for periodic replacement of the timing belt.


Murano

The Nissan Murano is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Nissan since December 2002 and sold as 2003 model year. Nissan introduced the Murano as its first crossover SUV for the United States and Canada. It slotted above the Pathfinder as Nissan's top-of-the-line SUV until the launch of the Armada in 2004. Designed at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, California, it is based on the Nissan FF-L platform used by the Maxima and the third-generation Altima.

As of 2006, the Murano slots between the Xterra and Pathfinder (which surpassed the Murano in size since its 2005 redesign), where it became Nissan's best-selling SUV, knocking the Pathfinder off the top spot. Despite being similar in length to the Pathfinder, it is more expensive than a Pathfinder. Also, the Murano was Nissan's only crossover SUV until 2004, when Canada got the smaller X-Trail, which has been replaced by the Rogue for 2008.

The Murano was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2003. It was also named the best premium mid-size SUV by AutoPacific.


March/Micra

The Nissan March (マーチ, Māchi^?) is a supermini produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 1982. It is known outside Asia as the Nissan Micra.In late 2007, the Nissan March/Micra was facelifted for the final time before its successor is launched sometime in 2009. It has had several cosmetic tweaks: every model now comes with the standard racing grille taken from the K12 160 SR; the front headlights have been tidied up (incorporating light blue-tinted sidelights) and the grilles housing the indicators are edged in chrome. In addition, the B-pillar trims are no longer colour-coded. Inside, there are new seat fabric designs, and the dashboard features parts taken from other Nissans. New equipment includes an audible speed warning, bluetooth connectivity with the vehicle and reversing sensors. All models (save for entry-level) are fitted with sport bumpers and spoilers on the sides and rear.


Moco/Suzuki MR Wagon

The Suzuki MR Wagon is a kei car with a mini MPV body, seating four, manufactured by Suzuki for the Japanese market only, and also marketed in Japan by Nissan as Nissan Moco under an OEM agreement. The model debuted in 2001, and since 2006 it is in its second generation (as of 2007). It was launched in India by Maruti Suzuki as Maruti Zen Estilo in 2006.


Patrol

The Nissan Patrol is a Four wheel drive vehicle manufactured by Nissan in Japan since 1950. The car is available in Australia, New Zealand, Central America, South America, South Africa, Western Europe,Brunei Darussalam, and the Middle East and it is in direct competition with the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Patrol is available with either two door (Short Wheel Base or SWB), four door wagon (LWB, Long Wheel Base) and Utility/Cab Chassis Variants. The old Y60 (GQ) platform is still manufactured as a military vehicle in the countries of Asia and the Middle East, and various versions of the Patrol are widely used by United Nations agencies. Users respect the vehicle for its power and durability, and modern version of the Nissan Patrol remains in production.


Pathfinder/Terrano

The Nissan Pathfinder and Terrano were originally compact SUVs and they are now mid-size SUVs. Where as the Pathfinder is sold in North America, the name first introduced in late 1986, elsewhere in the world the vehicle was known as the Terrano. The first generation Pathfinder/Terrano platform is known as the WD21. The second generation Pathfinder platform is known as the R50, and the third generation is known as the R51. The Pathfinder is slotted in size between the Murano and Armada, but in price between the Xterra and Murano.

Quest

The Nissan Quest is a minivan produced by Nissan since 1993. There have been three generations of this model. The first generation Quest was a collaboration with Ford, which produced the mechanically identical and cosmetically similar Mercury Villager. The vans debuted at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Quest is distinguishable by a grille and headlights that are slightly shorter top to bottom than those on the Villager. Both vehicles were initially powered by the 3.0 L Nissan VG30E V6 until 1999, when the Quest received the 3.3 L version of the same engine. The Quest was completely redesigned for 2004. The current model is built on the FF-L platform, which it shares with the Altima, Maxima, and Murano. It also shares the award-winning 3.5 L VQ engine with those cars.


Sentra/Bluebird Sylphy

The Nissan Sentra is a small car made by automaker Nissan Motors and is generally a rebadged export version of the Japanese Nissan Sunny. The name "Sentra" is not used in Japan, where it is currently known as Bluebird Sylphy.


Serena

The Nissan Serena started life as a very small people carrier, but grew larger over time. Earlier versions were FR with a live axle mounted on leaf springs. Later versions had a multilink independent rear suspension, and were FF or 4WD. The most popular versions were the 2.3 diesel engines and it was unusual as the MPV had 8 seats instead of the usual 7. However it comes 6th in the "Crap Cars" book written by Richard Porter in association with Top Gear due to the boring interior and the 0-60 mph time of 20.61 seconds, compared to 12 for a typical family car.


Skyline

The Nissan Skyline is a mid-size car originally produced by the Japanese automaker Prince Motor Company starting in 1957 and later by Nissan after the two companies merged in 1966. It is available in either coupé or sedan or wagon body styles. The current Skyline is sold in North America, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Middle East as the Infiniti G35.


Skyline GT-R

The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a Japanese sports coupé based on the Nissan Skyline range. Dubbed "Godzilla" by Wheels magazine in Australia when released there in 1989, it was rated by many motoring magazines, as providing performance and handling similar to that of European icons like the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari Testarossa, but at a considerably lower price. Since the Skyline GT-R became a popular car for street racing in Japan, it has led to countless appearances in video games, beginning with its debut in 1994 for the SNES game Zero 4 Champ R and most notably the Gran Turismo series, as well as the occasional appearances in feature films, anime, and manga.


Wingroad

The Nissan Wingroad is an automobile available only as a compact station wagon. The first generation (Y10) was originally an estate version of the Nissan Sunny made between 1994 and 1998, but with a different rear end compared to the standard Sunny wagons that were exported.

The second series (Y11) began in 1998, once again available only with a station wagon body, sold in the Japanese and Caribbean markets. It is mechanically based on the Sunny B15 but has a different exterior design. The interior design is shared with the Japanese market Nissan Sunny B15 as well. The car slotted in the market between the Bluebird Sylphy and the Primera, available with 1.5 L, 1.8 L and 2.0 L engines. The 1.8 L exists only as a 4WD version. The second generation Wingroad received a facelift in 2001, with a sleeker front end and a new interior.

An all-new Wingroad (Y12) debuted in late 2005, now sharing its platform with the smaller Tiida, while the Lafesta takes the Wingroad's former position as the estate version of the Sylphy. Like the Tiida, it has a wheelbase of 2600 mm, and the new HR15DE and MR18DE engines. CVT is optional. The e4WD all wheel drive system is available with the smaller engine.


Xterra

The Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV based on the Nissan F-Alpha platform as of the 2005 model year, and shares many similarities with the Nissan Frontier pickup. The Xterra is slotted below the Pathfinder in Nissan's lineup. All Xterras are currently built in Smyrna, Tennessee and São José dos Pinhais, Brazil. It is called the Nissan Roniz in Iran where it is also built under licence by Pars Khodro, and is built and sold in China as the Paladin. The Xterra was named after the XTERRA series of off-road triathlon races. Nissan was the race series' primary sponsor until the end of 2006.

The Xterra was originally introduced in North America in the 2000 model year and was marketed as a simple, but capable SUV with the slogan Everything you need, nothing you don't. Although accepted by a wide range of ages, incomes, lifestyles and genders, Nissan marketed the Xterra primarily to the adventurous and outdoor consumer. Many commercials feature one driving the vehicle though mud, unloading mountain bikes out of the back, or packing up surfing equipment. Two design cues have remained constant through the vehicle's life, its raised rear roofline and the 'Hump' on the back lift gate. The raised roof allows for stadium seating and the hump allowed the inclusion of a first aid kit in the liftgate. The Xterra was not sold in Europe or Japan, where the smaller X-Trail and now Qashqai are Nissan's entries in the compact SUV segment. In the United States, the Xterra was Nissan's entry-level SUV until the arrival of the 2008 Nissan Rogue.


Teana

The Nissan Teana is a front wheel drive mid-size automobile produced by Nissan of Japan, introduced in 2003. It is exported as the Nissan Maxima and Nissan Cefiro to certain markets, not to be confused with the Nissan Maxima sold in North America. It shares a platform with the North American Nissan Maxima and Nissan Altima, as well as the Japanese market Nissan Presage.

Powering the Teana is either 2.3 or 3.5 liter engine which matches to the automatic transmission. Trim levels are 230JK, 230JM, 230JS, and 350JS.

The Renault Samsung Motors SM7 of South Korea is built on the Teana platform. In January 2005, Renault Samsung announced a lower-specification version of the Teana which it will sell as the SM5. In the People's Republic of China, the Teana is manufactured by the Dongfeng Motor Company, a joint venture with Nissan. Additionally, it is sold in India, Russia, Ukraine as well as in New Zealand and Australia where it competes with the locally produced Mitsubishi 380 and Toyota Aurion under the Maxima badge.


Titan

The Nissan Titan introduced in 2004, is a full-size pickup truck produced for the North American market by Nissan. The truck shares the stretched Nissan F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs, and is manufactured in Canton, Mississippi, United States.



X-Trail

The Nissan X-Trail is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 2001. It was Nissan's first crossover SUV and used the Nissan FF-S platform. It was released at the same time as several companies introduced car-based compact SUVs including Ford with their Escape and its Mazda Tribute sibling, Hyundai with their Santa Fe and GM with their Pontiac Aztek. It is sold in Japan, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Malaysia, Philippines, India, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The company currently offers a hydrogen fuel cell model named the X-Trail FCV on lease to businesses.

In Canada, it is positioned below the truck-based Xterra. The X-Trail did not arrive in the Canadian market before 2005. The X-Trail was only sold in Canada for the 2005 and 2006 model years. Its successor, the 2008 Nissan Rogue, which shares the same platform as the 2008-present X-Trail, will appear in North America, and will be very similar to the Qashqai that was available in Europe and elsewhere from early 2007. Nissan Canada's website removed the X-Trail as of September 2007 to promote the new Rogue.


Tiida/Tiida Latio/Latio/Versa

The Nissan Tiida is a compact car with a US EPA midsize car rating because of its large interior space manufactured by Japanese automaker Nissan, replacing both the long-running Pulsar and the Sunny models as of September 30, 2004. Available as the Tiida in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Finland, Ireland, former easten block countries, China and Sri Lanka, it is also known in export markets as the Nissan Versa (North America) and Nissan Latio (Southeast Asia). The Tiida is based on the new global Nissan B platform with the wheelbase stretched. It is available in hatchback and sedan form.

Its styling was previewed with the Nissan C-Note show car a year before its launch. The models are characterized by being quite tall, a trend that resurfaced in the late 1990s. The range consists of a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan called the Nissan Tiida Latio. In New Zealand there is an additional station wagon variant, based from the Nissan Wingroad. The Tiida became available in key eastern European markets from June 2007, and is scheduled for its German launch in January 2008, but Ireland was the first country in western Europe to receive the car, due to the previous popularity there of the earlier Almera sedan, and greater general popularity in Ireland of smaller sedans compared to some other European markets.

In China, the Tiida is produced by the Dongfeng Motor Company, a joint venture between Nissan and a local company. It will arrive in some Eastern European countries by late 2007 to replace the Almera small family car.

In Australia, the Tiida has recently undergone a minor update, in which the ST gains ABS and there is a AUD$2000 price drop. The Tiida has failed to make an impact in the Australian car market, thanks in part to a highly unsuccessful advertising campaign featuring Kim Catraal (of Sex and the City fame).


Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is a new compact crossover SUV released in September 2007 for the 2008 model year by the Japanese automaker Nissan.

Previously, American Motors (AMC) used the Rogue nameplate from 1966 to 1969 on the top trim two-door hardtop and convertible models, as well as performance editions, of the Rambler American.

The Nissan Rogue will be sold in North America and replaced the Nissan X-Trail in Canada and Nissan's entry-level SUV, as the Murano continues to grow in size and price. It is also Nissan's first SUV to have a predecessor, at least only in Canada. The Nissan Rogue made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 7, 2007. An all-new version of the X-Trail (on which platform the Rogue is shared with) has been launched in Europe and elsewhere, but there are no plans to market it in North America.


Fuga

The Fuga (codename Y50) is a full-size luxury car from Nissan of Japan, introduced in October 2004. First shown as the Fuga Concept at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, it is a direct replacement for the long running Cedric and Gloria series of cars. The Fuga is a rear wheel drive sedan riding on a stretched version of the Nissan FM platform, and uses either a 2.5 L or 3.5 L VQ-series V6 engine. It is offered in either "XV" or "GT" trim packages, equivalent to the previous "Brougham" and "Gran Turismo" versions of the Cedric and Gloria. The 3.5 L cars are also available with all wheel drive, and top models can be specified with intelligent cruise control and four wheel steering.

In the United States, the Fuga can be fitted with a 4.5 L VK-series V8 and known as the Infiniti M45, with the V6 version as the Infiniti M35.


Qashqai/Dualis/CCUV

The Nissan Qashqai (Nissan Dualis in Japan and Australasia, and Nissan CCUV in China) is a compact crossover SUV produced by Japanese automaker Nissan since 2007. The P32L automobile platform will be also used by other oncoming Nissan crossover SUVs. The Qashqai has been built at Nissan's NMUK Sunderland plant since December 2006.

It is the first model to be styled by Nissan Design Europe in London, with engineering development led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. It was globally presented at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

As of November 2007, Nissan has sold about 100,000 Nissan Qashqai in Europe, including 17,554 in UK, 15,376 in Russia, and 10,746 in Italy.

The Qashqai will be exported to the Middle East and additional overseas markets.


Presage

The Nissan Presage is a large MPV produced by Japanese automaker Nissan since 1998. The Presage is only officially sold by Nissan in Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.

The second generation Presage debuted in 2003 with a transformable seven or eight seat configuration. Rear side doors were changed from swinging to sliding. The new Presage is built on the L-class platform, which is also used for the Nissan Teana mid-size car.

Engines are also taken from the Teana, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine. These engines are mated with a four-speed automatic transmission or a sequential CVT.

The main advantage of the second generation of this Japanese car is its comfortable and transformable interior. For easier reversing, there is a rear view camera. As before, a sporty trim level dubbed Highway Star is available.


Note

The Nissan Note is a mini MPV produced by the Japanese manufacturer Nissan. The Japanese version has been on sale since 2004, and the European adaptation has gone on sale during 2006, with the United Kingdom first to launch, on 1st March. The car shares some of its underpinnings with the Renault Modus, and is designed to compete with the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva and Fiat Idea as well as the Renault offering. It is manufactured at Nissan's plant in Sunderland, England.

The car is positioned as a roomy car and includes special add-ons for family needs. The key feature is the flexibility of the interiors. Even a person as tall as 2.00 metres (6.6 ft) can fit in either the driver's seat or the back seat easily. It is designed to be a cross segment car. Another design detail of this car is the boomerang-shaped rear light. Nissan aims to appeal to the family car shoppers with this car by including children-friendly features.

The Nissan Note used to be available in three specifications, the 'S', 'SE' and 'SVE'. The base model came in with full electric windows, alloy wheels and front fog lights or the Flexi-Board boot system. The SE saw the introduction of 16" Alloys, Air Con, front fog lights and Flexi-Board Boot and the SVE had Climate Control, Rear Privacy Glass, 17" Alloys and ESP. These models have been replaced with the Visia, Acenta, Acenta R and the Tekna. The Visia is almost identical to the old 'S' model whereas the Acenta, Acenta R and Tekna now come complete with MP3 Auxiliary jack and Bluetooth Car Stereo as no cost options.


President

The Nissan President is a Japanese luxury limousine introduced by Nissan in the 1960s and sold only in the Japanese market. In the early 1990s, it was introduced in the Singapore market, and it saw limited sales. The President is used mainly as a chauffeur car for government and corporate officials, and its main competitor in the Japanese market is the Toyota Century.


Lafesta

The Nissan Lafesta is a seven-seater minivan built by Nissan Motors for the Asian market. The name was derived from the Italian word festa, meaning holiday, festival or party, and according to the manufacturer "expresses a desire to spend an enjoyable time in the car together with family members or friends." It was first released on December 2, 2004 priced between ¥1,785,000 and ¥2,310,000 in Japan, with a sales target of 5,000/month.

The vehicle offers sliding doors on both sides (one of which is power-assisted), Nissan's Intelligent key system, GPS navigation system, reverse camera and a 1500x800 metre panoramic roof. The only engine option available is a 2.0 L MR20DE straight-4. Both front- and four-wheel drive transmissions are available; the former uses a torsion beam suspension at the rear while the latter has a trailing arm multi-link arrangement.

The 2007 Lafesta has received a minor facelift from the 2004 model.


Atlas

The Nissan Atlas (kana:日産・アトラス) is a line of pickup truck and light-duty commercial vehicle by Nissan and UD. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, although it was also sold in the United States during the late 1980s and up current. Manufacturing began in 1981 at Commercial and 1982 at RV with the first cars going to Asia. Other European and American countries which saw import or manufactures of the Atlas included the Europe, Mid-east and North America. The Asia-Pacific was another market until the early 1980s. In many markets the Atlas was very expensive and was replaced by the Nissan and UD Truck when that model became available for worldwide market in the early 1980s.

Australia was another important market for the Atlas - to the extent that it was manufactured there from the 1980s using many local components.

Most models of the truck are distinguishable by a front 'Atlas' badge, but the common Nissan or UD badge is usually used on the rear.

In United States, its principal competitors are Bering MS, Mitsubishi Fuso FE, Chevrolet W-Series, GMC W-Series and the Isuzu N-Series. and Japan competitors are Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, Isuzu Elf, Toyota Dyna, Hino Dutro.


Caravan/Urvan/Homy

The Nissan Caravan is a van designed by Nissan for use as a fleet vehicle or cargo van. Outside Japan the car was sold as either Nissan Urvan or Homy. Several configurations of this van are available, including the GX (flat roof) and DX (taller roof) models, and several models with multiple engine configurations including the KA24DE, the KA20DE, a 2.7 liter TD27 diesel, and a 3 liter diesel, the ZD30DD, as well as the zd30DDTi. The E25 chassis is also used in connection with the Isuzu Como with same engines offered by Nissan.

From 1986 until 1987, a KD-ARE24 chassis was used. The 1988 to 1997 models used the E24 chassis, models from 1998 onward use the TA-QGE25 chassis and VWE25 chassis. Currently, the caravan outsells the Toyota Hiace since 2004. One main reason is due it having more power and cargo room.

Otti/Mitsubishi eK

The Mitsubishi eK is a Japanese kei car from Mitsubishi Motors, based on the long-running Mitsubishi Minica, and first introduced on October 11, 2001 at ¥910,000 to ¥1,108,000. According to the company the name stands for "excellent Keijidōsha", or "excellent minicar". It was available either as an eK Wagon (introduced October 2001), eK Sport (September 2002), eK Classy (May 2003) or eK Active (May 2004). The range was given a styling revision and re-released on September 13, 2006, priced from ¥913,500 to ¥1,484,700.

Immediately upon its release it was the recipient of the "Good Design Award" by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2001. While the initial sales target was 10,000 units per month, it sold 13,000 in its first four days, and 20,000 by the end of October 2001. It is Mitsubishi's highest volume model in the Japanese domestic market, and total sales to 2005 are approximately 480,000. Since 2005, Nissan Motors has received 36,000 eK wagons annually from Mitsubishi, to be sold within the domestic market as the Nissan Otti.