Nissan named one of the Best Global Brands for 2014 | Nissan of Sacramento CA

Nissan has been named one of the world's most valuable brands for 2014, according to Interbrand, the world-leading brand consultancy. In the Best Global Brands Study, released today by Interbrand, Nissan ranked 56, up from 65 in 2013. The study cited the strength of Nissan’s financial performance, product portfolio and leadership position in electric vehicles among the drivers of the company’s brand health. The value of the Nissan brand was estimated at $7.623 billion, an increase from last year's estimated value of nearly $6.2 billion.

In June Nissan was named one of the world's greenest brands for 2014 in Interbrand's Best Global Green Brands report. Nissan moved up one spot to fourth overall powered by the Nissan LEAF, the world's best-selling 100% electric vehicle and making the company the global leader in Zero Emissions mobility.

“Brand power is a key indicator of the health of the Nissan business and a major driver of the company’s growth," said Roel de Vries, Nissan Corporate Vice President and global head of Marketing and Brand Strategy. “We are pleased to see a 23 percent increase in brand value from last year – nearly doubling Nissan’s brand value since its inaugural appearance on the list in 2011 – and recognition as a “top” riser in the study.”

The Best Global Brands study is Interbrand's annual report on the world's most valuable brands. Interbrand's method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

The study noted Nissan’s recent launches for the Qashqai, Murano and Rogue as a demonstration of the brand’s “Innovation and Excitement for Everyone” positioning. The company’s leadership in electric vehicles and investment in future mobility, like autonomous vehicles and fuel cell technology, were recognized for addressing emerging customer needs in a rapidly changing automotive market.

For more information about Interbrand's 2014 Best Global Brand Study, please visit:http://www.bestglobalbrands.com/

Nissan Kicks Concept | Nissan of Sacramento CA

The Sao Paulo Motor Show only comes around once every other year, and Nissan – an automaker deeply vested in the Latin American market – isn't missing out on the opportunity to showcase a new crossover concept.

Called the Kicks concept, the crossover seems to slot in size-wise in between the Juke and the Rogue. Nissan isn't saying much about it, though, aside from its having drawn its inspiration from Brazil with a "satin titanium" finish and bright orange trim – the former taking its cues from Sao Paulo and the latter from Rio.

While emphasizing its Brazilian character, Nissan also stresses that the concept's creation was "a product of global collaboration." So while it isn't saying anything about production feasibility, it is seemingly suggesting that if it were put into production – and as we stated previously, we think it just might – it could stand to be a global model and not confined strictly to South America.

By Noah JosephRSS feedGoogle+

Five Habits that will Ruin your Vehicle | Maita Nissan Sacramento CA

Avoiding these habits can go a long way in preventing an expensive repair bill.

Most things you own will last longer if you take care of them and treat them well. Your car is no exception to this rule. While neglecting your car may seem harmless in the short term, regular neglect and mistreatment will add up and will reduce your car’s lifespan. To keep your car running longer and stronger, avoid these five harmful habits.

1. Delaying regular maintenance

Regularly maintaining your car is vital to your car’s longevity. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter replacement, as well as transmission fluid, air filter and brake pad care. Every vehicle manufacturer specifies a different maintenance routine, which can be found in your owner’s manual. While regular maintenance requires you to invest some time and money, it’s peanuts compared to the cost of a new engine or transmission.

2. Ignoring dash warning lights

When a warning indicator lights up on your dash panel, it’s important to address the problem immediately. If you don’t know what the light means, check your owner’s manual or call your mechanic. Dash warning lights can alert you to some very serious problems, such as a coolant leak, which can cause your engine to overheat. A simple preventative repair can often prevent a large problem down the line.

3. Shifting while moving

The transmission is one of the most complex and expensive parts in your car and it’s important to use is as it was intended. Be careful not to shift from drive to reverse or vice versa while the car is still moving. This “jerky” shifting places excess strain on the transmission’s internal gears and can instantly destroy it.

4. Jerky driving

We all know someone who accelerates wildly on every straightaway only to brake hard at a traffic light or stop sign. This type of driving won’t destroy your car immediately, but will cause your engine, transmission and brake system to deteriorate much more quickly than intended. Cars that have been abused will have premature fluid leaks, broken seals and mechanical problems.

5. Putting off tire replacement

Tires for some cars can be expensive, so replacing them is an unwelcome cost. Driving on bald tires is very risky, however. If a tire blows out while you’re driving, you can lose control of your vehicle and have a serious accident. And if you drive with bald tires in the rain, the risk of hydroplaning goes up tremendously. A new set of tires may seem pricey, but probably costs less than your car, and even less than your insurance deductible.

Nissan Altima and Sentra to get Murano-inspired design redo | Maita Nissan Sacramento CA

The Nissan Altima and Sentra sedans are both very competent, economical, comfortable and well-equipped ways of getting from A to B. They're also both decidedly boring to look at, which is not a good trait in their increasingly style-driven segments.

To rectify this, Nissan is planning design overhauls for its mainstream, with the Sentra adopting the sportier, Euro-style looks of the Pulsar, according to The Car Connection. While that (sadly) won't mean the five-door Pulsar will come to the US market, fitting the European stylings to the Sentra should go a long way towards broadening the car's appeal.

That parcel of information comes from Nissan design boss Shiro Nakamura, who spoke to The Car Connection at last week's Paris Motor Show.

Like the Sentra, the Altima's styling upgrades will be handled, at first, with an upcoming mid-cycle refresh being targeted for 2016 or 2017. The larger sedan won't, however, draw its design inspiration from Europe. Instead, the Altima will look to the more aggressive stylings of the new Murano crossover (an Autoblogfavorite) and the Sports Sedan Concept-inspired 2016 Maxima.

The sportier updates will be even more sweeping, Nakamura explained, when the next-generation Altima and Sentra arrive.

"We are pulling these cars closer to a new generation with minor change. So with the minor change we will have a front end very strong, consistent with the new lineup – Murano, Maxima, Sentra, Altima – all very coherent," Nakamura told TCC. "And the next generation, they're also becoming more sporty, but still very affordable and practical – not just sporty."

 By Brandon TurkusRSS feedGoogle+

2015 Nissan GT-R Adds Premium Upgrades to Performance Pedigree | Maita Nissan Sacramento CA

The entry-level 2015 Nissan GT-R Premium will better live up to its name during the new model year, as Nissan is introducing a number of fresh features that put their focus on a more refined ownership experience. Sure, the 2015 Nissan GT-R continues to offer a rambunctious 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 that makes 545 horsepower and 463 lb.-ft. of torque, but now that output is matched by a retuned suspension that delivers a more refined ride (while also enhancing the car’s road-holding capability, of course).

Further, while the GT-R’s engine will remain a key part of the soundtrack, the car’s cabin will introduce a standard Bose Active Noise Cancellation system for a more enjoyable listening experience that can be enjoyed in an environment that offers a new carbon-style instrument cluster and additional available interior color: Ivory.

Even the aerodynamic exterior of the 2015 Nissan GT-R has been enhanced, courtesy of LED headlights and freshened front and rear appearance details. Also, customers who jump up to the GT-R Track Edition benefit from a new carbon-fiber trunk lid.

It’s a win-win situation, too, with the brand noting that these changes come to the 2015 Nissan GT-R “without sacrificing one bit of its legendary performance.”

Pricing for the 2015 Nissan GT-R lineup begins at $101,770 for the Premium model, with the Black Edition, offering enhanced style, starting at $111,510, and the Track Edition, backed by enhanced performance, opening at $115,710. Timing-wise, the Premium and Black Edition variants are on sale now, and limited-run Track Edition is expected to debut this summer.

But for the new selling season, gearheads will be able to go one step further and order the 2015 Nissan GT-R prepped by the company’s NISMO motorsports division. That bad boy also is due this summer, when it will go on sale at a price that’s still TBD at this time.

Source: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nissan-announces-u-s-pricing-for-2015-gt-r

Written by Charles Krome.

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America.

2016 Nissan Maxima Spotted for First Time | Maita Nissan Sacramento CA

Nissan teased the look of the next-generation Maxima at the 2014 Detroit auto show with the Sport Sedan concept, and it was quite a looker with an aggressive front end and cool floating roof. Now, we're getting out very first glimpse at the production version in some new spy shots. Although, It's plastered with camouflage, underneath you can still see the concept's design inspiration.

Starting from the front, the biggest influence from the concept is the V-shaped grille with smaller inlets on each side and jagged headlights. Running back from there, on one side the Maxima mule has a black A-pillar, which at least suggests that the floating roof is making it to the production model too.

In profile, it's hard to make out, but the hard creases that run down the side of the Sport Sedan appear to be underneath this camouflage, and there's a ton of masking around the rear pillar seemingly to hide the shape. However in the close-up photo, you can get a better view, and it doesn't look quite as sharp and coupe-like as on the concept.

At this point, the back also lacks the concept's angular rear bumper in favor of something more conventional. All the cladding there makes it hard to tell what is hidden underneath, though.

The Sport Sedan concept has a version of Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 with over 300 horsepower and a CVT powering the front wheels. Though, our spies think it's possible the production version could offer a hybrid 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder to give V6-like power, like the Pathfinder Hybrid.

From these early spy shots, it certainly looks like Nissan is trying to bring the major parts of the concept to the road. We can't wait to see the Maxima without so much being hidden. Until then, check out the gallery for a first look.

By Chris BruceRSS feed

Nismo Mashes Up Vehicles To Create Concepts

Nismo deserves some creativity credibility on the following pictures above, and we wish they weren’t just concept cars. Just recently, to shake things up,Nismo decided to mash up vehicles to create concepts, and the creations are pretty interesting. Nismo even asked fans to get crazy and put their own pieces together to create a mashup vehicle.

Rewind back to February when Nissan made a strange combination, the GT-R-Leaf. This by far wasn’t the most attractive combination, but the Nissan Sentra 370Z and Maxima GT-R actually look like something that could be created.

Nismo drivers and designers are more than just creativity but the thrill of power, agility, and technology. Together they combine these elements to make some of the most impressive and advanced vehicles on the market. For thirty years now, Nismo has based their beliefs on the following statements, “We believe in power-but it must have purpose. We believe in agility-but it must be refined. And we believe in technology-because we must always be moving forward.”

Nissan’s motorsport division has been getting gutsy lately, and we’re curious to see where things are headed. Previously, they would only release one, maybe two models at a time and we wonder what would happen if Nissan ever let the Nismo division design and release its own vehicles. (Not likely to happen any time soon…or ever.)

As of right now, there are Nismo versions of the following vehicles, the GT-R, 370Z, Juke, Versa Note, and Sentra. Sports cars we so much could have suspected but now they’re extending their reach to the SUV and sedan segment. So when you run out of vehicles to fine-tune and make as sporty as possible, what are you supposed to do? Mash them up and make your own, and that is exactly what Nismo has done, and is inviting you to do on their Facebook page.

2014 Nissan Versa is #3 Best Back-to-School Car

 

Weighing in at spot #3 out of 10, the 2014 Nissan Versa  Back-to-School car 2014, and we’re excited to share how this subcompact hatchback was able to earn its place among the tough competition. If you’re a student driver who plans to carpool or cart around siblings or friends on a regular basis, the exceptional amount of rear legroom will be greatly appreciated in the 2014 Nissan Versa Note, which is the hatchback version, compared to the sedan version.

The amount of utilizable space expands with the 60/40-split fold-down rear seats further expands in addition to the Versa’s trunk that provides 14.9 cu.ft making the Versa, versatile. This is big space were talking about for a little car, and no matter what’s in the vehicle, whether it’s packed with cargo or passengers, the Versa is designed to “protect, respond, and monitor.” Six airbags are located throughout the cabin to protect, while vehicle dynamic control and traction control systems help to keep you on track and headed in the direction you want to go.

The Versa Note is going to be slightly more expensive, starting at $13,990 while the Versa sedan begins around $11,990. Either way, both vehicles are highly affordable and comfortably seat five passengers, yes, adult sized passengers. The 2014 Versa Note and sedan are two of the most fuel-efficient options, providing an estimated fuel economy of 31 city/ 40 highway mpg.

There are plenty of options to upgrade and customize the Versa as you please with an assortment of varying trims. The Versa sedan is available in four different styles, while the Versa Note is offered in a total of five. Depending on how much money you are willing to spend, the Versa comes with a whole selection of advanced technology including a RearView Monitor, a USB port, and Nissan Connect that is able to display mobile apps that are easy enough for anyone to use.

It’s no wonder why the Versa has been the overall best-selling entry level vehicle over the past five years in America. Combining affordability, spaciousness, and practicality–either version of the 2014 Nissan Versa is going to prove to be a dependable choice, especially for young drivers.