Nissan Titan Truckumentary looks back through the brand's trucks [w/video] | Nissan of Sacramento CA

This is a set-the-stage episode, surveying the brand's truck history in the US from the 1960 Datsun 1200, one of the first vehicles it sold here, to the first truck it manufactured here in 1983 in Smyrna, TN, to the nineties Hardbody and the 1999 SUT Concept, among others.

Pickup-truck-lifer Brent Hagan, the product planner for the next-generation Titan - designed and engineered in the US - is our tour guide for this episode. If anything, after watching this video all we could think was, "Nissan, please bring back the good old days."

Nissan Announces Return to Super Bowl Commercials | Nissan of Sacramento CA

Nissan is going to do something on TV next year that it hasn’t since 1997.

The Japanese automaker just announced that it will return to the Super Bowl with a 60-second commercial next year, the first time the company has advertised in the Super Bowl in almost 20 years. The commercial will air during Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1 and is part of Nissan’s “Big Moments” marketing campaign, an approach that has helped the company increase current sales and brand awareness.

According to Nissan, its sales so far in 2014 is more than double the automotive industry average thanks to the launches of new models such as the Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder and Altima. This year, Nissan also made a return to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

New 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.

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+