NISSAN CANADA MAKES SPECIAL DELIVERY TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TORONTO
06.29.2011 , MISSISSAUGA, ON

- Ongoing partnership provides materials and funding to Habitat for Humanity Canada -

Yesterday, six all-new 2012 Nissan NVs, Nissan's first commercial vehicle in North America, delivered building supplies to the Habitat for Humanity Toronto build site on Kingston Road as part of the vehicle's Canadian media preview. As automotive partner, Nissan Canada is the title sponsor of one of the homes that will help a struggling family break the cycle of poverty this year.

Nissan Canada's support of Habitat for Humanity Canada began in 2008 and includes both financial support and employee involvement in building Habitat for Humanity homes across Canada. Each year, Nissan donates about $100,000 to the non-profit organization and today delivered over $5,000 in supplies to help build the Nissan Canada home in Scarborough.

“It makes for a really powerful partnership when our employees across Canada can actually pick up a hammer and physically contribute to the completion of a home for a family in need,” said Allen Childs, President of Nissan Canada. “We are equally pleased that today Nissan's NV could be put to use on the build site to support the cause.”

Over 150 Nissan employees have donned hard hats and steel-toed boots to donate their own physical labour to bring Habitat homes to completion.

Habitat for Humanity's mission is to provide simple, decent, affordable housing to families in need to help break the poverty cycle. To find out more about Habitat for Humanity Toronto's Kingston Road project, please visit: www.torontohabitat.ca.

The 2012 Nissan NV (NissanVan) marks Nissan's first entry into the commercial vehicle market in North America. Launched in the spring of 2011, the Nissan NV will be available in three models, NV1500, NV2500 and NV3500, and in two roof configurations – Standard Roof and High Roof. The NV is the first High Roof commercial van to offer rugged body-on-frame construction. High Roof models allow most users to walk and stand in the cargo area.

NISSAN NV200 SELECTED AS NEW YORK CITY'S “TAXI OF TOMORROW”

05.03.2011 New York

- Nissan chosen as exclusive provider of NYC taxi fleet -

New York is “hailing” a new era of urban mobility today, as the city with the nation's largest taxi fleet has selected Nissan to design and supply the next-generation “Taxi of Tomorrow.” The announcements were made today during a City Hall press briefing that included Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares.

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV200 as the exclusive taxi of New York City beginning in late 2013. The award comes after a rigorous selection process that occurred over more than two years. The competition built upon more than a century of taxi industry heritage to drive the design and creation of a purpose-built vehicle, tuned to the city's streets. The other two finalists included Ford Motor Co. and Karsan, a Turkish vehicle manufacturer.

“Nissan is proud to provide the next generation of taxis for the City of New York,” said Tavares. “The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day.”

The Nissan NV200 taxi will be produced in North America at Nissan's facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The Nissan NV200 taxi will be a modified version of the compact commercial vehicle currently available in global markets including Japan, Europe and China. Total manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle, with all planned standard features, will be around $29,000.

As part of the program, Nissan also will work with the City and taxi owners on a pilot program to study the use of zero-emission, electric vehicles as taxis. Nissan will provide up to six 100-percent electric Nissan LEAFs to taxi owners for testing in 2012 as well as the charging stations to support their use.

“The city's Taxi of Tomorrow is the Nissan NV200 – and it's going to be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient cab the city has ever had,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “We started this process to leverage our taxi industry's purchasing power to get the highest quality taxi, one that that can expand and redefine the legendary image of New York City taxicabs. The new taxis will be custom-designed to meet the specific demands of carrying 600,000 passengers a day in New York City traffic and the vehicle meets the top priorities identified by the public in our on-line survey.”

Planned innovations, which respond to direct input from drivers, owners and passengers, include:

• 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet;
• Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, substantially improved over current taxi models;
• A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, helping reduce noise pollution;
• Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit;
• Transparent roof panel (with shade) that will provide unique views of the city;
• Independently controlled rear air conditioning with a grape phenol-coated air filter to improve cabin air quality;
• Attractive, breathable, antimicrobial, environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean seat fabric that simulates the look and feel of leather;
• Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings;
• A mobile charging station for passengers that includes a 12V electrical outlet and two USB plugs;
• A six-way adjustable driver's seat that features both recline and lumbar adjustments, even with a partition installed;
• Standard driver's navigation and telematics systems.

Nissan also focused on passenger safety when designing the NV200 taxi. Key safety features include:

• Front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags, as well as seat-mounted airbags for the front row;
• Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC);
• Sliding doors to reduce the risk of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists getting struck by doors opening unexpectedly;
• Lights that alert other road users that taxi doors are opening.

With more than 13,000 taxis traveling a cumulative 500 million miles per year, durability was a key factor in the “Taxi of Tomorrow” selection process. Nissan will train taxi fleet operators to conduct routine in-house service and repairs, and Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers will provide prompt service by providing the first available service bay to taxi operators needing service.

About Taxi of Tomorrow

In 2007, City officials convened a group of stakeholders, including representatives of taxi drivers, owner and passengers, to create a set of goals for the next New York City taxi cab, a project called the Taxi of Tomorrow. In December 2009, the TLC issued a "request for proposals," inviting auto manufacturers and designers to submit their best ideas for a purpose-built vehicle to serve as a New York City taxicab. At the end of the evaluation, the Nissan NV200 was selected and will be the next New York City taxicab for ten years, beginning in 2013.

About Nissan Canada Inc.

Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), NCI directly employs 250 full-time staff. There are 168 independent Nissan dealerships and 29 Infiniti retailers across Canada. 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. More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.ca and www.infiniti.ca.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

2011 Nissan NV Makes Canadian Debut at CMX - CIPHEX Show in Toronto

03.24.2010 , MISSISSAUGA, ON

More Than Five Years of Research Culminates in New Innovative Entry into the North American Commercial Vehicle Market

Nissan Canada Inc. will give Canadians their first look at the all-new 2011 Nissan NV(Nissan Van) during the 2010 CMX – CIPHEX National Trade Show and Learning Forum at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, March 25-27. The trade show features new products and systems, as well as exclusive seminars on new technologies and trends within the air conditioning, heating, hearth, plumbing, piping, refrigeration and ventilation industries – making it the ideal platform to showcase Nissan's new innovative commercial van that is designed to 'help businesses run better.'

“After the great feedback we received at last year's Toronto Auto Show with the NV 2500 Concept, and the North American reveal earlier this month in St. Louis, we are excited to show Canadians the new 2011 NV in its final production version,” said Syed Ahmed, Senior Manager, Commercial Vehicle and Fleet Sales, Nissan Canada Inc. “Canadians have unique business needs and we believe we have designed an essential tool that will help make their jobs easier.”

As Nissan's most researched model in the history of North America, the 2011 Nissan NV features a truly ground-up design. From its rugged ladder frame to the roof rack mounting brackets on the top of the innovatively conceived and styled body, Nissan has combined local research and innovative design with 75 years experience in the global light commercial vehicle market.

Three models will be available – The Nissan NV1500, NV2500 and NV3500 with a choice of 4.0-litre V6 and 5.6-litre V8 engines in two body styles, Standard Roof (all models) and High Roof (NV2500 and NV3500 only) – with High Roof models offering stand-up walkthrough/work cargo area capability.

The Nissan NV will be available in late 2010. For more information, including product specifications, please visit http://www.media.nissan.ca/newsroom.do?id=7&mid=7.

About Nissan Canada Inc.

Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), NCI directly employs 250 full-time staff. There are 168 independent Nissan dealerships and 29 Infiniti retailers across Canada. 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. More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.ca and www.infiniti.ca.

2011 Nissan NV Debuts at NTEA Work Truck Show; Breakthrough Design Brings New Thinking to CV Van Segment

03.10.2010 , MISSISSAUGA, ON

Nissan Enters North American Commercial Vehicle Market with Breakthrough Design Bringing New Thinking to the CV Segment

As Nissan finalizes plans to bring its first production commercial vehicle (CV) to the North American market in late 2010, it is starting with a truly ground up design – from its rugged ladder frame to the roof rack mounting brackets on the top of the innovatively conceived and styled body. Yet the all-new Nissan NV (Nissan Van) also has the advantage of Nissan's exceptional commercial vehicle heritage, covering 75 years and more than 75 percent of the global CV market.

“The new kid on the block, as it turns out, is also a long-time player in the global commercial vehicle market. As the first non-domestic nameplate to design and manufacture in the United States, as well as sell across North America, we bring a more than seven-decade tradition of durability, quality and reliability to our products,” said Mark Grimm, President, Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI). “At the same time, we've taken a fresh look at every aspect of the CV business – including styling, powertrain, interiors, cost of operation and ownership, dealership sales and service operations and, most importantly, real world customer needs.”

The first production models in Nissan's new North American CV lineup are the 2011 Nissan NV1500, NV2500 and NV3500. They will be available with a choice of 4.0-litre V6 and 5.6-litre V8 engines and in two body styles, Standard Roof (all models) and High Roof (NV2500 and NV3500 only) – with High Roof models offering stand-up walkthrough/work cargo area capability.

“It's been too many years since any manufacturer in this segment has taken a 'clean sheet' look at the needs of owners and operators in the CV segment,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Commercial Vehicles and Fleet, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA). “We've invested more than five years researching the comfort, style and smart functionality demands that will enable business owners to accomplish more throughout their day. We plan on coming out of the box with segment-busting vehicles, so customer input was essential.”

The NV planning team employed a wide range of innovative customer research methodologies, including focus groups, on-site visits and concept reviews. The quantitative and qualitative research took place all across America. The team met with large fleet owners and managers, small business owners, aftermarket suppliers and converters and rode along with owners of competitive vehicles.

“The NV is one of the most researched projects ever in the history of Nissan. We touched the market at every point possible, with the findings reflected in every aspect of the final NV design,” added Castelli.

Comfortable Seating and Standing

Research showed that commercial van owners are the least satisfied of any vehicle segment, with many van owners disposing of their vehicles in favor of light duty trucks despite the compromise of convenience and utility. In developing the new Nissan NV, one of the overarching goals was to combine pickup truck-like comfort, interior amenities and drivability with a cargo van's capacity and security.

“Looking at the CV market in recent years, there's been a migration of van users to light-duty pickups due to the lack of comfort, image and dependability of the current outdated van platforms,” explained Castelli. “Yet many of these truck owners admit they need a van for weather protection, security and the convenience of a tall roof van to carry large items or equipment. With the Nissan NV, we're giving them the best of both worlds.”

Answering one of the major unmet owner needs – driver comfort and roominess – the Nissan NV interior starts with wide front doors for easy ingress and egress, supportive bucket seating with extensive adjustability, large armrests and a truck-like driving position with ample legroom and foot room. The available centre console (removable) provides a range of integrated storage features, while the fold-down passenger seat – which is unique to the segment – adds worktable functionality and enhances the cab's feeling of openness.

Another major contributor to the pickup-like cab is the absence of the traditional CV engine “doghouse” that intrudes into the cab due to the setback engine placement. The Nissan NV utilizes a conventional truck engine layout with the engine and transmission located ahead of the firewall/A-pillar. This not only frees up space under the instrument panel and between the seats, it also provides easy under-hood access to the entire engine for routine service and maintenance.

“From the seats forward the NV looks, acts and feels like a pickup. You don't have to take apart the interior to access the engine and you don't have to worry about tucking your work boots into a cramped footwell,” said Castelli. “But, make no mistake, behind the seats the NV is pure, practical van.”

The NV's ample cargo area offers a 3 066 mm (120.7-inch) cargo floor length and 1 786 mm (70.3-inch) maximum cargo floor width. NV Standard Roof models offer a maximum 1 407 mm (55.4 inch) cargo area height, among the tallest in class. The NV High Roof provides a maximum 1 943 mm (76.5-inches) of cargo room height – enough for most users to move about the cargo area while standing up straight.

“Standard Roof NV models are designed to fit in most garages or go through most car washes and fast food drive-through lanes – along with offering easier reach to access roof racks,” said Castelli. “But for so many businesses, the added cargo capacity and the ability to stand up and work inside the High Roof NV will be a priceless enhancement to their everyday operations and productivity.”

Smart Functionality and Flexible Layout

Inspired by customer needs and usage, the Nissan NV offers an amazing array of smart functionality features, including storage pockets, spaces and compartments designed to provide secure access to the typical commercial customers' everyday use objects. An under seat drawer, for example, fits small tools, stationary or first aid kits, while the deep door pockets fit flashlights, legal-size binders and clipboards. High Roof models offer an available overhead console designed to hold work gloves, legal size binders, safety glasses and system books. The available centre console (removable) fits letter size files and laptop computers – and includes a computer or mobile phone charging point.

“A commercial van must serve many more functions today, including acting as a mobile office for time spent on the road or at a job site,” said Castelli. “We've made storage and productivity items integral to the design, rather than tacked-on afterthoughts. The result is a clean, practical and comfortable workspace for a wide variety of professions and businesses.”

Along with being conceived as a “mobile office,” the Nissan NV is designed to function as a “mobile workshop” – thanks to its simple, flexible cargo area layout. Along with offering wide door openings, the NV offers room between the wheelhouses to accommodate standard plywood or drywall sheets or pallets. There are also a range of cargo area tie-down rings and ample cargo area lighting.

The new Nissan NV was also designed to accommodate aftermarket outfitting and modifications. For example, the roof rack mounting brackets are designed for various rack systems without piercing holes in the roof, which can lead to corrosion and water leaks. The available “upfitter pre-wiring” allows easy access into the electrical system.

The NV also offers a full-length cargo area inner panel to protect the outer walls from dents and dings from the inside, and there are multiple weld-nut attachment points for shelving and racks – again requiring no sheet metal drilling. In addition, the NV's nearly vertical sidewalls maximize the usable cargo space, accommodating common aftermarket storage systems, as well as a bulkhead behind the driver.

Three Well-Equipped Models

Cost of ownership and operation is a critical factor in the CV segment, whether for major fleet operations or individual business owners. “From the rugged fully boxed all-steel frame to the body-on-chassis construction, the NV is designed to the highest Nissan standards of durability, quality and reliability,” said Castelli. “The NV is designed to be affordable and to stand up to the abuse that real work trucks face everyday.”

The new Nissan NV will launch with a choice of two engines – a powerful yet fuel efficient 4.0-litre V6 or a powerful, torquey 5.6-litre V8. Both engines will be matched to a standard 5-speed automatic.

Safety systems include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, available supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags.

The 2011 Nissan NV will be offered in three well-equipped models, the NV1500, NV2500 and NV3500. All three models will be available with the Standard Roof, while the High Roof body will be offered in the NV2500 and NV3500 models only. Additional information regarding standard features, trim levels and optional equipment will be provided later.

The new Nissan NV will be manufactured in Canton, Mississippi and available through a select network of authorized Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide. For updates and more information, please go to www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.

At A Glance: Nissan NV2500 Concept

11.01.2008 , MISSISSAUGA, ON

The Nissan NV2500 Concept presents a preview of Nissan North America, Inc.'s upcoming entry into the growing Commercial Vehicle (CV) market, which launches in 2010 with a lineup that includes vehicles developed specifically for North America.

The NV2500 Concept is designed as a highly capable work vehicle that offers low-impact solutions to high utility needs. It is configured as a “mobile, on-site construction office,” equipped with a computer work station, wireless laser blueprint printer, fold-down conference table, storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, a near-six foot walk-through interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside work table.

Other features include a front passenger seat swing arm bracket that allows the seat to be used for both the computer station and the workbench. Along with task-focused lighting throughout the interior, an oversize fixed glass panel roof with integrated solar panels provides light and power for auxiliary tools and accessories.

The NV2500 was developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) and is built on a modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup all-steel, fully boxed ladder frame.

Highlights of the Nissan NV2500 Concept include:

Exterior Features

• Aggressive styling with wide stance, flared fenders and Nissan signature grille
• LED headlights and taillights
• Retractable outside mirrors
• Fixed lower front door visibility windows
• Front tow hooks with integrated engine compartment access steps
• Multi-use doors, including 180-degree driver's-side door, 60/40 split “barn door” style vertical rear cargo doors, workshop “awning style” flip-up side panel
• Built-in door storage compartments
• Oversized fixed glass roof with integrated solar panels
• Motorized access steps with lights (driver and passenger side doors, rear cargo doors)
• Wide 20-inch 6-spoke billet aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin tires

Interior Features

• Three Zones: Driver and Passenger Zone, Work/Design Station Zone, Conference Centre/Cargo Bay Zone

Driver and Passenger Zone

• Wide, comfortable, durable fabric-covered seating
• Customizable navigation/audio system/HVAC display with three adjustable angles
• Wide instrument panel with integrated power outlet and extension cord
• Overhead storage console with visor shelves
• Ceiling-mounted interior cooling fan
• Integrated storage closet behind driver's seat, with work boot storage and floor drainage system
• Large centre console with lockable, invisible storage
• RearView Monitor system
• Integrated storage compartments

Work/Design Station Zone

• Oversized monitor with laser-projected easy-clean keyboard
• Front seat moves to a position in front of computer station (360-degree rotating seat)

Conference Centre/Cargo Bay Zone

• Front seat swivels to a position in front of workshop table (inside position)
• Ceiling-mounted overhead laser blueprint printer
• 110/220V power outlets
• Integrated in-door tool storage with custom-fit holders for power drills, saws, etc.
• Built-in shop vacuum with air hoses
• Cargo wall above workshop table opens as an awning, table can pivot to outside standing work table
• Multi-position Utili-track® cargo tie-down channel system
• Sustainable wood slats for tying down or securing cargo
• Functional task lighting throughout the interior and cargo area

Powertrain

• Powerful, efficient V8 with 5-speed automatic transmission
• Front engine/rear-wheel drive

Design

• Designed by Nissan Design America, Inc., La Jolla, Calif.

Nissan NV200 Concept Brings “Human Touch” and Personalization to the Small Commercial Van Segment

11.01.2008 , MISSISSAUGA, ON

To most people, a typical small commercial van is little more than an empty box on wheels. But does it have to be? Why can't it be different, something innovative and smart? Why can't a commercial van also be a mobile office? Or combine workspace and living quarters? Or, for example, a mobile lab for a marine biologist/photographer? Why not?

“A commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that's no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth,” said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “In the Nissan NV200 Concept, function becomes the aesthetic. The NV200 is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch.”

Created by designers from Nissan Design Center (NDC) in Japan and Nissan Design Europe (NDE) in the United Kingdom, the NV200 is a radical, futuristic but entirely practical new concept – inspired by the needs of a marine biologist and underwater photographer. And although developed to answer one user's very specific requirements, the basic concept has serious potential for a wide range of customers and professions.

But imagine the case of a marine biologist/photographer. When setting off on an expedition, he or she might take along a mountain of equipment – including underwater cameras and lights, scuba diving equipment, an underwater scooter, computer equipment for downloading digital images, mobile communication equipment to send the images to clients or research centres, clothing, food and water, and perhaps camping or overnight gear. This is typically enough equipment to fill a van, with little space left over for an on-site office. That's where innovation comes in.

A Unique Slide-Out Cargo Pod

At the heart of Nissan NV200 is a patented sliding cargo pod, which is divided into a number of separate areas where different pieces of diving and photographic equipment can be stored.

The pod is latched inside the shell of the load area when the van is being driven. Upon arrival at its destination, it slides out rearwards to allow easy access to the storage zones. The pod is deployed manually with the aid of hydraulic rams, and sits securely on integrated “drop-down” legs when fully extended.

As the pod is withdrawn from the van, the area left behind is transformed into a mobile office and IT dock. A computer table drops down from the side of the van to reveal two LCD screens upon which images can be edited. The front passenger seat swivels backwards on a single curved rail to face the table.

Along with housing diving gear in separate “wet” lockers, the pod holds four air tanks and there's a specially shaped area to securely hold the underwater scooter. Lockable roller blinds protect the contents, while valuable camera equipment can be accessed either from within NV200 or from outside the pod.

From the outside, NV200 is the epitome of a modern van. A cab-forward design, the wraparound grille blends into upswept lines on either side of the cabin. Dramatically rising side windows accentuate a high waistline and underline the van's practical, load carrying ability. The NV200 sits on a long 111.4-inch wheelbase and is 72.4 inches tall, providing a practical, roomy load space.

When the pod is deployed, solar panels built into its roof are directly exposed to daylight. But even when the pod is pushed back into the van, the panels line up beneath the NV200's large skylight. In this way, power can be generated in daylight hours, whether the vehicle is stationary or not.

A two-person tent – accessed from outside the NV200 – is housed at the base of the B-pillar behind the driver's door, while fillers for fuel and water are housed within the opposite B-pillar. The driver and passenger doors open conventionally, while access to the workspace is via a single sliding door on the passenger side.

Underwater and organic references can be found all over Nissan NV200. The purpose-made 20-inch alloy wheels have six “arms” that appear to grip the tires “octopus-fashion.” The tread pattern on the large Goodyear tires – also specially created for NV200 – incorporates “octopus suckers” onto trainer-style soles.

Inspiration for the translucent ribs of the wraparound grille came from the layers of an onion. Liberal use of warning signs and instructions found on the exterior of the NV200 were borrowed from the practical graphics found on diving equipment. The exterior has a scratch resistant matte satin finish in a steel gray colour to emphasize the “toolbox” nature of the project.

Inspired Interior Details

The NV200's cockpit area combines form and function. The skeletal aluminum seat frames are covered in a washable contoured material similar to the fabric used in sports shoes, with a 3D texture for extra grip.

Large open storage areas run the width of the van beneath the instrument panel and control cluster. Sensors within the storage zones detect movement and illuminate the entire area as soon as a hand or an object is placed in or near the shelves.

Above the front seats is a glass panel incorporating a wave pattern. It bathes the interior in a diffused light, while any outside movement casts shadows in the cabin that resemble life underwater. On either side of the panel are two forward-facing glazed holders into which high-powered professional underwater flashlights can be slotted. When parked, the lights provide a floodlit area ahead of NV200.

The area usually reserved for the rearview mirror holds a small colour TV monitor. A rear-facing camera – a familiar Nissan feature that up until now has been used as solely a reversing aid – projects the view behind the van to the monitor at all times.

Other features include a laptop computer housed in a shockproof briefcase made from rugged ribbed plastic. When not in use, the laptop docks into a side of the van beneath the worktable. A magnetic clipboard is attached to the opposite wall of the workspace, while moveable storage boxes are mounted in all three doors.

Natural light for the work surface comes from a small side window above the bank of screens and from a large domed skylight in the roof of the van. In tropical climates, the skylight can be diffused to prevent a build up of heat within the interior.

The end of the pod facing the inside of the van forms a bulkhead behind the front seats when the pod is not deployed and incorporates a hanging space for dry clothes. It also houses a small refrigerator, drop down sink unit and first aid kit. The NV200's tanks hold enough water to supply a shower, fitted on the outside of the pod, to allow diving equipment to be washed after use.

Power for the computer, shower, refrigerator and other electrical fixtures comes from a small generator housed within the van. This, in turn, is charged by solar panels situated on the roof of the pod.

Most of the materials, textures and colours used throughout NV200 reflect the materials, textures and colours used in the diving world. Interior materials are either hardened lightweight plastics or rubberized fabrics finished in a dark gray with acid yellow highlights. The glass is also tinted yellow.

Perhaps the only area not directly influenced by the ocean is the wooden floor of NV200. This is finished in durable but entirely natural ebony, bringing an added touch of warmth to an otherwise serious working environment.

Although the NV200 has been designed to suit the specific needs of one profession, the principle behind the concept has wide ranging potential. The design team also identified mobile libraries, Farmers' Market vendors, florists and even field ambulances among other possible applications of the pod concept.

The NV200 also features an environmentally friendly clean diesel engine. It is equipped with a number of safety systems based on Nissan's Safety Shield concept, including RearView Monitor and Distance Control Assist System.

“Although the Nissan NV200 might, at first glance, appear to be a flight of fancy, the more you study its potential the more you realize it is an entirely practical and feasible project,” said Nakamura. “Nissan prides itself on designing its cars to fulfill the needs and requirements of its customers. For NV200, we have taken that guiding principle quite literally and created a vehicle for one specific user. But it is a totally adaptable and flexible concept that could have applications in a number of areas of the market.”

The Nissan NV200 Concept originally debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show and has also been displayed at motor shows in Europe.