10.07.2011
, BANGKOK, Thailand
NISSAN MOTOR THAILAND LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW NISSAN ALMERA
– Thailand’s first sedan eco-car leads off NMT’s mid-term business plan –
Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (NMT), a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today celebrated the launch of the all-new Nissan Almera. With this latest addition to its line-up, NMT will be the first automaker to introduce a sedan under the Thai government’s eco-car program. Following the success achieved by the Nissan March as the first hatchback eco-car, NMT is aiming at being the leader of Thailand’s eco-car segment. The Nissan Almera is the first model under NMT’s new mid-term business plan, “NMT Power Up 2016”, which was announced in July 2011.
“The ASEAN region is one of the keys to Nissan’s future success. In particular, Thailand is a very important market and strategic base for the region,” said Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operating Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., at the launch event. “Our commitment to Thailand is further demonstrated by the launch of our innovative and exciting Nissan Almera today,” Shiga added.
With a more stylish exterior and spacious interior compared to other sub-compact cars in the market, top-class comfort and convenience, and the use of Nissan’s eco-friendly PURE DRIVE technology, the all-new Nissan Almera is designed to provide a more complete driving experience for our customers. This model was developed under Thailand’s eco-car program that was initiated by the Thai Ministry of Industry’s Board of Investment and meets all the requirements necessary to receive the “eco-car” designation1.
The Almera is powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 79 PS (maximum torque of 106 Nm), available in both five-speed manual transmission and Nissan unique continuous variable transmission, the XTRONIC-CVT. It is also equipped with the Nissan’s advanced technology, the Idling stop system and offers excellent benefits; smooth riding, low CO2 emissions of 120g/km and very good fuel consumption at 20km/l.
The Almera is built on the V-platform, which is designed to realize excellent fuel efficiency through its light weight and increased body rigidity. This new sedan is the second product based on this platform, following the Nissan March.
The March was introduced last year as the first eco-car in the Thai automotive market. Sales reached 28,000 units in its first year, far greater than the initial sales target. Within one and a half year the sales booking has already exceeded 50,000 units. It also won both Thailand’s “Most Environmentally Friendly Car of the Year” and “Best Passenger Car under 1200 cc” awards in 2010.
“The launch of the Almera will strengthen Nissan’s brand power as the leader of the eco-car segment in Thailand. This product will play an important role in achieving a great start to our new mid-term business plan,” said Toru Hasegawa, NMT’s president. “After the success we saw with the Nissan March last year, the Almera will be another high-quality addition to our line-up in Thailand. We believe it will satisfy all types of customers, especially those who are looking for an upscale, spacious, fuel efficient and low maintenance cost car for everyday driving. In short, it is truly a perfect choice for customers who buy it as their first car or as an additional car for the family,” Hasegawa added.
The all-new Almera is produced at NMT’s plant in Samutprakarn, Thailand, and is available in six grades, six different colors, from 429,000 baht to 599,000 baht (1.07 million yen to 1.50 million yen)2. The Almera goes on sale at Nissan dealerships across Thailand from October 7, 2011.
1 The requirements for the eco-car designation consists of 1) low level of fuel consumption (20km/l); 2) emissions (CO2 120g/km);
3) passenger safety for front and side impacts which meet the strict standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE regulations 94 and 95); and 4) engine displacement that does not exceed 1.3L for gasoline engines and 1.4L for diesel engines.
2 Amounts in Japanese yen are translated for the convenience of the reader at the foreign exchange rate of 1 baht per 2.5 yen.