12.22.2011
, FRANKLIN, Tenn.
Top 10 Stories of 2011
As 2011 comes to a close, we thought it would be nice to have a look back at some of the biggest, brightest moments from Nissan and Infiniti in 2011. Following are some of our favorite moments, in no particular order.
1- Nissan Rebuilds, Perseveres
The March disaster in Japan was like none other. The event claimed over 24,000 lives and threated the safety and livelihoods of millions of people in Japan. Today, Nissan factories and dealerships are back on-line through the overwhelming team response to the crisis. While the impact of that day in March will be felt for years, Nissan can look back on its staff’s heroic response to the greatest natural disaster in Japanese history and know its people stood tall.
2- Infiniti and F1 Racing, Vettel are World Champions
Infiniti Global Brand Ambassador Sebastian Vettel underlined his reputation as a true master of Inspired Performance by winning the 2011 Formula One World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix.
3- Nissan LEAF Named World Car of the Year
At the New York International Auto Show, the 100-percent electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF was named 2011 World Car of the Year, edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. The award was the latest in a string of accolades for the world’s first affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market, which was also named European Car of the Year.
4- “Gas-Powered Everything” Ad Campaign Wins
A series of Nissan LEAF commercials titled “Gas Powered Everything” is on AdWeek’s list of 10 Best Commercials for 2011.
5- Nissan LEAF Turns One
As the Nissan LEAF™ turned one-year old, electricity had a celebration. In a special commercial created for the occasion, we journey in and out of a home to all different types of electrical sockets singing away to wish the first and only mass produced electric car a very happy first birthday.
6- JX is Born
At the LA Auto Show, Infiniti announced that the 2013 Infiniti JX will join the Infiniti lineup in spring 2012. As a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the luxury crossover segment, the all-new Infiniti JX is designed to excel in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features.
7- Power 88 Outlines Nissan’s Growth Plans
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., announced a wide-ranging, six-year business plan that will accelerate the company’s growth across new markets and segments. “Nissan Power 88 is the roadmap for our company’s profitable growth,” said Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn. “We will accelerate our growth, bringing more innovation and excitement to our products and services as well as cleaner, more affordable cars for everyone around the world, in line with the energy and environmental challenges of the 21st century.”
8- Nissan NV200 Taxi Named Taxi of Tomorrow
New York is “hailing” a new era of urban mobility, as the city with the nation’s largest taxi fleet selected Nissan to design and supply the next-generation “Taxi of Tomorrow.” 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.
Michigan Radio
9- Infiniti Poised for ZEV Growth
A highly advanced, range-extending electric sports car concept is under development at Infiniti. Set to emerge at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, this vehicle is being created to extend the potential for high performance, low emission electric cars. Explaining the strategy behind the concept, Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and Infiniti said: “At the Geneva Show next year, we will present our vision for a totally new kind of inspired premium performance car. Infiniti already has hybrid and clean diesel models on sale. And with an all-electric sedan on the way, the natural next step was to push the boundaries where performance and the environment intersect.”
10- Record Sales, and 2012 Looks Very Bright
In December, 2011, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reported record November U.S. sales of 85,182 units versus 71,366 units a year earlier, an increase of 19.4 percent. Nissan Division sales also set a new November record, increasing 21.5 percent for the month to 76,754 units. “Strong gains across our lineup extended Nissan’s record-breaking October into our best-ever November,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Sales. “We expect to finish 2011 on a high note with vehicles like Altima, Versa, Sentra and Rogue leading Nissan to a strong close in December and into an even better 2012.”