12.22.2011
, FRANKLIN, Tenn.
Top 10 Nissan Stories from 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 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- 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.
3- “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.
4- 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.
5- 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.”
6- 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.
7- GT-R Wins Worlds Biggest Drag Race
Eleven of the world’s most desirable cars lined up side-by-side. Legendary marques and iconic nameplates – Porsche 911, Corvette Z06, Ford Mustang Boss 302, Ferrari 458 Italia and Audi R8 GT, to name just a few – assembled by the editors of Motor Trend for an informal, bragging rights-only drag race as a sidebar to its 2011 Best Driver’s Car award, announced on motortrend.com today, and cover story for the November issue of Motor Trend magazine. Eleven cars, one shot, one winner: the legendary Nissan GT-R.
8- ESFLOW Debuts in Geneva
It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But ESFLOW is different than every other sports car yet built: It’s electric. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.
9- LA is not Just for Movie Stars
Nissan presented world debuts of three dramatic new vehicles during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show – the 2011 Nissan Quest Minivan, the 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet and the Nissan Ellure Concept. “Innovation is Nissan’s core belief and it has driven us to create some of the most iconic cars on the road,” said Carlos Tavares.
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.”