NISSAN INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2009 CUBE AND 370Z AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

– Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn Gives Keynote Speech on Company’s Electric Vehicle Future –

 Los Angeles, Calif. - 

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 19, 2008) – Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced a new electric-vehicle partnership with the state of Oregon, in line with Nissan’s commitment to begin offering pure electric cars in 2010 in the United States and Japan. The announcement came in a keynote address at the opening of the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

“We see in Oregon the vision that is evident in all the places that are eager for sustainable mobility,” said Mr. Ghosn. “Demonstrating their care for the environment, the state and its partners are creating the conditions that will promote zero-emission vehicles as an attractive choice for consumers.”

Nissan will launch its first electric vehicle in Oregon in late 2010. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski is proposing replacing the current $1,500 tax credit on hybrid vehicles with a $5,000 credit on all-electric cars.

Mr. Ghosn’s presentation was followed by the North American debuts of two all-new 2009 Nissan vehicles – the Nissan 370Z sports car and the Nissan cube. The Los Angeles Auto Show is open to the public from Nov. 21-30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The iconic 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the Nissan Z^Ò since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, is scheduled to go on sale in North America in January 2009. 

Nearly every piece and component of the current Nissan 350Z has been rethought or redesigned resulting in a more refined, more powerful, better handling 370Z – a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, larger 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL), a new 7-speed automatic transmission, a world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission, a new high quality interior design and new available technology features.

The 2009 370Z has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $29,990, providing passionate performance at an excellent value. At this price the new 370Z is about $280 less than a comparably priced 2008 350Z Enthusiast model – yet it offers more standard equipment, such as Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ, side and curtain supplemental air bags and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The new Z^â is available in two models: 370Z and 370Z Touring.

The boxy yet stylish Nissan cube, known in the Japanese market for its unique combination of fashion and functionality, will be available for the first time in the United States beginning in spring 2009.

The 2009 Nissan cube provides the utility and dependability consumers expect in a small car wrapped in a package that is anything but square. It’s unique, non-traditional design features an asymmetrical body, a stout “bulldog-like” stance, wide doors, a large greenhouse with wraparound rear window, and a refrigerator-style rear door. 

Inside, the new cube’s interior is a roomy social space, designed to be a destination rather than a way to get to get one. Capable of seating up to five passengers, the new cube offers a plethora of innovative storage solutions ideal for storing cell phones, MP3 players and other personal items. To accommodate its occupants, the new cube provides comfortable front seating with a three-position sliding, reclining theater-style rear seat. 

The front-wheel-drive cube is available with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth-shifting Xtronic CVT^™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission. Fuel efficiency is expected to be over 30 mpg highway with the CVT transmission (actual EPA estimates not available at this time). Cube is offered in three well-equipped models: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL. A long list of safety features are standard on the cube, including six air bags. Accessories will also be offered, allowing cube owners to personalize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and needs. 

Also on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show is the new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which focuses squarely on value and fuel economy. With a starting price of $9,990, the new Versa 1.6 has the lowest new car MSRP* in the United States.

The Versa Sedan 1.6 features a standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers responsive performance, along with a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission). The Versa Sedan 1.6 went on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide Nov. 18, 2008.