Nissan Archives - Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Nissan celebrates 35 years of production with custom-built 100% electric LEAF-powered Bluebird

vuyi on January 12, 2022

Press Release: Nissan South Africa

Celebrating 35 years of production at the Sunderland plant, Nissan has commissioned a very special conversion of the Nissan Bluebird.

Celebrating 35 years of production at the Sunderland plant, Nissan has commissioned a very special conversion of the Nissan Bluebird – the first car off the factory’s production line in 1986.

Called `Newbird’, the one-off project car is powered by the 100% electric drivetrain of a Nissan LEAF, the pioneering mass-market EV that kick-started the global trend towards electrification of mobility.

The `Newbird’ connects 35 years of manufacturing heritage at Sunderland, as Nissan accelerates towards an electrified future through Ambition 2030, the company’s long-term plan to empower mobility and beyond.

Alan Johnson, Vice President, Manufacturing, at Nissan Sunderland Plant, said; “The `Newbird’ represents all that is great about our plant – past present and future – as we celebrate 35 years of manufacturing in Sunderland.

“We have a rich heritage of building great cars, right from the original Bluebird model, and our fantastic team is now leading the way as we drive towards an exciting electrified, carbon-neutral, future.”

Nissan `Newbird’: In Detail

The Nissan Bluebird was extensively modified to integrate the LEAF’s electric drivetrain. The original petrol combustion engine and gearbox were removed and a LEAF motor, inverter and 40kWh battery pack installed, with the battery modules split between the engine bay and boot for optimised weight distribution.

Updates and modifications were made to the power steering, braking and heating systems to enable them to be electrically powered. A custom suspension was also installed to support the additional weight from the battery packs.

As a nod to the car’s electric updates, the original Nissan bonnet badge received a LED backlight (for when the vehicle is static).

The car is recharged through the original fuel flap, which provides access to the charging port. The battery can be recharged at up to 6.6kW and the original driver instrument panel has been connected to the EV system to enable the fuel gauge to show the battery state of charge.

Although not homologated, the vehicle’s range from a single charge is estimated at around 130 miles (subject to environmental factors and driving style) with a 0-62mph (0-100kph) time of just under 15 seconds.

For the exterior of the vehicle, Nissan Design Europe, based in London, created a new graphic motif inspired by design cues of 1980s consumer technology, combined with a 21st century aesthetic.

The conversion was project-managed by Kinghorn Electric Vehicles, a family-run company based in Durham, North East England (just 15 miles from the Sunderland plant). Kinghorn EV specialises in the conversion of classic cars to full electric using second-life Nissan LEAF motors, inverters & batteries.

George Kinghorn said, “Electric vehicles are not just the future, they’re the now! Converting older vehicles to electric gives you everyday use of these iconic vintage models, but they’re just as enjoyable to drive, they’re more reliable and importantly don’t produce harmful emissions when driving. With this project, we think we’ve created a car that captures the soul of the Nissan Bluebird, with the heart of a Nissan LEAF.”

Sunderland Plant was officially opened in September 1986 and has been in operation ever since. Total output from 1986 to the present day stands in excess of 10.5 million cars.

Locally-produced Nissan Navara takes off with all-time high sales

vuyi on December 1, 2021

Renowned for its rugged redefined looks, robust capabilities, reliability, and versatility, the Navara is fast becoming one of the most respected models across the Nissan line-up.

Nissan South Africa has recently announced sales figures for the all-new Navara, which launched in the SA market in July. In just four months, vehicle sales have surpassed the previous (full) year’s sales, positioning the Navara as one of the best-selling 2021 vehicles in the 1ton pickup category.

“The success of the new Navara is mainly owed to two things, its value proposition and the fact that is it produced right here at home – made with the South African consumer top of mind”, said Charl Timms, Sales & Operations Director at Nissan South Africa.”

The new Nissan Navara offers customers good value for money, with low-running costs, competitive parts pricing, and a competitive fuel efficiency, strong aftersales services, all designed to help your business’s bottom line, while being rugged and tough enough to do the job right.

The vehicle comes with enhanced ride comfort, load-carrying capacity, and a powertrain selected specifically for the South African market.

“Currently, Nissan has a market share of 13.4%, which positions us right up to our target,” said Charl Timms, Sales & Operations Director at Nissan South Africa. In October, we completed the line-up with the launch of the Single Cab. Our customer base is very diverse, and this line-up is built to meet all their unique needs – whether it’s a workhorse for their business, family travels or off-road adventures,” Timms continued.

The Nissan Navara offers a reliable bakkie functionality with a premium drive and innovative safety features, which has contributed to its tremendous success.”

Nissan is projecting a steady growth in sales for the Navara range for the next six months, which has potential to significantly grow once the plant is in production at full capacity.

“We are incredibly proud to have provided our South African consumers with a vehicle that that is built right here at home and will be part of the country’s legacy, but the premium quality of the vehicle also speaks for itself,” Timms concluded.

Nissan rounds off Navara line-up with launch of Single Cab models

vuyi on October 13, 2021

Renowned for its rugged redefined looks, robust capabilities, reliability and versatility, the Navara is one of the most strikingly handsome bakkies on the South African market.

Following the launch of the South African produced and all-new Navara Nissan Double Cab in June this year, Nissan has announced it will round out the range with the launch of the Navara Single Cabs. The Single Cab Navara pickup goes on sale locally on 11 October 2021.

“The Single Cab comes with an impressive list of best-in-class features that make it the perfect partner to get the job done right. said Stefan Haasbroek, Marketing Director at Nissan South Africa. “It also offers high levels of safety and security from entry grades, including driver and passenger airbags standard as well as ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution.”

Power and Performance

The new Navara Single Cab 2.5l D0HC Petrol Engine (XE grade) has a maximum power of 118 kW and 233Nm torque. The 2.5l Diesel power train comes in two levels of output. The high output engine delivers 140kW of power and 450Nm torque.

The mid-output (XE and SE Grades), has a 2.5 litre dual overhead camshafts with direct injection, turbocharged with intercooler diesel engine producing 120kw of power and 403Nm torque.

Those using the vehicle as a workhorse will be pleased to learn that the incoming Navara features a top-class load capacity of up to 1144kg.

Haasbroek adds, “The Navara Single Cab is built on over 85 years of heritage, which will uphold our reputation of reliable and durable light commercial vehicles.”

The Nissan Navara Single Cab comes standard with a warranty of 6 years 150, 000 km, and a service plan of 6 years 90 000 km, making it the best-in-class aftersales support.

Pricing is as follows:

NAVARA SINGLE CAB – 2WD	Incl VAT	Excl VAT
NAVARA 2.5 Petrol XE MT SC	316 700.00	275 391.30
NAVARA 2.5D XE MT SC	355 700.00	309 304.35
NAVARA 2.5D SE MT SC	430 700.00	374 521.74
NAVARA 2.5D LE MT SC	461 700.00	401 478.26
NAVARA SINGLE CAB – 4WD
NAVARA 2.5D 4×4 SE MT SC	496 700.00	431 913.04
NAVARA 2.5D 4×4 LE MT SC	534 000.00	464 347.83

WATCH: Nissan Navara Proudly South African – Boldly African Teaser

vuyi on July 8, 2021

Zulu language preference now available on Waze

vuyi on June 25, 2021

The first turn-by-turn voice navigation that speaks Mzansi’s languages is now available

Nissan South Africa alongside TBWA Hunt Lascaris has launched a disruptive brand campaign, Shwii by Nissan, which currently enables South Africans to use Zulu and local slang vocal commands compatible with Waze.

“Shwii by Nissan is made with South Africans in mind. We are driving the local conversation on inclusivity, combined with smart technology by putting our local languages on the map.” said Stefan Haasbroek, Marketing Director at Nissan South Africa.

Shwii by Nissan is made with South Africans in mind.
– Stefan Haasbroek, Marketing Director at Nissan South Africa

Nissan identified a local and cultural need to provide a solution most relevant to the South African market, combining it with existing Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technology. NIM technology is designed to keep you safe while on the road and Waze behaves similarly, with voice commands designed to keep you safe whilst navigating on the road.

One of the reasons behind this campaign, is to put our local languages on the map.
– STEFAN HAASBROEK, MARKETING DIRECTOR AT NISSAN SOUTH AFRICA

“When you speak to someone in their home language, they can understand and respond in time by reacting accordingly to any obstacle or potential danger around them and that was one of the reasons behind this campaign, to put our local languages on the map” said Nokwe Ndwandwe, Brand Manager at Nissan South Africa.

The campaign taps into the gap within voice navigation technology and the importance of language, which shapes our culture. While dozens of languages are available on apps like Waze, Zulu – spoken by roughly 16 million people mostly in South Africa – was missing. With isiZulu and local Mzansi slang as the brand new set of vocals, Nissan is fostering an environment of inclusivity – both inside and outside the car.

More local South African languages will be coming soon on the Waze platform courtesy of Shwii by Nissan.

Nissan prepared for growing its manufacturing footprint in Africa

vuyi on June 9, 2021

12 Ghanaian technicians have graduated from Nissan’s plant, and are ready to spearhead the launch of Nissan’s assembly plant in their own country.

12 Ghanaian technicians have graduated from Nissan’s plant, and are ready to spearhead the launch of Nissan’s assembly plant in their own country.

Over the last 12 weeks the graduates have learnt the finer points of how to assemble the Japanese automaker’s legendary Navara, which is currently being built in Africa at the Rosslyn plant in South Africa. The new locally manufactured Navara is expected to start rolling off the assembly lines from the end of June 2021 and will be on sale across African markets in the months that follow.

The production of a vehicle is intricate, so the training course we have been offering will not be the end of our work in supporting the Ghanaian team’s capabilities
– Shafick Solomons, Plant Director

The comprehensive training programme course has equipped the trainees with the ability to assemble the new Nissan Navara as well as learn the principles of the Nissan Production Way. This is to ensure that the numerous quality control measures are enforced and allow them to help train the next generation of Ghanaian engineers to assembly these vehicles in their home country.

“The production of a vehicle is intricate, so the training course we have been offering will not be the end of our work in supporting the Ghanaian team’s capabilities,” says Shafick Solomons, Plant Director

“It’s one of the many steps we are taking to support a sustainable relationship between South Africa and Ghana going forward. We will continue to share resources and knowledge, as well as training to make sure that the Ghanaian team is as agile and efficient as any team in the rest of the world all working towards and adhering to Nissan’s global production standard, the Nissan Production Way.”

The preparation for the Ghana Assembly plant follows Nissan’s ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Ghana that was signed during the initial stages of working towards the Ghana Automotive Development policy.

“This is a wonderful moment for us as a global company with incredible African roots,” says Mike Whitfield, Managing Director of Nissan. “We set out to build a vehicle in Africa for Africa by Africans with the Navara, which we are about to achieve from our Nissan South African plant.

“Now we are laying the groundwork to do just that in Ghana, as we help the people and government of Ghana begin to realise their dream of creating a Sustainable Automotive Industry in their country.

Nissan and Japan Motors support the Ghana Automotive Development Policy, which is why we want to do our part in creating jobs and stimulating African economies.
– Salem Kalmoni, Managing Director Japan Motors.

“We have always said that we wanted to work with countries on the continent who want to partner with us in this regard. We were the first movers in Nigeria and we are looking at other countries in Africa where there is similar potential, which is both exciting and timely as we emerge from the economic ravages of the COVID 19 pandemic.”

The Navara production facility is in Accra, the capital of Ghana, and will be 100% Ghanaian operated by the Japan Motors Trading Company (JMTC), which invested US $3 million into its construction, following Ghana’s drafting of its automotive development policy to encourage investment in the sector.

“Nissan and Japan Motors support the Ghana Automotive Development Policy, which is why we want to do our part in creating jobs and stimulating African economies. We both want to create a new future for the sector, and change the lives of the people who build, test and drive these vehicles,” says Salem Kalmoni, Managing Director Japan Motors.

WATCH: Nissan Magnite driving

vuyi on April 23, 2021

The much anticipated Nissan Magnite, a compact SUV is now available in South Africa.

With high strength and impact absorbing efficient body structure, the Magnite is equipped with safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), speed sensing door lock, central locking and SRS dual airbag system with pretension and load limiter seatbelt for driver and passenger.

We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself
– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director

The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:

Acenta MT = R256 999
Acenta CVT = R280 100
Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700

Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km

WATCH: The Power of Z-ness in all its metallic glory

vuyi on April 22, 2021

Bold, powerful, exhilarating and accessible.

For more than 50 years, the Z has made it possible for anyone to make their dream of owning an incredible sports car come true.

The Z has a rich history and possesses many iconic elements. Take the headlamps for example. On the original 240Z (S30), when the headlamps illuminate through the outer lens, they created a unique exterior reflection. The designers employed this shape and infused it with modern technology to create the new Z’s headlamp signature that’s both modern and familiar.

The styling of the rear combination lamps is another example. Although many have likened it to the Z32’s, in fact the original Fairlady Z and other past Zs had a similar design. Like the headlamps, the creatives designed the rear lights with the Nissan Z heritage in mind but used a new approach that resulted in this powerful, iconic motif.

The new Z Proto is expected in production-spec later in 2021.

WATCH: Nissan Magnite Styling

vuyi on April 22, 2021

We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself
– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director

Built for those who take charge of every journey, the Nissan Magnite has the sleekest headlamps assembled in its class with light saber-style turn indicators, while its L-shape LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and dominating front grille is unlike any other design in the B-SUV segment.

A first in its segment, the all-new Nissan Magnite is also equipped with one of Nissan’s top support technology, the Around View Monitor (AVM), which gives the driver a virtual bird’s eye view from above the vehicle.

The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:

Acenta MT = R256 999
Acenta CVT = R280 100
Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700

Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km

Nissan Allows Free use of Body Temperature and Health Management Technology

vuyi on April 20, 2021

YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan announced on April 13 that it will allow the free use of Nissan technology for a body temperature and health management system created by Computer Engineering & Consulting Ltd (CEC). The free use is based on the IP Open Access Declaration Against COVID-19, which Nissan joined in May last year.

To help control the spread of COVID-19, Nissan is making as much use as possible of remote working in its back-office operations, while implementing thorough on-site safety measures in production and logistics. For employees who need to work onsite at Nissan facilities, safety and health measures such as hand disinfection and body temperature checks are required for entry.

As an enhancement, Nissan developed a system capable of integrated management of body temperature and health status and implemented it at plants in Japan. The system uses either a contactless thermometer or a thermo-camera to take measurements of employees’ body temperatures as they enter a facility. The employees then enter basic information into a tablet device, which is then registered in the system automatically after authentication by ID card. This reduces both the amount of information employees need to enter and data entry errors. It also enables supervisors to manage accurate information on the body temperature and health status of employees, allowing the bolstering of measures to manage their health and prevent the spread of infection at the workplace.

Nissan has licensed this technology to CEC for the company to use as part of an ICT solution aimed at its manufacturing operations.

Reference: IP Open Access Declaration Against COVID-19

IP rights holders declare that they will not assert any patent, utility model, design or copyright claims against activities whose sole purpose is to diagnose, prevent and contain COVID-19 infections, and will not seek any consideration or compensation until the date on which the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the COVID-19 outbreak to be over.

WATCH: Nissan Magnite launch

vuyi on April 20, 2021

The much anticipated Nissan Magnite, a compact SUV is now available in South Africa.

The Nissan Magnite comes with numerous first-in-class and best-in-segment features that will provide customers with a differentiated, innovative, and accessible experience.

We are excited to finally have the Nissan Magnite on our South African shores and we cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself
– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director

The Nissan Magnite Recommended Retail Price (RRP) and line-up are as follows:

Acenta MT = R256 999
Acenta CVT = R280 100
Acenta Plus MT = R282 600
Acenta Plus CVT = R305 700

Service Plan: 3yr/30000 kms (3 services) and warranty 6 year/150 000km

New on the Tarmac: Meet the delightfully upgraded Nissan X-Trail

vuyi on March 23, 2021

Nissan has launched an update to the X-Trail range which features a sophisticated Nissan Connect Infotainment system

Nissan has launched an update to the X-Trail range, which features a sophisticated Nissan Connect Infotainment system, an in-vehicle technology suite combining connectivity and entertainment to enhance the Nissan Intelligent Mobility offering.

The Nissan X-Trail is one of the world’s bestselling SUV’s
– Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director.

Designed to reduce distractions and enhance convenience, the Nissan Connect infotainment system featured in the X-Trail integrates ways to stay in touch within a single dash-mounted system. This intuitive system helps every drive go smoother by pointing you exactly where you need to go while keeping you connected for each kilometer of the journey.

“The Nissan X-Trail is one of the world’s bestselling SUV’s, a key vehicle in the Nissan family and a favourite among South African customers. We are constantly creating technology that amps up adventure and elevates the driving experience of our customers with ease and convenience. The Nissan Connect is a system that will provide drivers with an enhanced in-vehicle digital experience and enhanced connectivity. We are excited that these upgrades are now available to the South African market,” said Stefan Haasbroek, Nissan South Africa Marketing Director.

The system allows you to connect your smartphone to the 7’Inch display audio touch screen through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While you take to the wheel, the new Nissan connect system allows you to access various applications such as google maps and online music streaming services ensuring you reach your destination comfortably.

Additional to the Nissan Connect system the X-Trail is now available with key enhancements added to the Acenta (Mid) & Tekna (High) grade:

-LED headlights

-Reverse camera

-Push start button

-Keyless entry with sensor-controlled power tailgate

Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM)

The X-Trail stays true to the ethos of Nissan Intelligent Mobility with technology designed to make every journey as seamless and effortless as possible. NIM features available on the Tekna (High) grade include:

The Nissan Connect is a system that will provide drivers with an enhanced in-vehicle digital experience and enhanced connectivity

Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention– alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in blind spots diagonally behind the car.
Intelligent Lane Intervention– alerts the driver when it detects that the X-Trail is straying from its lane.
Intelligent Cross Traffic Alert – when backing out of a parking space, this feature can detect and warn the driver of vehicles that are approaching behind the X-Trail.
Intelligent Emergency Braking – uses radar technology to keep an eye on your speed and proximity to the vehicle in front of you and will alert the driver before engaging the brakes.
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning – helps alert drivers of an impending collision with a slower moving or stationary car.
Intelligent Auto Headlights – automatically changes between high and low beams when it detects oncoming vehicles at night.
Intelligent Around View Monitor with moving object detection – a support technology that assists drivers to park more easily by providing a better understanding of the vehicle’s surroundings, giving the driver a 360 bird’s eye view.

The Nissan X-Trail is available in South Africa from March 2021.

Recommended Retail Pricing:

X-TRAIL 2.0 VISIA 7S R462 000
X-TRAIL 2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD R508 900
X-TRAIL 2.5 Acenta CVT 4WD 7s R513 900
X-TRAIL 1.6 dci Tekna 4WD R585 900
X-TRAIL 2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD 7s R599 900

Recommended Retail Price includes 3yr/90,000 km Service Plan and 6yr/150,000km warranty.