Nissan to Produce 100% Electric Van in Barcelona

PR Newswire — May 23, 2012

BARCELONA, Spain, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

- Electric Variant of NV200 to Launch in 2013 -

- All-new 100% electric e-NV200 to enter production in FY13 – Nissan’s second all-electric vehicle allocated to Barcelona Plant – Major project investment by Nissan of EUR100 mn in Spain – More than 700 jobs to be created at Nissan and its Spanish suppliers – Multi-use vehicle providing families and businesses with unique driving experience – Interior functionality and cargo capacity similar to existing NV200 with class-leading running costs

Today Nissan announced that a 100% electric compact van, the e-NV200, will go into production at its Barcelona plant in the 2013 Financial Year.

The new model will be based on the existing award-winning NV200 currently produced at the plant and will be an important and innovative addition to Nissan’s global range of light commercial vehicles (LCV’s).

e-NV200 will become Nissan’s second all-electric vehicle (EV) following the launch of the multi-award winning Nissan LEAF in 2010, underlining Nissan’s long-term commitment to zero emission mobility.

The new model, which represents EUR100 million investment by Nissan in Spain, is expected to create around 700 new jobs at the plant and throughout its local supplier base.

As the sole producer of e-NV200, Barcelona will supply world markets highlighting the growing competitiveness of Nissan’s Spanish industrial operations. Last week a new medium duty truck was allocated to Nissan’s Avila Plant in central Spain.

e-NV200 will provide both businesses and families with functional and roomy interior space and will retain the host of innovative and practical features of the current NV200 line up combined with the most advanced powertrain components of the Nissan LEAF.

This will deliver a driving range similar to the Nissan LEAF on a single charge and similar performance, together with best in class running and maintenance costs.

Andy Palmer, Nissan Executive Vice President, said: “e-NV200 represents a genuine breakthrough in commercial vehicles and further underlines Nissan’s leadership within the electric vehicle segment.

“The new model will offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditionally powered compact van, but with zero CO2 emission at the point of use and also provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EV’s.

“Crucially, it will also offer class-leading running and maintenance costs, which makes it an exceptionally attractive proposition to both businesses and families.”

e-NV200 will also make a significant contribution to Nissan’s aim of becoming the world’s largest LCV manufacturer by 2016 as a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan.

Last year Nissan achieved an historic milestone of selling more than one million LCV’s worldwide in a single year.

Andy Palmer added: “e-NV200 represents a bold and innovative addition to our commercial vehicle range, which is already one of the broadest of any manufacturer.

“I would like to thank the Spanish and Catalonian Government for their continued support of Nissan in Spain, and congratulate the Barcelona workforce for earning the right to produce what will be an extremely important model for Nissan globally.”

The current NV200 line up has already sold around 100,000 units. Its popularity led it to be chosen as the next generation New York City ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ following a rigorous selection process.

Currently, intensive evaluations of prototype NV200-based electric vehicles are being carried out in Europe. Trials will continue in coming months in order to provide real-world feedback from the most demanding usage. Feedback will help Nissan to fulfill exact customer requirements ahead of the start of production expected in FY13.

Nissan in Europe

Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced 677,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan’s second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.1 million vehicles in 2010, generating revenue of 8.77 trillion yen ($102.37 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan, 2012 RJC Car of the Year, 2011 European Car of the Year, and 2011 World Car of the Year awards. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN.

Subject Codes: PC/t.120523080112558, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, PC/ticker, PC/ticker.bloomberg, PC/ticker.isin, PC/ticker.rics, RE/United_Kingdom, IN/AUT, IN/TRN, IN/ALT, IN/TRT, IN/GRE, SU/PDT, SU/ENI, SU/ENP

Company Codes: Bloomberg:7201@JP, RICS:7201.T, ISIN:JP3672400003

Confused.com Reveals Young Drivers Spending More Than 18% of Their Annual Salary on Car Insurance

PR Newswire — May 23, 2012

CARDIFF, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

Confused.com has revealed young drivers are paying an average of GBP2,499 for their annual comprehensive car insurance. Meanwhile the older generation are statistically the cheapest to insure, with average premiums costing an average of just GBP440 per year for 66-70 year olds, the equivalent of around GBP1.20 per day.

With ONS figures revealing that the average income for 18-21 year olds in the UK comes to GBP13,972, when a young driver pays for their own car insurance [http://www.confused.com ] this could swallow up more than 18% of their salary. For men of this age group it’s likely to be an even greater chunk of their salary as they try to afford premiums costing an average of GBP3,635 (compared to GBP1,869 for young women 17-20).

Older drivers are currently enjoying the lowest premiums, with drivers aged 71+ paying an average of just GBP436 per year. A combination of driving experience, likelihood to travel shorter distances and owning lower-powered cars can make older and retired drivers statistically a lower risk, despite the possibility that their reactions could be slower due to age.

Average costs dip significantly for drivers aged 36-40 with the average price coming in at GBP597, but rise dramatically again for 46-50 year-old drivers who pay an average of GBP733.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said: “Each age group is costed by their statistical risk and this includes the value of the car itself, the experience levels of the driver, past history and where they live among other factors. Younger drivers are hit significantly harder than more experienced motorists but Confused.com is working hard to find ways to help young drivers bring down the costs, such as working with telematics providers who offer a discount for drivers who can prove that they are safe on the road.”

There are however tips for younger drivers who are looking to reduce their car insurance costs which includes choosing a smaller and lower powered car, installing a telematics device and considering excess protection but as with any product or service, it pays to shop around for the best price by using a comparison site such as Confused.com:

Customers can access Confused.com’s car insurance price calculator, which gives data on regional prices, at http://www.confused.com/car-insurance/price-index.

About Confused.com:

Confused.com was the UK’s first price comparison site for car insurance. Confused.com is one of the UK’s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include more specialised insurances such as performance car insurance [http://www.confused.com/car-insurance/performance ], home and contents insurance [http://www.confused.com/home-insurance/contents ], and online life insurance [http://www.confused.com/life-insurance ], as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, and mortgages.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com’s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators. Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

PR Contact: Sarah Wenham Confused.com press office Friary House Greyfriars Road Cardiff CF10 3AE +44(0)2920-434275 http://www.confused.com

Subject Codes: PC/t.120523063710450, PR/dest.Public, PT/lang.en, RE/United_States_of_America, RE/Europe, IN/AUT, IN/INS, IN/WEB, SU/SVY

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How come Nissan did not take the opportunity to simplify its supply lines by giving the Murano the current 370Z engine?

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When the Nissan Murano was first introduced to South Africa in 2004, it was the first SUV to put its emphasis on the S – ie ‘Sports’ – part of the designation with distinctly coupé-like styling and surprising performance, even burdened as it was with a decidedly unsporty CVT transmission.

Now Nissan has revised its distinctive styling to make it even sportier, with a new grille made up of chunky chromed sections, a new, deeper bumper with a huge lower air-intake (that Nissan claims is aerodynamically ‘cleaner’ than the old one) and fashionable LED tail lights.

The updated Murano runs on more modern 18”, titanium-finish rims, and the cabin has had a style makeover to go with the latest in-car technology.

Product manager Nancy Reddy commented: “It’s a more futuristic and more cohesive shape, while the cabin has more high-tech infotainment and luxury features as standard.”

MORE FLASH, SAME DASH

There’s a new double-panel moon-roof with power retractable sun shades and tinted glass for UV protection, and a tilting front panel to let in fresh air.

Tailgate is now power-operated, tail lights are fashionable LED’s.

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The leather seats have new design patterns, while the centre console is now colour-coded, with a more luxurious finish. The instrumentation now has special white backlighting (Nissan calls it ‘Fine Vision’) that’s designed to reduce driver fatigue on long drives and an ‘intelligent’ key means you can walk up to the car, get in and start it without taking the key out of your pocket.

Rear and side-view parking cameras are standard, as are power-operated seats, windows and mirrors, with the latter also heated to ensure that they are quickly cleared of view-obstructing frost and condensation even on the chilliest of mornings.

INFOTAINMENT

The tailgate is now also power-operated, and can be operated using buttons on the key, the dashboard or the tailgate itself.

Heatable front seats augment the dual-zone automatic climate control on cold mornings, and the rear seat-backs

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Alfa Romeo says the Giulietta TCT accelerates faster than the manual version.

Alfa Romeo’s twin-clutch transmission, first made available in the MiTo earlier this year, is now also available in the Giulietta. The new transmission is teamed with MultiAir engines that have an idle stop as standard – so the MiTo and the Giulietta are the first vehicles in the SA market to have all three.

The transmission works in either full automatic or sequential mode, as required. The driver can manually change the gears either up or down with the paddle shifts on the steering column or the gearshift.

It’s a standard double-clutch system with, effectively, two gearboxes in parallel, one for even-numbered gears and one for odd, each with its own clutch. That allows the next gear to be selected while the previous one is still engaged, which makes for very, very fast gear-changes by simply disengaging and engaging the relative clutches.

Since there’s no fluid-drive torque converter, fuel consumption is about 10 percent better than with a conventional auto transmission, and the system lends itself to idle-stop technology, with which not all torque-converter setups are compatible.

NOW DOWN TO CASES:

The Giulietta TCT Distinctive has a 125kW, 1.4 Turbo MultiAir engine that takes, according to Fiat Auto SA, from 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds – 0.1sec faster than the manual version – and on to a claimed 218km/h flat out.

Schematic shows how Alfa Romeo twin-clutch transmission works.

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Fiat also says fuel consumption over a combined cycle has been reduced from 5.8 litres per 100km on the manual to 5.2, while CO2 emissions are down from 134g/km to 121.

Standard kit on the Giulietta Distinctive TCT includes BlueMe connectivity, 17” alloy rims, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather steering wheel with multimedia controls, paddle shifters, trip computer, front armrest with storage compartment, foglights, reconfigurable control panel, a stylish chromed insert (chrome line) framing the side windows.

The standard-issue dashboard insert is painted grey, but you can ask for white, red or polished aluminium.

Options include y Port for the BlueMe-TomTom system, which intgrates a portable TomTom satnav with the car’s systems via Bluetooth wireless connectivity, using a custom-designed dashboard mount.

BOTTOM LINE

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London (dpa) – The Mini John Cooper Works GP was unveiled publicly for the first time at Le Castellert in France recently, with a limited run of 2,000 cars to be built both for the road and racetrack.

Part of the testing programme, in preparation for series production, included the clocking an impressive fastest lap time for a Mini at the Nuerburgring’s Nordschleife racing circuit in Germany, according to a press release.

The Mini John Cooper Works GP lapped the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 minutes 23 seconds, beating the lap time set by its predecessor, the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds.

From the exterior, the car comes with large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts, and a bespoke roof spoiler. A newly developed rear diffuser optimises airflow around the underbody.

The interior of the Mini John Cooper Works GP also contributes to the car’s racing feel. With the rear seats removed, it focuses on the basic needs of the driver and co-driver.

Road rage

All the news about the e-tolling saga…

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DETROIT (REUTERS) – Ford Motor received its second ‘investment grade’ credit rating on Tuesday, allowing the second-largest United States (US) automaker to reclaim its Blue Oval insignia and other assets it mortgaged in 2006 to fund its turnaround plan.

Moody’s Investors Service’s upgrade of Ford to Baa3 from Ba2 reflected its confidence that Ford can weather future downturns.

Moody’s also affirmed its Ba1 rating on General Motors (GM) and said the largest US automaker is on track to regain an investment-grade credit rating within the next year.

Moody’s decision on Ford comes less than a month after Fitch Ratings made a similar move. The upgrade allows Ford to enjoy lower borrowing costs and expands the number of potential buyers for its bonds.

It also represents a symbolic win for Ford, which nearly collapsed six years ago before mortgaging most of its assets to borrow US$23.5 billion (S$30 billion) to finance a restructuring. Ford continued to use the Blue Oval icon and the other assets. The icon is stamped on the grill of Ford’s cars and trucks.

But now that two of the three major ratings agencies have upgraded Ford to investment grade, the company will once again own those assets.

Chairman Bill Ford Jr described on Tuesday as ‘one of the best days that I can remember’.

‘Today is a once in a lifetime event, which I couldn’t be happier about,’ Mr Ford told reporters on a call.

‘It’s way up on there on the highlights film for sure,’ chief executive officer (CEO) Alan Mulally said.

Moody’s cited Ford’s improved lineup of cars and trucks, limited use of incentives to spur sales, and much lower break-even point in North America for its decision.

In 2009, Ford could break even in North America if it sold 3.4 million cars and trucks. Now, that level has dropped 45 per cent to 1.8 million in sales, according to Moody’s.

‘We concluded that the improvements Ford has made are likely to be lasting,’ said Moody’s analyst Bruce Clark.

Ford wants to cut its automotive debt to US$10 billion by the middle of the decade as well as reduce the risk posed by its pension obligations.

Ford’s automotive debt was US$13.7 billion in the first quarter. Last month, Ford said it would offer lump-sum pension buyouts to current white-collar retirees, a move

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Louisville, KY, May 16, 2012 –(PR.com)– In order to make the purchase of a used car even more affordable, Bob Montgomery Honda is offering a sale on select used vehicles at its Louisville Kentucky dealership. Customers can purchase recent model used cars for prices as low as $7,000.

Firstly, Bob Montgomery Honda is offering a 2010 used Honda Insight. This model has had only one owner and has clocked only 20,260 miles. The insight is a hybrid car that gets an impressive 40 miles per gallon city and 43 miles per gallon highway. Regularly $21,990, Bob Montgomery Honda is offering this 2012 Insight for $19,000.

Next, buyers can opt for a 2008 Subaru Outback. This SUV comes with a sunroof, CD changer, automatic climate control, leather seats, and remote ignition. This Outback can be purchased for only $18,588. Customers also have the choice of a 2011 Honda Odyssey, which has only 19,101 miles on it and has had one owner. Bob Montgomery Honda is selling it for $3,000 less than the listing price.

For only $11,000, the Louisville area can buy a 2006 Honda Civic Coupe. Owners will experience excellent fuel economy with this Civic, which achieves 30 miles per gallon city and 40 miles per gallon highway.

Lastly, Bob Montgomery Honda is offering a 2008 Saturn Aura for only $14,000. This Aura has also had one owner and achieves 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Standard features include remote start, driver information center, cruise control, CD player, and automatic headlamps.

Visit Bob Montgomery Honda at 5324 Dixie Highway to view these specials. More information can also be found on their website at http://bobmontgomeryhonda.com/Specials-Preowned.aspx. Bob Montgomery Honda is proud to offer sale-priced used cars to their valued Louisville customers.

To keep up to date with all dealership sales and news, like Bob Montgomery Honda on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bobmontgomerychevyhonda and follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/BobMntgmryHonda.

About Bob Montgomery Honda
Bob Montgomery Honda, www.bobmontgomeryhonda.com, of the Louisville area carries an extensive inventory of new and used Honda vehicles. In addition, the Kentucky dealer provides auto service, parts, and auto financing. Bob Montgomery Honda strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction every time.

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Springfield, PA, May 16, 2012 –(PR.com)– The Lincoln Exchange Sales Event is here. That means that customers who trade-in their current car for a Lincoln will be eligible for $1,000 in Lincoln Exchange Bonus Cash. Springfield Ford Lincoln of the Springfield, Pennsylvania area is pleased to be taking part in this sales event, going on now at their dealership.

In order to qualify for the $1,000 trade-in cash, customers must bring in a 1995 model year or newer vehicle or a leased car with a termination date 30 days prior to or 90 days after the new Lincoln model is delivered. The Lincoln Exchange bonus is applicable on all 2012 Lincoln models.

In addition to this Bonus Cash, Springfield Ford Lincoln is offering a number of financing specials and bonus cash offers that can be combined with the Bonus Cash. Qualified buyers can take advantage of these offers:

2012 Lincoln MKS: 0% APR for 60 months plus $500 bonus cash
2012 Lincoln MKT: 0% APR financing for 60 months or $1,000 customer cash
2012 Lincoln MKX: $1,000 customer cash
2012 Lincoln MKZ: 0% APR for 60 month plus $500 bonus cash
2012 Lincoln Navigator: 0% APR for 60 months or $3,000 customer cash

Springfield Ford Lincoln is excited about the Lincoln Exchange Sales Event. Their friendly staff is ready to assist in placing each customer in the right Lincoln model for their needs. Stop by the dealership at 50 Baltimore Pike in Springfield or give them a call at 610-544-0700 for more information about this sale.

Stay up to date with every happening at the dealership, from sales and specials to news and announcements, by liking Springfield Ford Lincoln on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Springfield-Ford-Lincoln-and-QuickLane-Auto-Center/152878786713 and following them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/SpringfieldFord.

About Springfield Ford Lincoln
Springfield Ford Lincoln, http://springfieldfordlincoln.com, of the Philadelphia area carries an extensive inventory of new and used Ford and Lincoln vehicles. In addition, the Pennsylvania dealer provides auto service, Ford and Lincoln parts, and auto financing. Springfield Ford Lincoln strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction every time.

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Devils Lake, ND, May 22, 2012 –(PR.com)– Chevrolet honors the US military for all of their hard work and dedication by providing the GM Military Discount all year round. Since it is National Military Appreciation Month, Chevrolet is going a step further by offering a special Honor Badge and by donating $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers for every vehicle purchased through the GM Military Discount. Members of the military can take advantage of this discount at Lake Chevy in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

The GM Military Discount is one of the best automotive military discounts available. This discount can be used on any eligible new Chevy, Buick, or GMC vehicle by any Active Duty member of the US Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard, as well as spouses, members of the Reserves, and Retirees.

Military personnel will receive preferred pricing, current incentives, a five-year / 100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 24-hour Roadside Assistance, and OnStar for the first six months of ownership. Chevrolet is also giving a special complimentary Honor Badge to those who receive the Military Discount in May.

In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Chevrolet has pledged to donate $100 to Cell Phones for Soldiers for every car sold through the GM Military Discount. Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit, family-run organization which provides cell phones to deployed military personnel and returning troops. As a non-profit organization, Cell Phones for Soldiers needs donations and contributions in order to succeed. Chevrolet’s donation will help to provide calling cards, cell phones, emergency funds, and talk time to US soldiers.

Visit Lake Chevy at 123 Fifth St. Northeast or call 877-300-7120 to take advantage of the GM Military Discount and to provide a donation to Cell Phones for Soldiers. More information can also be found on their website: http://bit.ly/Jci80W.

Stay up to date with everything happening at Lake Chevy by liking them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LakeChevy and follow them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/LakeChevy.

About Lake Chevy
Lake Chevy, http://www.lakechevy.com, of the Devils Lake area carries an extensive inventory of new and used Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles. In addition, the North Dakota dealer provides auto service, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC parts, and auto financing. Lake Chevy strives for 100 percent customer satisfaction every time.

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