Nissan named one of the best global brands for 2014 | West Texas Nissan | Odessa TX

Nissan has been named one of the world's most valuable brands for 2014, according to Interbrand, the world-leading brand consultancy. In the Best Global Brands Study, released today by Interbrand, Nissan ranked 56, up from 65 in 2013. The study cited the strength of Nissan’s financial performance, product portfolio and leadership position in electric vehicles among the drivers of the company’s brand health. The value of the Nissan brand was estimated at $7.623 billion, an increase from last year's estimated value of nearly $6.2 billion.

In June Nissan was named one of the world's greenest brands for 2014 in Interbrand's Best Global Green Brands report. Nissan moved up one spot to fourth overall powered by the Nissan LEAF, the world's best-selling 100% electric vehicle and making the company the global leader in Zero Emissions mobility.

“Brand power is a key indicator of the health of the Nissan business and a major driver of the company’s growth," said Roel de Vries, Nissan Corporate Vice President and global head of Marketing and Brand Strategy. “We are pleased to see a 23 percent increase in brand value from last year – nearly doubling Nissan’s brand value since its inaugural appearance on the list in 2011 – and recognition as a “top” riser in the study.”

The Best Global Brands study is Interbrand's annual report on the world's most valuable brands. Interbrand's method looks at the ongoing investment and management of the brand as a business asset, taking into account financial performance, the role of brand in the purchase decision process, and the strength of the brand.

The study noted Nissan’s recent launches for the Qashqai, Murano and Rogue as a demonstration of the brand’s “Innovation and Excitement for Everyone” positioning. The company’s leadership in electric vehicles and investment in future mobility, like autonomous vehicles and fuel cell technology, were recognized for addressing emerging customer needs in a rapidly changing automotive market.

For more information about Interbrand's 2014 Best Global Brand Study, please visit:http://www.bestglobalbrands.com/

Nissan Kicks concept debuts in Sao Paulo [w/videos] | West Texas Nissan | Odessa TX

The Sao Paulo Motor Show only comes around once every other year, and Nissan – an automaker deeply vested in the Latin American market – isn't missing out on the opportunity to showcase a new crossover concept.

Called the Kicks concept, the crossover seems to slot in size-wise in between the Juke and the Rogue. Nissan isn't saying much about it, though, aside from its having drawn its inspiration from Brazil with a "satin titanium" finish and bright orange trim – the former taking its cues from Sao Paulo and the latter from Rio.

While emphasizing its Brazilian character, Nissan also stresses that the concept's creation was "a product of global collaboration." So while it isn't saying anything about production feasibility, it is seemingly suggesting that if it were put into production – and as we stated previously, we think it just might – it could stand to be a global model and not confined strictly to South America.

By Noah JosephRSS feedGoogle+

2015 Nissan GT-R Adds Premium Upgrades to Performance Pedigree | West Texas Nissan | Odessa, TX

The entry-level 2015 Nissan GT-R Premium will better live up to its name during the new model year, as Nissan is introducing a number of fresh features that put their focus on a more refined ownership experience. Sure, the 2015 Nissan GT-R continues to offer a rambunctious 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 that makes 545 horsepower and 463 lb.-ft. of torque, but now that output is matched by a retuned suspension that delivers a more refined ride (while also enhancing the car’s road-holding capability, of course).

Further, while the GT-R’s engine will remain a key part of the soundtrack, the car’s cabin will introduce a standard Bose Active Noise Cancellation system for a more enjoyable listening experience that can be enjoyed in an environment that offers a new carbon-style instrument cluster and additional available interior color: Ivory.

Even the aerodynamic exterior of the 2015 Nissan GT-R has been enhanced, courtesy of LED headlights and freshened front and rear appearance details. Also, customers who jump up to the GT-R Track Edition benefit from a new carbon-fiber trunk lid.

It’s a win-win situation, too, with the brand noting that these changes come to the 2015 Nissan GT-R “without sacrificing one bit of its legendary performance.”

Pricing for the 2015 Nissan GT-R lineup begins at $101,770 for the Premium model, with the Black Edition, offering enhanced style, starting at $111,510, and the Track Edition, backed by enhanced performance, opening at $115,710. Timing-wise, the Premium and Black Edition variants are on sale now, and limited-run Track Edition is expected to debut this summer.

But for the new selling season, gearheads will be able to go one step further and order the 2015 Nissan GT-R prepped by the company’s NISMO motorsports division. That bad boy also is due this summer, when it will go on sale at a price that’s still TBD at this time.

Source: http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/nissan-announces-u-s-pricing-for-2015-gt-r

Written by Charles Krome.

Photo courtesy of Nissan North America.

2016 Nissan Maxima Spotted for First Time | West Texas Nissan | Odessa, TX

Nissan teased the look of the next-generation Maxima at the 2014 Detroit auto show with the Sport Sedan concept, and it was quite a looker with an aggressive front end and cool floating roof. Now, we're getting out very first glimpse at the production version in some new spy shots. Although, It's plastered with camouflage, underneath you can still see the concept's design inspiration.

Starting from the front, the biggest influence from the concept is the V-shaped grille with smaller inlets on each side and jagged headlights. Running back from there, on one side the Maxima mule has a black A-pillar, which at least suggests that the floating roof is making it to the production model too.

In profile, it's hard to make out, but the hard creases that run down the side of the Sport Sedan appear to be underneath this camouflage, and there's a ton of masking around the rear pillar seemingly to hide the shape. However in the close-up photo, you can get a better view, and it doesn't look quite as sharp and coupe-like as on the concept.

At this point, the back also lacks the concept's angular rear bumper in favor of something more conventional. All the cladding there makes it hard to tell what is hidden underneath, though.

The Sport Sedan concept has a version of Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 with over 300 horsepower and a CVT powering the front wheels. Though, our spies think it's possible the production version could offer a hybrid 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder to give V6-like power, like the Pathfinder Hybrid.

From these early spy shots, it certainly looks like Nissan is trying to bring the major parts of the concept to the road. We can't wait to see the Maxima without so much being hidden. Until then, check out the gallery for a first look.

By Chris BruceRSS feed

What Would a Nissan Titan NISMO look like? | West Texas Nissan

Nissan Titan fans probably don't think of their favorite pickup truck as a race machine, but the latest #NISMOmashup envisions just that idea. Meet the GT-R-inspired Titan NISMO!

Although some pickup truck owners seem to believe that their trucks are actually drag racers in disguise, most realize what a truck like the Nissan Titan really is: a utility vehicle that happens to look good too. This, of course, doesn't stop some Nissan fans from envisioning a race-ready Titan.

In this regard, the latest #NISMOmashup is a combination of Nissan's supercar, the GT-R, and the company's full sized truck, the Titan. Calling it simply the "GT-R NISMO + Titan Mashup," Nissan explains it thusly:

"Enough torque to make the world stop spinning, and a ride height to conquer any terrain. Introducing the GT-R NISMO + Titan Mashup*. ‪#‎NISMOMashup‬"

The asterisk is to remind people of the small print: this is not a production vehicle. But should it be?

- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/1080/what-would-nissan-titan-nismo-look#sthash.vJvj9qkZ.dpuf

Nissan Maxima Tops the List of Best Savings in August, According to TrueCar | West Texas Nissan

The Nissan Maxima 3.5S, which sells at an average of 18 percent off MSRP, tops August's list of best savings on new vehicles, according to TrueCar, the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform. Published monthly, this "TrueSavings" report analyzes recent transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.

"The awesome power of data now allows consumers to pinpoint the best time to buy a car — not just in general, but the actual type of car they're looking for," said Scott Painter, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TrueCar. "For instance, if you are shopping for a large SUV, August is your time to buy." 

In August, the large SUV average transaction price is $42,311.  Purchasing in August equates to $922 in savings compared to November, the month with the highest average transaction price.

Below is a snapshot of some of the best savings (compared to MSRP) on new vehicles in August 2014:

Year/Make/Model/Trim	Segment	MSRP	MarketAverage	$ Savings /% Savings	Est.MonthlyPayment*	City / Hwy /Comb MPG
2014 Nissan Maxima, 3.5S	Sedan	$32,100	$26,322	$5,778/ 18.0%	$378	19/26/22.3
2014 GMC Sierra 1500, Regular Cab, Long Box 4WD SLE	Large Truck	$37,700	$31,870	$5,830/ 15.5%	$458	17/22/19.4
2014 Cadillac XTS, FWD	Luxury Car	$45,525	$38,666	$6,859 / 15.1%	$556	18/28/22.4
2014 Ford Expedition, XLT 2WD	Large SUV	$43,170	$36,914	$6,256/ 14.5%	$531	14/20/16.8
2014 Chevrolet Cruze, LTZ Automatic	Small Car	$24,630	$21,925	$2,705/ 11.0%	$315	26/38/31.5

*Estimated monthly payments are based on a 3% APR for 60 months with 20% down on the current market average price, and excludes sales tax and other fees and charges that may vary by region or state. Actual APR may be subject to credit approval and other factors. These examples are for information purposes only, and are not an offer to lend. See dealer/lender for details, including actual available offers.

"Market Average" is based on the national average of recent vehicle transactions, including destination and delivery charges after incentives that are subject to change. This does not include tax, title, licensing, documentation or processing fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees or any other charges or fees allowed by law.

Below is a snapshot of some of the best manufacturer lease and finance deals currently available in certain regions:

Lease: 
2014 Chevrolet Equinox LS FWD: $199/month for 36 months, $3,219 down, 36,000 miles, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Chrysler 300 RWD: $279/month for 24 months, $2,999 down, 10,000 miles/year, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Mercedes Benz CLA250 Coupe: $329/month for 36 months, $3,623 down, 30,000 miles, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Kia Soul: $239/month for 39 months, $0 down, 12,000 miles/year, Exp: 9/2/14
2014.5 Toyota Camry: $249/month for 24 months with $999 down, 30,000 miles, Exp: 9/2/14

Finance: 
2014 Acura RDX: 0.9% financing for 60 months, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Ford Focus: 0.0% financing for 72 months, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Hyundai Sonata: 0.0% financing for 72 months, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Toyota Prius v: 0.0% financing for 36 months, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 9/2/14

Customer Cash Offers: 
2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sedan: $2,000 customer cash, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Chevrolet Malibu: $4,000 customer cash, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Ford F-150: $4,250 customer cash, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Mazda CX-9: $3,500 customer cash, Exp: 9/2/14
2014 Nissan Rouge: $4,500 customer cash, Exp: 8/31/14

The deal information is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not an offer to lend. Results may vary depending on your individual circumstances, including credit approval by dealer/manufacturer.  Deals are subject to change, and are limited to inventory on hand. See your dealer/manufacturer for details, including actual offers available in your region.

Source:  http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nissan-maxima-tops-the-list-of-best-savings-in-august-according-to-truecar-2014-08-20

The Future is Now | West Texas Nissan

Nissan advances plans to have commercially viable autonomous drive vehicles on the road by 2020

An autonomous car was once the epitome of a 'future' car, something seen only in science fiction-but now Nissan has achieved the technological advancements necessary to begin to make this fiction a reality.

Nissan has been working to develop this technology alongside teams from some of the world's top universities, including MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Tokyo. The combined research time equals 80 years of research and development, the kind of effort it takes to put Nissan at the forefront of this important development.

A test 'drive' of Nissan's Autonomous Drive Technology at the 2013 CEATEC Innovation Awards.

Nissan's prototypes are equipped with Autonomous Drive technology that detects road conditions and automatically operates the car's main controls, including steering, braking and acceleration. The prototype vehicles can operate in automatic mode on the expressway, merge into traffic, change lanes and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

The Autonomous Car Means A Safer Ride

The building blocks of autonomous driving technology already exists in Nissan vehicles in the form ofNissan’s Safety Shield-inspired technologies. These technologies can monitor a nearly 360-degree view around a vehicle for risks, offering warnings to the driver and taking action to help avoid crashes if necessary.

The autonomous car takes the basics of the Safety Shield philosophy steps further. The prototype car can drive autonomously on a highway, merging, passing and performing other typical driving maneuvers. This kind of convenience for the driver could ultimately lead to a significant reduction in the 93% of accidents in the US caused by human error and inattention. Further advances in this technology will reduce input needed from the driver, taking the guesswork and chance out of driving and helping to provide peace of mind.

"Nissan seeks a safer, more comfortable
and environmentally friendly mobile future."

- Toshiyuki Shiga, Vice Chairman, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Japan's Prime Minister Abe Hits Tokyo Streets in Nissan's Autonomous Car


International Attention

Although Nissan's Autonomous Drive was first announced at Nissan 360 in Irvine, California last August, soon after, Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn was able to take one of the vehicles out for a spin. The ride took place in October at CEATEC JAPAN 2013, Japan’s largest IT and electronics exhibition, where Nissan won the Top Award for the autonomous drive technology.

Soon after, a Nissan LEAF® electric vehicle outfitted with the advanced Autonomous Drive Technology was the first to be tested on a public road- it was taken out on the Kasumigaseki and Sagami Expressway, southwest of Tokyo. Nissan Vice Chairman Toshiyuki Shiga came along for the ride and expressed Nissan’s vision, "Nissan seeks a safer, more comfortable and environmentally friendly mobile future."