Nissan: Experience the Digital Thrill of Juke Nismo, Then Drive it for Real

Nissan and Gameloft celebrate the release of the latest version of Asphalt 7: Heat with a unique competition
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• Asphalt 7: Heat competition to find fastest mobile Nismo driver


• 10 winners receive VIP Barcelona trip to drive Juke Nismo for real


• Game features Nissan Juke Nismo, Juke-R and a Nissan Race Track


• 48hr release free download on December 8th and 9th on App Store

PARIS – Players of a new update of Asphalt 7: Heat can now test the Nissan Juke Nismo and the Juke-R to the limit in the digital world and win the chance to be one of the first to drive the new Juke Nismo for real. Winners will also get a high speed thrill ride in the Juke-R, experiencing its cult appeal first hand.

The latest update of the popular mobile driving game - already downloaded by 50,000,000 people - allows owners of iOS and Android smartphone/tablets to take the wheel of two ultra-desirable Nissan models: the exciting new Juke Nismo and the thrilling 545bhp Juke-R.

To celebrate the release, Nissan and Gameloft are launching a competition to find the fastest online drivers, with the winners receiving a VIP trip to Barcelona to drive the Juke Nismo for real.

What's more, players using the Apple iOS platform have the chance to download the game for free on December 8th and 9th.

The collaboration between Nissan and Gameloft reinforces a growing link between Nissan and the gaming industry. The highly successful GT Academy - run in association with Sony Computer Entertainment - offers Gran Turismo players the once in a lifetime opportunity to become real racing drivers. Now in its fourth season, the GT Academy has successfully turned a number of drivers from online racers to professional racing drivers. The most recent winner, Belgian competitor Wolfgang Reip, is currently on an intensive Driver Development Program before racing at the 24H Dubai in January 2013.

Asphalt 7: Heat is the only game to offer players the chance to drive both the Juke-R and the Juke Nismo. The former has become one of the most talked-about Nissan models ever, combining elements from two of the brand's most innovative cars - the GT-R and the Juke compact crossover. Powered by a 545bhp engine, the Juke-R is estimated to take only 3.0 seconds to get from 0-100kph and maximum speed tipped to be 275kph.

The Juke Nismo offers drivers enhanced dynamics and performance in a highly innovative package. Equipped with a 1.6-liter direct injection turbocharged (DIG-T) engine, the Nissan Juke Nismo delivers 200PS and 250Nm of torque. It also features a specially developed aerodynamics package that gives the Juke an even more efficient, dynamic and powerful design. The kit comprises lower front and rear bumpers, wider wings and sill side skirts, along with a modified grille and tailgate spoiler that controls airflow over the rear of the car. The sporty theme is continued inside where the seats, steering wheel, pedals, gauges, gear knob and door trims have been redesigned. To further underline the performance personality of the car, special suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats with red stitching have been added, along with Alcantara trim for the steering wheel.

Set to go on sale early next year, the Juke Nismo's appearance in the update of Asphalt 7: Heat allows gamers to drive the car before anyone else.

Both Jukes have been painstakingly modeled in order to take their thrills into the virtual world, putting millions of gamers into the driving seat.

Players will be able to race on a special Nissan Race Track, in Tokyo, which features a section where drivers pass the Nismo Omori factory.

To enter, players must first register their details via an app on the Gameloft facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Gameloft) or through the game and then drive a Nissan Juke Nismo in the Asphalt Academy game mode. A leaderboard will record the times of the fastest drivers in with a chance of winning the top prize. The competition runs from December 17th to 31st 2012, then two winners will be selected at random (one iOS and one Android) from the top ten quickest drivers in each of the competing countries (UK, Spain, Germany, France, Russia).

All 10 lucky winners will then be invited on a VIP trip to Barcelona to drive the Nissan Juke Nismo for real.

Note to editors

• Asphalt 7: Heat update with Juke Nismo and Juke-R available for download from 6th December 2012 on iOS and 7th December on Android


• Competition open from 17th to 31st December 2012

Nissan

• https://www.facebook.com/NissanJukeOfficial


• www.twitter.com/NissanEurope


• www.youtube.com/nissanineurope

About Nissan in Europe
What makes Nissan stand out?
Our belief is that everything we do needs to drive innovation and excitement for everyone: we bring unexpected solutions that deliver smart customer benefits and always generate surprise and exhilaration for as many people as possible.

We invented the crossover with Nissan Qashqai and added excitement to small cars with Nissan Juke. We are about innovative ideas that make future technologies available today with Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades. When we think about performance, we see the opportunity to reach a wider audience - making performance truly accessible - and to challenge conventions. This is why on top of conceiving the accessible supercar Nissan GT-R we have developed the Nissan DeltaWing, a ground-breaking approach to Endurance racing reframing Motorsport conventions.

Nissan benefits from 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, offering 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today.

All this only reinforces Nissan's clear ambition to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

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Contact Information

Gabi Whitfield
Product, Corporate and EV Communications
Gabi.Whitfield@nissan.co.uk
+44 7768 80 20 84

Source: nissannews.com

Nissan: Nissan's GT Academy 2012: Episode 5

Nissan's GT Academy 2012: Episode 5

Source: nissannews.com

Nissan: Nissan's GT Academy 2012: Episode 5

This release contains: 1 Related Document, 1 Photo

SILVERSTONE, UK – The best of the best Gamers attempt a high speed drive-by thru narrow openings without crashing into a wall. A mistake could cost these gamers their dream.

Get caught up with all the action before the final episode airs on Spike on Thursday night at 11:30E/10:30C.

Nissan's GT Academy 2012: Episode 4

Nissan's GT Academy 2012: Episode 3

Nissan's GT Academy 2012: Episode 2

Nissan's GT Academy 2012: Episode 1

Nissan GT Academy Competition Season 2: The Drivers

Nissan Teams with Sony Playstation® for Second Season of Nissan GT Academy Competition in U.S.

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Source: nissannews.com

Nissan: Nissan Names José Muñoz Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, for U.S. and Canada

Current Sales and Marketing Senior Vice President Brian Carolin to retire at end of fiscal year 2012
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FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan today announced that effective March 31, 2013, Sales and Marketing Senior Vice President Brian Carolin will retire after 28 years with the company. José Muñoz, currently senior vice president of sales and marketing – Latin America and Americas customer quality and dealer network development, will assume responsibilities for sales and marketing in the U.S. and Canada beginning April 1, 2013.

Before joining Nissan North America (NNA) in 2008 as senior vice president of sales and marketing, Carolin was Nissan Europe's senior vice president of sales and marketing and was responsible for the launch of Infiniti across Europe beginning in 2004. From 1998 to 2004, he was managing director of Nissan in the U.K. and, earlier in his career, held management positions with Nissan Motor Manufacturing U.K. in Sunderland and Nissan Europe in the Netherlands.

"Brian's loyalty and strong leadership were instrumental in helping Nissan to achieve such targets as 8.2 percent market share last year and the company's highest sales volume in the U.S.," said Nissan Americas Chairman Colin Dodge. "We are sincerely grateful for Brian's nearly three decades of service with the company and wish him the best in his retirement."

Carolin plans to return to the U.K. at the end of March in 2013, and during the next quarter he will work closely with Muñoz to transition responsibilities.

Muñoz brought more than a decade of management experience with various automotive companies in Europe when he joined the company in 2004. He started as general manager of dealer development for Nissan Europe, and in 2006 became the managing director of Nissan Iberia, S.A.

In 2009, Muñoz was named president of Nissan Mexicana (NMEX) and under his leadership, the NMEX organization achieved the highest market share in Nissan's history and has seen a 42-month run of sales leadership in Mexico. Muñoz was also responsible for developing key dealer network initiatives that led to significant improvements across NMEX's sales network.

"José has a solid record of success and brings robust experience into his new role, and I am confident that his leadership will continue to drive company growth as we aim for further market share growth in the U.S. and Canada," Dodge said.

Muñoz holds a doctoral degree in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of Madrid and a master's of business administration from Instituto de Empresa Business School in Madrid. He has also completed other executive management programs from Cranfield School of Management in the U.K. and INSEAD Business School in France.

About Nissan Americas
In the Americas, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.

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 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 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 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/.

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Contact:
Travis Parman
Nissan Corporate Communications
Travis.Parman@Nissan-USA.com
(615) 725-5828

Source: nissannews.com

Nissan: Nissan DeltaWing Wins Autosport's Pioneering and Innovation Award

This release contains: 1 Related Document, 5 Photos

LONDON – The 2012 Autosport Awards, the motorsport industry's 'Oscars' held last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane, provided a night of delight for Nissan when the Nissan DeltaWing received the award for Pioneering and Innovation.

The Nissan DeltaWing has grabbed headlines, turned heads, and divided opinions wherever it has gone. For Nissan, a company known for delivering innovation that excites, this project has gathered great momentum throughout the season, providing excitement for fans of motorsport but has also caught the eye of non-motorsport fans, intrigued by the car's unique design.

The first Nissan DeltaWing driver, Marino Franchitti, presented the award to DeltaWing Designer Ben Bowlby during the star-studded evening.

"While the car wasn't eligible to collect any trophies in its two races so far, it is very rewarding that the industry and the media recognize the significance of the project," Bowlby said. "I can honestly say I've never done anything so cool in my life.  The Nissan DeltaWing is all about efficiency and we hope this car can play a part in shaping the future of the sport.

"There are many people who have played key roles in the development of the car but I have to say a big thanks to Don Panoz's Garage 56 consortium with DeltaWing Racing Cars, and of course the ACO. Nissan and Michelins' contributions were imperative. It took a huge leap of faith from them to really make this car possible. Both signed on at a time when we had plenty of doubters saying the car wouldn't go around corners."

The unique Nissan DeltaWing features the performance of contemporary Le Mans sportscars but consumes only half their fuel and tires, using half of their power, aerodynamic drag and weight.

"What made the car stand out from other contenders for the Pioneering and Innovation Award is traditionally the winners are for something underneath the skin of a race car which the man on the street would really struggle to see or even understand," Autosport, Editor-In-Chief, Andrew van de Burgt said.

"No matter whether you are a hard core motorsports fan, or somebody who doesn't follow the sport at all – one look at the car and you can tell that it is totally different from anything seen before. It really is a credit to everyone involved in the project. It has generated great interest amongst our readers and we look forward to seeing the car compete again in the future."

The plaudits don't stop there for the Nissan DeltaWing. The car has already won EVO magazine's Innovation Award; it was voted Automobile magazine's Racing Car of the Year and received the Popular Science Best of What's New Award. Ben Bowlby has also received the Simms Medal from the Royal Automobile Club and the Dino Toso Award for the world's top racing aerodynamicist, awarded by Race Tech magazine.

"Last night was the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people who weren't scared to use their imaginations," said Nissan's Darren Cox. "The Nissan DeltaWing is clearly innovative in terms of the car's design but the entire project and the way it has engaged the interest of the fans is also innovative. We have all enjoyed the challenge."

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Contact

Lindsay Morle
Motorsports Nissan Europe
lindsay@morle.com
+44 7971 481078

Source: nissannews.com

Nissan: Nissan DeltaWing Wins Autosport's Pioneering and Innovation Award

Nissan DeltaWing Wins Autosport's Pioneering and Innovation Award

Source: nissannews.com

Nissan: Nissan North America Sets New November Sales Record

-Nissan and Infiniti brands each post record November sales-
This release contains: 2 Related Documents, 1 Photo

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported record November U.S. sales of 96,197 units versus 85,182 units a year earlier, up 12.9 percent. Nissan Division set a new November record, with sales up 9.8 percent for the month over the prior year at 84,300 units. Sales of Infiniti vehicles were 11,897, up 41.2 percent over the prior year, also a November record.

NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS

• Nissan Division posted sales of 84,300 units, up 9.8 percent from last November's 76,754 units, making it Nissan's best November ever.


• Pathfinder SUV sales rose 249.5 percent to 8,097 units, led by the all-new 2013 Pathfinder that went on sale in November.


• The all-electric Nissan LEAF recorded strong sales of 1,539 units in November, up 129 percent from the prior year at 672 units.


• Rogue crossover sales hit a new November record at 12,662 units, an increase of 16.8 percent versus year-ago sales of 10,845.


• Altima sales remained strong in November at 20,305 units, with year-to-date deliveries up 14.8 percent over its 2011 total.

"Nissan's significant portfolio refresh of five new models in 15 months is showing results with the new Pathfinder driving sales of the model up nearly 250 percent," said Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Division.

INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS

• Infiniti QX sales of 2,121 was an increase of 46.7 percent in November, the best month in the full-size luxury SUV's history.


• The all-new Infiniti JX 7-passenger luxury crossover had sales of 2,529 units in November, and 18,966 have been delivered since it went on sale in March.


• Overall, total sales of 6,275 for all Infiniti crossovers and sport utility vehicles in November more than doubled versus prior year. 


• The Infiniti G Line had an increase of 7.3 percent for the month, with 4,838 sport sedans, coupes and convertibles being delivered.


• Infiniti had the best November in its history.

"November was a fantastic month for Infiniti, with sales of each of our crossovers and sport utility vehicles showing an increase and contributing to the best November since we started sales in 1989," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "We expect showroom traffic to remain strong through the holiday gift-giving season, as our Winter Limited Engagement Event continues through January 2."

NOTE: To ensure consistency in global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days. November had 25 selling days both in 2012 and 2011.

NISSAN DIVISION
	Nov.		Nov.		Monthly		CYTD		CYTD		CYTD
	2012		2011		% chg		2012		2011		% chg
Nissan Division Total	84,300		76,754		9.8		935,116		854,136		9.5
Versa	8,826		9,291		-5.0		102,709		89,791		14.4
Sentra	7,176		7,871		-8.8		98,640		106,281		-7.2
Cube	791		203		289.7		7,078		14,053		-49.6
Altima	20,305		20,613		-1.5		278,968		243,005		14.8
Maxima	4,730		4,886		-3.2		55,212		53,669		2.9
LEAF	1,539		672		129.0		8,330		8,720		-4.5
Juke	3,003		2,514		19.5		33,619		32,858		2.3
370Z	450		356		26.4		6,932		6,879		0.8
GT-R	85		56		51.8		1,139		1,259		-9.5
Total Car	46,905		46,462		1.0		592,627		556,515		6.5
Frontier	3,882		4,324		-10.2		51,747		46,074		12.3
Titan	1,750		2,146		-18.5		19,738		19,608		0.7
Xterra	1,343		1,636		-17.9		15,843		16,244		-2.5
Pathfinder	8,097		2,317		249.5		34,682		23,272		49.0
Armada	1,817		1,779		2.1		15,938		16,374		-2.7
Rogue	12,662		10,845		16.8		130,861		112,257		16.6
Murano	5,129		4,875		5.2		47,676		48,153		-1.0
Quest	1,673		1,132		47.8		17,075		10,425		63.8
NV	1,042		1,238		-15.8		8,929		5,214		71.3
Total Truck	37,395		30,292		23.4		342,489		297,621		15.1
North American produced	58,968		56,101		5.1		682,406		619,532		10.1
Car	41,037		42,661		-3.8		535,529		492,746		8.7
Truck	17,931		13,440		33.4		146,877		126,786		15.8
Import	25,332		20,653		22.7		252,710		234,604		7.7
Car	5,868		3,801		54.4		57,098		63,769		-10.5
Truck	19,464		16,852		15.5		195,612		170,835		14.5
INFINITI DIVISION
	Oct.		Oct.		Monthly		CYTD		CYTD		CYTD
	2012		2011		% chg		2012		2011		% chg
Infiniti Division Total	11,897		8,428		41.2		107,250		87,471		22.6
G Sedan	3,860		3,623		6.5		42,346		38,360		10.4
G Coupe	978		885		10.5		11,982		13,355		-10.3
M	784		921		-14.9		8,281		9,734		-14.9
QX	2,121		1,446		46.7		13,078		11,693		11.8
JX	2,529		n/a		n/a		18,966		n/a		n/a
EX	434		428		1.4		3,161		5,486		-42.4
FX	1191		1125		5.9		9,436		8,843		6.7
Total Car	5,622		5,429		3.6		62,609		61,449		1.9
Total Truck	6,275		2,999		109.2		44,641		26,022		71.6
NISSAN & INFINITI
	Oct.		Oct.		Monthly		CYTD		CYTD		CYTD
	2012		2011		% chg		2012		2011		% chg
TOTAL VEHICLE	96,197		85,182		12.9		1,042,366		941,607		10.7
Total Car	52,527		51,891		1.2		655,236		617,964		6.0
Total Truck	43,670		33,291		31.2		387,130		323,643		19.6
Selling days	25		25				281		280

 * All numbers include Hawaii

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

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 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 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 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/.

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Contact:

Travis Parman
Nissan North America
Tel # 615-725-5828

Source: nissannews.com