Nissan All-New NV
I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of the all-new Nissan NV commercial van at the NTEA Work Truck Show in St. Louis. To say that Nissan has re-written the rules on "cargo vans" is to put it mildly. The first thing that strikes you about the new NV are the looks.

The first production models in Nissan’s new North American CV lineup are the 2011 Nissan NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD. They will be available with a choice of 4.0-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 engines and in two body styles, Standard Roof (all models) and High Roof (NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD only) – with High Roof models offering stand-up walkthrough/work cargo area capability.

The NV’s ample cargo area offers a 120.7-inch cargo floor length and 70.3-inch maximum cargo floor width. NV Standard Roof models offer a maximum 55.4 cargo area height, among the tallest in class. The NV High Roof provides a maximum 76.5-inches of cargo room height – enough for most users to move about the cargo area while standing up straight.

Answering one of the major unmet owner needs – driver comfort and roominess – the Nissan NV interior starts with wide front doors for easy ingress and egress, supportive bucket seating with extensive adjustability, large armrests and a truck-like driving position with ample legroom and foot room. The available center console (removable) provides a range of integrated storage features, while the fold-down passenger seat – which is unique to the segment – adds worktable functionality and enhances the cab’s feeling of openness.

Inspired by customer needs and usage, the Nissan NV offers an amazing array of smart functionality features, including storage pockets, spaces and compartments designed to provide secure access to the typical commercial customers’ everyday use objects. An under seat drawer, for example, fits small tools, stationary or first aid kits, while the deep door pockets fit flashlights, legal-size binders and clipboards. High Roof models offer an available overhead console designed to hold work gloves, legal size binders, safety glasses and system books. The available center console (removable) fits letter size files and laptop computers – and includes a computer or mobile phone charging point.

Along with being conceived as a “mobile office,” the Nissan NV is designed to function as a “mobile workshop” – thanks to its simple, flexible cargo area layout. Along with offering wide door openings, the NV offers room between the wheelhouses to accommodate standard plywood or drywall sheets or pallets. There are also a range of cargo area tie-down rings and ample cargo area lighting.

The new Nissan NV was also designed to accommodate aftermarket outfitting and modifications. For example, the roof rack mounting brackets are designed for various rack systems without piercing holes in the roof, which can lead to corrosion and water leaks. The available “upfitter pre-wiring” allows easy access into the electrical system.

The NV also offers a full-length cargo area inner panel to protect the outer walls from dents and dings from the inside, and there are multiple weld-nut attachment points for shelving and racks – again requiring no sheet metal drilling. In addition, the NV’s nearly vertical sidewalls maximize the usable cargo space, accommodating common aftermarket storage systems, as well as a bulkhead behind the driver.

The new Nissan NV will be manufactured in Canton, Mississippi and available through a select network of authorized Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers (we'll be one) nationwide. Production will begin later this year.

Ford for 2011
Let's start big...
Ford has completely redesigned its very popular F-Series Super Duty line-up for 2011. Rather than go thru a long description about the many changes in the 2011 model, we made the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty our Featured Vehicle this month. Click on the link to get the full story. Production of the 2011 Super Duty models began in late February.

In the middle...
Later this year Ford will begin production of the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer. There's lots of speculation on the Internet about the new Explorer. It's safe to say that it will be car-based (Edge/Taurus platform), unibody SUV with possibly a standard EcoBoost 4 cylinder engine offering 30 miles per gallon. Sounds like a real game-changer among SUV's. I'm sure we'll have more info in the coming months.

And now let's go small...

The 2011 Ford Fiesta will become available in the U.S. this June. The sedan is just slightly smaller than the current Ford Focus. The four door hatchback is more than a foot shorter than the current Focus. Both models will be powered a 1.6 liter aluminum 4 cylinder developing 119 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque connected to either a five speed manual or a six speed dual clutch automatic. EPA ratings for the automatic are 30/40 mpg. The preliminary reviews from the car magazines have been outstanding. All the magazines have been impressed with the car's look and driving dynamics. Bet there's an Eco-Boost model somewhere down the road.

The 2011 Ford Focus will share 80% parts commonality with the European Ford Focus. More than that, Ford will dramatically elevate the car's sophistication and equipment. The 2011 Focus will be powered by a direct-injection 2.0 liter 4 cylinder making 155 hp and 145 lb-ft torque. Look for an EcoBoost version at a later date along with EV and hybrid models in 2011 and 2012. The Focus will get a six speed dual clutch automatic transmission and a customizable display screen. The option list will grow with keyless ignition, navigation, backup camera and automated park assist. The Focus will be available in a four door sedan and four door hatchback. Production is scheduled to begin in late June.

Fleeting Tidbits
We continue to update our 2010 MY Final Fleet Order page with the latest final order dates when they are released or updated by the manufacturers. There have been a number of changes to Final Fleet Order Dates. I would suggest that you check back often since some dates seem to be a moving target.
Upcoming Final Fleet Order Dates:
Ford Edge - 3/26/10

Mazda3 - 3/26/10

Many General Motors vehicles - 4/2/10 - check 2010 MY Final Fleet Order page for specific vehicles.

Taillights
Fiat UK has unveiled a "mockumentary" of the hit series "The Office". If you remember, the original series was done in Great Britain and starred Ricky Gervais. Now imagine it set in a fleet management company called Lightfoot Logistics. Fiat has produced a series of short webisodes chronicling the day-to-day activities at the firm and a full Lightfoot Logistics website to go with it. That is the setup for a new viral marketing effort created for Fiat's UK van business. It’s also a sneak peek at some Fiat (Ram) vans that may appear in the U.S. within the next couple of years.

Here's the link to Lightfoot Logistics. There are currently 2 episodes available with a 3rd episode premiering on March 29th.

http://lightfootlogistics.co.uk/

03/22/2010