Nissan has big plans in the future, not just for their electric and hybrid models, but they are also embarking into unfamiliar territory. They are looking to compete in the compact van segment in North America with Ford when they announced their new NV2000 model. Ford has a stronghold since the segment became relevant just a few years ago, they have done so with their Transit model which is growing in popularity. Ford has also just announced their family van, and Transit smaller brother the Tourneo. So it is safe to say Ford has quite a grip on this segment, so for Nissan to leap into this arena, could be a dangerous choice.
Dangerous might be a word that critics may place on this decision by the Japanese automaker, but Nissan themselves fell incredibly confident that they can make this work for their brand, and successfully compete with a big player like Ford. They know their model will work, because of its proven success in Europe and Asia, but North America is a different ball game, so what sort of changes will they need to make? Well for starters they want to make sure that everyone understands that the NV2000 isnt just some revamped minivan, but it is a model that they know works, and is simply reconfigured for the North American market. The biggest change of course is the engine. Nissan plans to switch out the diesel engine for a 2.0-liter gasoline engine which will give operators about 24 combined miles per gallon. They will also improve the leg room and cargo capacity, stretching it out. Because we all know more and bigger is better in North America. This increase in cargo size and leg room will allow flexibility for the vehicle to be either used as a passenger vehicle, or a commercial vehicle, totally up to the owner. Choices are also another big thing that American consumers must have.
With about 40 thousand compact van, commercial and passenger being sold in North America each of the past couple of years, and with Ford coming out with their revamped Transit for 2014, Nisan is jumping into this game at the perfect time. They will not only give an alternative to consumers, but will reap the benefits of this small market. For more on not just the van segment, but the other breakthrough models of 2013-14 for Nissan check out www.pompanonissan.com, a South Florida Nissan dealer.
