Tag Archives: Nissan

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Hiroshi Tamura and the Nissan GT-R: the Man and the Evolution of the Machine

2016 banners an important milestone for Nissan Philippines Inc (NPI), as it saw the introduction of the carmaker’s iconic GT-R super sports car in the country. No less than its Chief Product Specialist, Hiroshi Tamura, flew in to launch it at the recent 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

“I designed this car with an eye towards the ultimate driving pleasure,” Tamura stated.

“The car is the body, you are the commander. It is this kind of connection that is not just about the link between the steering and your hand. It is like a mobile surge that lets your brain grab the road,” he said.

With the Skyline 33 as his starting GT-R project, Tamura went on to develop the succeeding GT-R versions since 1997 until the present 2017 iteration.

“We upgraded everything. Sometimes, people focus on the horsepower, but it’s not just the only purpose. The purpose is the body connection, its more sporty but also projects a more mature image.”

 

Designing for Both Speed and Comfort

The newest GT-R   marries the concept of comfort of “GT” with the “R”  or racing idea of delivering exhilarating high performance that is found in its race car technology. 

“This automobile is not a dot chaser,” Tamura said.“It is not all about reaching peak dots on a graph — like most energy and even most G forces. It’s extra three-dimensional as a result of what we people are.”

The 2017 Nissan GT-R is a buff beast that wears its power underneath a more luxurious, sophisticated suit.  Powered with a 3.8-liter 24-valve, twin turbocharged V6  pumping out a prodigious 570 PS and equally immense 637 NM of torque, the Nissan GT-R is redesigned with  a more rigid body structure and a new suspension to ensure a smoother ride upon hitting the throttle.

Yet this strength is tempered by the changes implemented both in its exterior and interior.  Aerodynamically styled, its larger grille openings enhance cooling to key components, without increasing drag. The C-pillar was slightly redesigned to stop the formation of a vortex that could slow the GT-R down.

Inside, luxury and efficiency goes hand in hand with the choices of reengineering the cabin layout and materials used.  With features such as a dash cover that uses aniline leather, simplified cockpit with fewer controls and next-generation Multi-Function Display, relocated and redesigned paddle shifters, down to retuned acoustics that reduces unwanted noise while allowing the signature pure sound of the GT-R engine, all combine to elevate the driving experience to a new thrilling level like never before.

“You can concentrate more on your driving.  You can discuss more with your car more easier,” he said. 

 

The Philosophy of Being a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Tamura likened the Nissan GT-R as a wolf in sheep’s skin, “a sleeper”, he called it.

“Behavior is like a sheep, but the outside is a tiger, or a wolf. The GT-R is like a sedan, but with a racing engine,” he said, explaining the duality of the super race car’s character.  With the award-winning VR38DETT engine as the heart of the beast, each  unit is handcrafted and overseen by a Takumi master technician.  Such is the high level of craftsmanship and expertise that goes into each GT-R, that  each engine proudly bears a plaque that is stamped with the name of the Takumi that handbuilt it.  

When all elements come together, the Nissan GT-R provides a “smooth, sophisticated riding concept, but with feeling,” Tamura said.  

As a flagship vehicle, the Nissan GT-R has also shared its philosophy across other Nissan vehicles.

“How to grab the road, how the car is in contact with the road, all that is in the technology like VDC, traction control, ABS, this philosophy came from GT-R”, he notes in terms of the halo effect on other Nissan vehicles.  “Like the Navara. Heavy-duty use, combined with ease and reliability, these concepts come from the GT-R philosophy of reliability and robustness.”

The Nissan 2017 GT-R is exclusively available at the Nissan High Performance Center in Quezon Avenue in Katsura Orange, Vibrant Red, Pearl Black, Ultimate Silver, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, and Pearl Blue, with an SRP of P7.350M. For more details, visit www.nissan.ph.

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Nissan Philippines Opens Nationwide Search of New Race Car Drivers in its Second Season of GT Academy

photocaption: NPI President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan (left) with Nissan GT Academy 2008 inaugural champion Lucas Ordoñez trying out the new Gran Turismo Sport game in the virtual racing pod at the launch of the new season of the GT Academy in the country.

 

Nissan Philippines Inc (NPI) recently launched the second season of the GT Academy in the Philippines at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia. 

“We had a very successful start last year when the Philippine team competed against other racers in GTA Asia at Silverstone UK, and we bested them by producing the first-ever Filipino GT Academy Asia champion,” said Ramesh Narasimhan, NPI President and Managing Director.  “We hope that this year, we can call on more Filipino talents to enter the competition and make the country the breeding ground for outstanding racing drivers.” 

Joining Narasimhan in the opening ceremony was 2008 GT Academy winner Lucas Ordoñez.  He recounted, “Back then, I was just studying for my MBA. When I saw an ad for a new competition called ‘GT Academy’, I knew I had to join and take this shot to be the racing driver I dreamed to be. Now, here I am racing on every possible tournament. It felt great to have taken that move. I hope Filipinos will grab this opportunity too.”  Ordoñez completed a podium finish in the 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours. 

The Nissan GT Academy is slated to run its recruitment session nationwide, with the following scheduled Live Events and their venues: July 8 – 10 at  the Mass area of SM The Block, and at the Activity Center of Centrio Mall in Cagayan;  July 14 – 20 at the GL Concourse of SM Southmall;  July 17 – 23  at Activity Center of SM Bacolod;  July 19 – 25 at the Atrium of SM Ecoland Davao; July 28 – August 3 at SM Sta. Rosa; and August 12 – 14 at the Atrium of SM Pampanga. 

Keep updated on the latest news and details about the Nissan GT Academy by   visiting www.facebook.com/NissanPhilippinesInc.

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Nissan Navara Named Truck of the Year Philippines by Car Awards Group

Truck of the Year winners. (L-R) Robby Consunji, President, Car Awards Group, Inc.; Dax Avenido, PR and Product Planning Manager, Nissan Philippines, Inc.; SJ Huh, General Manager for Marketing, Nissan Philippines, Inc.; Therese Sarmiento, PR & Communications officer, Nissan Philippines, Inc.; and Subir Lohani, Managing Director, Carmudi Philippines.

Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) continues to set the standard for the local truck segment as the NP300 Navara was named Truck of the Year Philippines (TOTY-P) 2015 by the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI), the country’s premier automotive award giving body.

The TOTY-P, along with the Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) award, is an annual recognition given by the CAGI for the top vehicle of its class. The award is given after all contending vehicles undergo a rigorous screening process, touching on points such as price, comfort, features, and performance on the technical tests. This is in line with CAGI’s goal of providing the automotive consumer with the best information available regarding the many excellent products available on the automotive market.

“Earlier this year, Nissan declared the beginning of the ‘Truck Wars’ by launching the NP300 Navara” said Antonio Zara, NPI President and Managing Director, “It has been a very exciting time for the pick-up truck segment, and we are proud to say that we have emerged victorious in this battle. Thank you to the CAGI members for this recognition.”

The NP300 Navara bested other manufacturers by being the first and only vehicle in its segment to deliver unmatched riding comfort from its multi-link suspension system. In addition, the NP300 Navara also features NASA-inspired Zero gravity seats for better ergonomic support to reduce driving fatigue. This system ensures a smoother ride, bringing a car-like level of comfort to the pick-up segment.

Adding to the driving pleasure of the NP300 Navara are the reduced turning radius, highlighting dynamic agility and maneuverability in all kinds of terrain, an improved fuel efficiency over its predecessor, and a selection of electronic driving aids that provide a welcome boost in safety and control. These include technical driving tools such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, and Vehicle Dynamics Stability Control.

In addition to winning Truck of the Year Philippines 2015, Nissan Navara was also declared the Best 4×2 Pick-up during the ceremony. Adding to Nissan’s triumph was the Nissan Juke winning the Best Subcompact Crossover SUV category for the Nissan Juke. The new Nissan Juke was introduced to the local market during the company’s second anniversary celebration last month, capturing the attention of the motoring public with its bold new design as well as sub-million peso price tag.

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Nissan Philippines Posts 52% Sales Increase 2Q of 2015

Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) saw a 52% uptick in its sales during the second quarter of this year, as compared to the same time frame last year.

“This has been the best sales result for the first half of the year since 2001,” NPI President Antonio Zara said.

Figures released by NPI showed 5,185 units sold for the first half of the current year, as compared to the 3,664 units were sold for the first six months of 2014. This represents a 42% total sales growth year-on-year (YOY).

Zara credits NPI’s growth to the success of two of its flagship vehicles, the NP300 Navara pickup and the recently launched all-new NV350 Urvan. “We see these two diverse vehicle types to appeal to specific market types, and we expect them to be volume contributors to their market segments,” Zara said.

NPI’s sales growth reflects the automotive industry’s growing performance for the year. A recent report from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed sales in the first half of the year hit 21%, with the passenger cars (PC) rising to 30% YOY and commercial vehicles (CV) revving by 15%.

“We are happy with the way our sales are doing,” Zara said. “However, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels; expect more good things to come from us in the near future, as we intend to show that, yes, Nissan is back.”

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About Nissan Philippines, Inc.

Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is the sole national sales company of Nissan in the Philippines which started its operations in 2014. NPI is responsible for strengthening brand, marketing and sales strategy, and dealer operations in the Filipino market.

Nissan ranked the highest in customer satisfaction with after-sales service among new vehicle owners according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2014 Philippines Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.

For more information on our products and services, visit our website at www.nissan.ph.

Articles, Portfolio, Press Release, Print

Tough and Smart, the All-New Nissan NP300 Navara Conquers Ilocos Norte

Class-leading features of the NP300 Navara put to the test

Truck Wars. Antonio Zara, President and Managing Director of Nissan Philippines, Inc. (right) and SJ Huh, General Manager for Marketing of Nissan Philippines, Inc. beside the All-New NP300 Navara at the La Paz Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte

 

Manila, Philippines (February 24, 2015) – The Nissan Navara has always been synonymous with power and performance. It is well renowned for setting itself to a higher standard and leading the way for other pick-ups to follow. With the resounding success of its launch early this month, the 12th generation Navara is poised to raise the bar yet again.

After the long wait, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) proudly puts this tough and smart pick-up truck to the test by inviting 70 media guests to an exciting Navara Ride and Drive in Ilocos Norte so that they all see, feel and experience the class-leading features of the All-New NP300 Navara.

Power

Nissan prides itself in having the best lineup of engines and the YD25 certainly lives up to it. This new generation 2.5L DOHC in-line four-cylinder Variable Geometry System (VGS) diesel engine has the highest power output per displacement in its segment. The 4×4 variant puts out 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque while the 4×2 variant offers 163 PS and 403 Nm of torque.

A segment-exclusive feature on the NP300 Navara is the 7-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode. Used as well by the Nissan 370Z sports coupe among others, it offers a wider range of speed with an expanded gear ratio while providing better acceleration, smoother shifting and reduced fuel consumption even at low speeds.

A 6-speed manual gearbox is also available for more transmission control and increased fuel efficiency.

This powertrain combination gives the NP300 Navara the class leading fuel efficiency and emission ratings.

Performance

Ready to take on the most demanding challenge, the NP300 Navara was designed and developed to carry heavy loads while keeping up with today’s active lifestyle.

Using a full-length fully boxed ladder frame that adds torsional stiffness and a Rigid 5-Link Coil Suspension armed with stabilizer bars, passengers are assured of utmost durability without sacrificing comfort even in the most unforgiving terrain.

Slightly longer than the previous model, the NP300 Navara managed to reduce the wheelbase by 50mm to enhance agility and maneuverability whether in off-road situations or simple city driving.

Never hesitate to take on the roughest terrain with the NP300 Navara’s electric shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system allowing you to engage it even while in motion.

Your safety is Nissan’s number one priority, that’s why it also comes with highly advanced features like VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), ABLS (Active Brake Limited Slip), HSA (Hill Start Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Design

The NP300 Navara showcases a sportier style while staying true to Nissan’s design philosophy. With a more pronounced beltline and a first-in-its-class boomerang-shaped LED Daytime Running Headlamps that complement the “V-motion” motif that flows from the grille to the hood, the new Navara gets a distinct, attention-grabbing look that sets it apart from all other trucks.

The macho look of the Navara belies the subtle changes that has reduced its drag coefficient to 0.37 Cd, a great number for a vehicle this size. The dynamic convex and concave surfaces found on the doors along with the rear spoiler all contribute to its enhanced aerodynamics.

Inside, the NP300 Navara is as well endowed. Seats are finished with premium fabric and come with NASA-inspired Zero Gravity Seats technology that reduces fatigue by evenly distributing body pressure on the seating surface.

The Instrument Cluster Panel comes with Fine vision technology so that vehicle information, in whatever lighting condition, will be easy to read.

It comes with a 6-speaker infotainment system that doubles as the monitor for the backup camera. It has CD, MP3 and iPod compatibility along with Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone. For ease of use, access any of these services along with Cruise Control using buttons found on the steering wheel.

Another segment-first is the Push Button Ignition proving that Nissan will do what it takes to provide its customers with unparalleled convenience.

Easily accessible functional trays and storage spaces are ergonomically placed for personal belongings and electronic devices.

“Nissan pickups are not just vehicles, they are the lifeblood of communities, and we are catering to that need by improving the much-loved pick-up. With 80 years of heritage, providing technologies comes as natural as possible. Nissan lives on the promise of providing innovation that excites and that’s what we have been doing,” said Antonio Zara, NPI President and Managing Director.

It set the bar before, now it’s doing it again. The next generation pick-up is finally here, the All-New Nissan NP300 Navara.

Pricing

The All-New NP300 is available in Savanna Orange, Galaxy Black, Brilliant Silver and Alpine White.

Introductory price set at:
PhP 1,490,000 4×4 VL 7-Speed
Php 1,421,000 4×4 VL 6-speed M/T
Php 1,256,000 4×4 EL 6-speed M/T
Php 1,108,000 4×2 EL 7-speed A/T Calibre
Php 1,038,000 4×2 EL 6-speed M/T Calibre
Php 938,000 4×2 6-speed M/T Calibre
Php 898,000 4×2 6-Speed M/T

Visit your nearest Nissan dealership and get to experience the All-New NP300 Navara. For more information on our products and services, visit our website, at www.nissan.ph.

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Nissan Recognizes Top Performers in 2014 NISTEC and NISAC Competition

Manila, Philippines (October 3, 2014) – In line with its commitment to deliver topnotch service, the recently unified Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) held its first Nissan Service Technician Excellence Competency Award (NISTEC) and Nissan Service Advisor Excellence Competency Award (NISAC) National Competition last September 27, 2014 at the Nissan Training and Research Center in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

After being recognized by JD Power Asia Pacific’s 2014 Philippine Customer Service Index (CSI) study by garnering top marks in Customer Satisfaction with Aftersales Service among new vehicle owners, NPI continues to develop and carryout programs that increase the service reliability and competency of its Aftersales workforce.

With the aim to showcase the technical know-how and hands-on ability of Nissan Technicians and the customer relations management of Service Advisors, the 2014 NISTEC and NISAC National Competition aims to lift up the quality of service delivery standards of the whole Aftersales team for the benefit of Nissan customers.

“NISTEC-NISAC is a competition done globally in all countries where Nissan operates. It has been Nissan Motor Co. Limited’s program for more than 20 years,” said Mr. Antonio Zara, President and Managing Director of NPI. “Part of the JD Power criteria involves the competences of the Service Technicians and Service Advisors in achieving the over-all satisfaction of the customers. With this competition, we at NPI, aim to further improve the skills and capabilities of our Service Technicians and Service Advisors. We also want to encourage them to give the best kind of service our Nissan customers deserve,” Mr. Zara added.

Nissan now has a total of 217 Service Technicians and 59 Service Advisors nationwide. Through a series of rigorous sets of examinations in the pre-qualifying round, 12 finalists emerged as the strong contenders for the final competition. The six Service Technician and six Service advisor finalists were certified by Nissan Sales Technician Education Program (N-STEP) Nissan Sales Advisor Education Program (N-SAP) respectively.

In order to assess their skills, the NISTEC finalists underwent three rounds of practical exercises: Engine Diagnosis, Electrical Diagnosis and Repair, and Chassis Maintenance and Trouble Shooting; while the NISAC finalists were tested through a series of role plays for Receiving Process, Repair Authorization, and Delivery Process.

In photo: (From left) Nissan Philippines, Inc.(NPI) Parts and Logistics Officer, Mr. Vincent Alejaga, NISTEC Champion, Mr. Ariel Lobrido of Nissan Bacolod, NISAC Champion, Mr. Aldrin Mendez of Nissan North EDSA, NPI General Manager for Aftersales, Mr. Abner Berdos, NPI National Service Manager, Mr. Fritz Jingco

Mr. Ariel Lobrido of Nissan Bacolod proved that he is the Service Technician with the highest level of technical knowledge bagging the title of the Top Performer for NISTEC category. Mr. Lobrido started out as an on-the-job trainee in 2003 and has been with Nissan Bacolod ever since. “I am very happy with Nissan and I am thankful to always have the support of our management. I am also grateful for Nissan have provided me with helpful trainings and seminars to enhance our technical knowledge and skills required in our field,” said Mr. Lobrido.

Meanwhile, Nissan North EDSA’s Aldrin Mendez catered the best service experience, making him the top Service Advisor. Mr. Mendez has been with Nissan for 11 years, working with three service centers including Nissan Middle East for two years. “Being a service advisor is a challenging task but I found my passion in what I do. In Nissan, this is where I experienced growth and where my career flourished and I am very thankful for that,” Mr. Mendez added.

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About Nissan Philippines, Inc.
Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) is the sole national sales company of Nissan in the Philippines which started operations in 2014. NPI is responsible for strengthening brand, marketing and sales strategy, and dealer operations in the Filipino market.

Nissan ranked the highest in customer satisfaction with aftersales service among new vehicle owners according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2014 Philippines Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.

For more information on our products and services, visit our website at www.nissan.ph.