- World premiere of Friend-ME concept car targets the "Post 80s" generation
- Asian premiere of Nissan's highly interactive global motor show booth design
- Milestones celebrated in 2013 include Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd.'s 20th anniversary and Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd.'s 10th anniversary
SHANGHAI, China (April 20, 2013) Nissan today unveiled Friend-ME, its latest concept car, at Auto Shanghai 2013. Designed primarily in China for the Post 80s" generation of China and applicable globally, Friend-ME is the star of the booth where Nissan delivers innovation and excitement for everyone.
“Inside Friend-ME we've created a private but connected space in which friends can share adventures by connecting virtually in a car where all feel equal," said Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Stressing that the concept is applicable globally, including the “Post 80s" Chinese youth who will emerge as the world's largest single market segment, he continued: “It's bold. It's dynamic. It definitely attracts attention – which is exactly what young people want."
Friend-ME is one of the results of Nissan's global and diversified collaborations between design teams from Nissan Design China (NDC), which opened in Beijing in 2012, and Nissan Global Design Center (NGDC). One of NDC's most ambitious designs so far, Friend-ME is one of many in-depth vehicle exploration of what Chinese customers need and aspire to drive.
In addition to hosting the Friend-ME launch, Auto Shanghai 2013 is the first auto show in Asia to house the new, four-dimensional Nissan exhibit that engages guests' senses of sight, sound, touch and smell. The Innovation Wall, powered by Xbox Kinect™ technology, communicates the brand story and explains Nissan's “Pure Drive" technologies.
As one of the largest and most dynamic automotive markets in the world, China continues to be an important part of Nissan's global business strategy. Nissan brought its first vehicle to China 40 years ago, and now has annual sales of 1.18 million vehicles in China. Nissan held the world premiere of the new Teana in Guangzhou this February, followed by the launch of the all-new Livina last week in Beijing.
“China is our largest market," said Palmer. “Here we sell a quarter of all vehicles sold worldwide. We are confident about our prospects here. We will grow with China."
Nissan recognizes two milestones in China this year. Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd., Nissan's light commercial vehicle arm in China, marks its 20th anniversary of operations, and Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd., Nissan's joint venture, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Nissan remains dedicated to China and continues to contribute to Chinese society through its products and advanced technologies.
With 20 exciting Nissan products at Auto Shanghai 2013 and the new interactive exhibition, the automaker is committed to bringing innovation and excitement for everyone in China.
For the most current press information on Nissan at Auto Shanghai 2013, please visit
http://www.nissan.com.cn/minisite/autoshow_2013SH/pressconference.php
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 U.S.). 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.
About Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL)
Established in 2003, DFL is a strategic partnership between Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. DFL is one of the largest and fastest developing automotive joint venture companies in China.
About Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd. (ZNA)
Established in 1993, ZNA is one of the largest manufacturers of light commercial vehicles in China. ZNA became a group member of DFL in 2004. Through the Nissan and Dongfeng brands, ZNA markets five series and eight models.
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