Nissan North America Sets New November Sales Record

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) 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.

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.

It's Friday! Be safe and "act natural". Have a great weekend everyone! :)

2014 Nissan GT-R Reflects Dedication to Continuous Development of Legendary 545-HP Supercar

Considered by many to be the perfect "street-able" supercar at its launch, the team behind the creation of the Nissan GT-R has never slowed down.  The relentless ongoing development of the GT-R has been driven by the fact that the GT-R competes in a rarified supercar segment against vehicles costing more than twice as much – and where bragging rights can be won or lost by mere fractions of a second.  The new 2014 Nissan GT-R continues the tradition.  Set to go on sale at select certified dealerships in the United States in January 2013, the latest iteration of the GT-R is another step forward in the effort to deliver passion and emotion to customers through "extreme development."

Much of that development has taken place on the world's most challenging racing circuits, including the famed Nurburgring where the GT-R set production car lap records in both 2008 and 2009.  The most grueling of these ongoing track tests was staged  in May 2012 with the entry of an essentially stock Nissan GT-R in the Nurburgring 24 Hour sports car endurance race, where it finished 1^st in class and 30^th overall.  More than just a test of the GT-R's durability and reliability under the most extreme conditions, the around-the-clock race was also a development trial for key GT-R senior engineering staff members that were involved in every stage of the project from vehicle prep to pit stops to post-race teardown and analysis.  The experience is expected to have a long-ranging impact on the growth of the GT-R and the core development team.

"With the entry into an actual 24-hour racing competition, GT-R's unique development process not only took an incredible step into a new dimension, it did so under the eyes of 100,000-plus spectators," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.  "The development of a super high performance vehicle demands testing your own limits as well as the vehicle's, which was the case at Nurburgring and will certainly pay off in our GT-R customers' enhanced driving enjoyment."

2014 Nissan GT-R: The Development Continues
Following a major change to GT-R's renowned engine for the 2013 model year – including improved intake efficiency, reduced airflow resistance, improved exhaust emissions efficiency and a 15-horsepower increase to 545 hp (along with a 15 lb-ft increase in torque to 463 lb-ft) – the development of the engine continues for the 2014 model year.

New fuel injectors are adopted for enhanced torque response in the 4,500 – 6,000 rpm range, improving throttle and acceleration feel at mid- and high-rpm ranges.  Also, an oil pan baffle has been added to stabilize oil behavior and oil pressure under high performance driving conditions.  The baffle reduces rotational friction, which contributes to the increased responsiveness.  As in previous years, each engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by a single specially trained technician, a process similar to racing powerplant construction.  For 2014, an aluminum nameplate is added to each engine showing the name of the engine constructor.

The GT-R's advanced VR38DETT 3.8-liter twin turbo V6 engine again features innovative plasma-sprayed bores (versus cast iron liners) for reduced friction, lighter weight, enhanced cooling, power output and fuel efficiency; a symmetrical independent intake and exhaust manifold system featuring twin high-performance IHI turbochargers; a secondary air management system for improved cold-start emissions performance; a thermostatically controlled oil-cooling system; an oil scavenger pump to maintain oil flowing to the turbochargers; and a lateral wet and dry sump oiling system.  Fuel economy is again rated at 16 mpg City and 23 mpg Highway.

The VR38DETT V6 is backed by an advanced paddle-shifted sequential 6-speed dual clutch transmission, which can be driver selected to shift at race car-like speeds.  The sequential-shifting transaxle features separate wet clutches for the odd (1,3,5) and even (2,4,6) gears and pre-selects the next highest and next lowest gear for quick shifts.  It also features Hill Start Assist for easy starts on uphill inclines.  High performance differential oil, used in GT-R motorsports competition, is standard.

The Nissan GT-R's unique Premium Midship platform, created expressly for use with the GT-R, enables the use of a world's first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, which optimizes weight distribution and handling capability.  The rear drive-biased system can vary torque split from 0:100 to 50:50 depending on speed, lateral acceleration, steering angles, tire slip, road surface and yaw rate.  Of note is a special GT-R-specific yaw-rate feedback control, which measures the differences between the target yaw rate calculated from steering angle and actual yaw rate detected by the yaw-rate sensor and G sensor to adjust torque bias. 

The Premium Midship Platform layout places the transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle, without the use of traditional torque tubes, allowing the suspension to operate independently and optimizing tire grip at each corner.  Contributing to overall vehicle balance and low center of gravity, the unique offset input and reaction shaft design of the rear transaxle enables a shorter design profile versus a typical manual transmission, moving the concentration of powertrain weight lower in the vehicle.

Chassis development also has been continued for 2014, enhancing the sense of "grabbing the road" and enhanced high-speed handling.  The front suspension link bush location has been changed and with a new anti-roll bar the front roll-center height has been reduced, along with a change in spring and shock absorber specifications to lower the center of gravity.  Maintenance of front suspension alignment has also been improved. 

Handling duties are again managed by a sophisticated 4-wheel independent suspension system mounted to high-precision six-point front and rear subframes.  A special Bilstein® DampTronic driver adjustable shock absorber system utilizes multiple vehicle information systems to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations. 

The DampTronic system features three driver selectable settings - Normal; Comfort, for maximum suspension compliance; or R.  The same three-stage adjustability is also available for the VDC system and transmission shift operation.

Again in 2014, the GT-R runs on Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat nitrogen-filled tires designed to match the suspension characteristics.  Standard tire sizes are 255/40ZRF20 front and 285/35ZRF20 rear.  Optional Dunlop® SP 7010 all-season run-flat tires are again offered as part of the Cold Weather Package.

Stopping power is again provided by Brembo® monoblock six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with 15.35-inch front and 15.0-inch rear Brembo® full-floating cross-drilled two-piece rotors and low-steel high-stiffness brake pads that minimize fade and provide intense stopping performance.  The calipers utilize race car-style radial mounting to minimize caliper flex during extreme braking.

The Nissan GT-R's rigid forged aluminum 20-inch wheels, manufactured by RAYS®, utilize knurling inside the wheels helps keep the tires from slipping around the wheels under heavy acceleration or braking.  The wheels feature a premium dark (near black) finish, which provides a high quality, high-performance look.  The Black Edition features special metallic black six-spoke RAYS® forged lightweight wheels in place of the Premium model's 10-spoke design. 

"The performance enhancements for 2014 signal Nissan's intent to keep the GT-R on the leading edge of international sports car design, technology and performance year after year after year," said Castignetti.

Functional, High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R's dramatic styling is unchanged for 2014.  Every aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience – as well as to suggest GT-R's supercar level of performance. 

The GT-R's hybrid body construction is again a combination of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness, precision and lightness.  

The body features a low coefficient of drag of 0.26, achieving high front and rear downforce.  GT-R's front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body.  The vents in the fenders' trailing edges assist in providing front downforce and optimizing side airflow.  The aggressive front end, with a large hood bulge and enlarged central air intake, provide a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling.  The "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wide illumination spread.

The Nissan GT-R's four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and a curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle.  The signature rear view of the GT-R is provided by its hallmark four-ring taillights, while air flow above and below the vehicle is managed by the functional rear carbon fiber underbody diffuser, rear venting, rear spoiler and large, integrated quad exhaust tips. 

The GT-R Black Edition's unique rear spoiler is designed to be as slippery to the wind as it is attractive to the eyes.  Handmade in a limited monthly production run, a special coating allows carbon fiber "weave" to be felt by the touch.  The lightweight dry carbon fiber material* is also incredibly strong, contributing to increased aerodynamic downforce.

GT-R's advanced technology is present even in the vehicle's paint, which utilizes a durable anti-chip paint and "double clear coat" process.  The 2014 color palette includes Deep Blue Pearl, Jet Black, Solid Red, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and a limited production 4-stage metallic Super Silver.  

A New Premium Interior for 2014
Just as GT-R reflects a constant pursuit of performance improvements, driver and passenger needs and desires are also continuously reviewed.  Takumi, the Japanese word for artisan, has always been reflected in the GT-R, which features a great amount of hand craftsmanship.  The Premium model interior features a change in color and stitching for a higher quality look and feel.

In addition, the Black Edition model's steering wheel features new coordinated red accents, providing a sportier appearance.  The biggest interior change for 2014 is availability of a new optional Premium Interior Package with exclusive Red Amber color semi-aniline leather appointments with hand-stitching on the front seats, along with Red Amber accents on the instrument panel, steering wheel, door trim, armrests and shift knob.

"Comfort and a sense of luxury refinement are never out of place, even in car with the ultra performance levels of GT-R," said Castignetti.  "The new Premium Interior Package, which will be available in limited numbers, adds a great new look and really accents the high levels of craftsmanship found throughout each and every GT-R."

As in previous years, the key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as both a daily driver and a high-performance machine is its balance of functionality and comfort.  It provides comfortable four-passenger seating and trunk capacity of two golf bags or suitcases.  Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and both doors to give an extra level of comfort.  The rear transaxle layout of GT-R, with a flat floor and narrow center tunnel, allows GT-R to have an optimal driving position.  The GT-R Black Edition adds a unique red and black interior color treatment and Recaro® leather-appointed seats. 

The GT-R's cockpit-style instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement.  A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R. Each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of GT-R.  A large, metallic-framed center console features an ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.  Carbon fiber interior trim is offered for all models. 

The centerpiece of the instrument panel is a video game-inspired multi-function display that was created in collaboration with Polyphony Digital, makers of the Gran Turismo electronic game.  Eleven pages of information are available on this system, including mechanical and driving information, acceleration, brake pedal pressure, steering angle and a recording function with playback.

Additional on-screen information includes a Navigation system and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.  The navigation system includes NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather capabilities (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

All 2014 GT-R models again include a specially designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system features two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area.  Rigid aluminum die cast panel-mounting of all speakers allowed Bose® engineers to perfect the acoustical performance of the GT-R sound system.  Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® is standard.

Standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced Air Bag System for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-passenger and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front seat occupant head protection – along with front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and three-point ELR/ALR rear seat belts.

Models and Options
The 2014 Nissan GT-R is available in two models: GT-R Premium, which comes fully equipped with a 545-horsepower engine, dual clutch rear transmission, Nissan Navigation System, custom-designed 11-speaker Bose® audio system, premium near-black finish wheels and heated front seats; and the GT-R Black Edition, with special lightweight metallic black aluminum-alloy forged RAYS® wheels, unique red and black interior, Recaro® leather-appointed seats, dark headliner and dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.

Just two options are available: a Cold Weather Package, which includes Dunlop® all-season tires and unique coolant/water ratio; and the Premium Interior Package.

 

Nissan News

The LA Auto Show starts in 2 days! What new features would you like to see revealed in the Nissan models?

Go behind the scenes of how GT-R is built in Tochigi, Japan in National Geographic TV's "Megafactories" airing Thurs, Dec 13 at 7p.m. ET!

As one of the most acclaimed supercars in automotive history, the Nissan GT-R is the ultimate expression of the Nissan brand and its "Innovation for All" philosophy. It is a multi-dimensional performance machine that lives up to the concept of "the ultimate supercar that can be driven by anyone, anytime, anywhere."

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The Nissan GT-R from the ground up. Now how's that for internals?!

Welcome back from the weekend friends.

 Hopefully this takes a load off your Monday, except now we're going to have to do some math and figure out how to make this short work-week work out to 100%.

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Check out the 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 at Coon Rapids Nissan

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2014 Nissan GT-R To Gain Improved Ride Quality, More Responsive Engine

While now power will be added to the 545-hp engine, Nissan is promising improved mid-range and high-rpm responsiveness with new high-output injectors. Other upgrades include a new release valve for the turbocharger bypass as well as a new oil pan baffle for reduced rotational friction and more stable oil pressure.

On the handling side, Nissan has improved chassis rigidity with new reinforcements to the dash panel bar and instrument panel bar. Suspension adjustments then include new spring and shock settings plus a new front sway bar and new cam bolts to improve camber accuracy. These changes are designed to deliver more responsive handling, while also a more comfortable ride.

In addition, engineers have improved the strength where the driveshafts meets the hub bearings for improved reliability.

All updates are the result of continued testing and, specifically, from this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hour race.

Set to go on sale this Sprign in Europe as a 2013 model, these updates will arrive in the GT-R in North America later for the 2014 model year.

 

Auto Guide

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

 

FRANKLIN, Tenn. –Nissan GT Academy is back for a second season, seeking to determine which of America's best Gran Turismo® video gamers has what it takes to become a professional racing driver.

Nissan North America, in collaboration with Sony Computer Entertainment America and Polyphony Digital, is announcing the first of six episodes to air on SPIKE TV beginning Thursday, November 1 at 11:30 p.m. Eastern/10.30 p.m. Central. The remaining episodes will air at the same time each Thursday night and will be available on the Nissan YouTube channel the following Monday. GT Academy will also be screened on MTV2, one week after the original airdate on SPIKE TV. For a preview, visit the GT Academy web site, GTAcademy.com.

In July, after three months of online competition, the top 32 out of 400,000 registered Gran Turismo online gamers, met at Comic-Con in San Diego to determine the 16 finalists for GT Academy. Over two days of virtual racing competition on identical gaming sleds, the fastest 16 were invited to the legendary Silverstone Racing complex in England to begin an intense boot camp that combined physical and psychological challenges in addition to on-track driving in a variety of performance vehicles.

The six-week GT Academy television series, hosted by ex-NFL player, Dhani Jones, will capture every challenge and all of the human drama of a very intense week. At the end of each episode, competitors' performances are evaluated and critiqued by pro racers Danny Sullivan, Maryeve Dufault and Boris Said. Those who don't make the cut go home. One winner emerges and remains in the U.K. to undergo intensive professional racing training that will qualify them to earn their international competition license.

"GT Academy is a program that we arereally pleased to be a part of. It reinforces our values of excitement, innovation and performance above all else, while giving 16 people the opportunity to fulfill their dreams – and for one of them to potentially change their lives for good," said Jon Brancheau, VP Marketing, Nissan North America.

A new addition for season two is a second-screen experience, Pit Pass, which puts the viewer at the center of the action, making them feel more like a participant than a spectator. Building on the concept of "Victory Is Anyone's," viewers can visit GTAcademy.us via their smartphone or tablet devices while watching the show and enjoy access to exclusive segment-specific content while the show is playing on SPIKE TV, all via the browser and without needing to download an app. Each episode will have unique companion content, including video, interactive maps, polls, tutorials and fun facts, to drive deeper viewer engagement and inspire social media sharing. In addition, using Facebook Connect, the fan becomes the hero, enjoying the ability to create his/her own custom, adrenaline-charged GT Academy hot lap video, as well as immersing themselves in a rich, panoramic first person experience on the GT Academy website, optimized for the iPad and iPhone gyroscope technology.

The GT Academy concept has already proven successful. Both European and North American GT Academy competitions have produced race winners and top qualifiers in professional racing programs around the world. Europe's GT Academy Season One winner Lucas Ordóñez won the P2 Class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2011 in a Nissan-powered prototype, while a team of four GT Academy winners placed third-in-class in January at the 24 Hours of Dubai in a race-prepared Nissan 370Z.

The GT Academy program was developed by TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles and OMD. Critical Mass is responsible for the GT Academy website, Pit Pass second-screen experience and first-person Facebook video.

About Gran Turismo®
With more than 65 million units sold worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo® franchise for the PlayStation®, PlayStation® 2 and PLAYSTATION® 3 is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulation ever created due to its true-to-life graphics, physics and real-life cars and tracks. Since the inception of the Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today. His offerings provide the gamer with the most true-to-life driving simulation within the industry and a unique medium for automotive manufacturers to showcase their products.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® systems, the PlayStation® 2 system, the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) system, the ground-breaking PlayStation® 3 (PS3™) system and its online and network services the PlayStation® Network and PlayStation® Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP and PS3 systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, California, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.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.

 

Nissan News

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Active Engine Brake

Nissan's Dynamic Performance R&D initiative can be summed up as two closely-related aims: to interpret driver's input more insightfully than ever before, and to execute those intentions with greater speed and precision than ever before.

One of those technologies, Nissan's Active Engine Brake, is best described as the CVT equivalent to what you do with a manual gearbox as you enter a tight curve: shift down to decelerate smoothly, then shift back up again as your accelerate through the curve's apex.

Active Engine Brake harnesses the advantages of Nissan's CVT technology to intelligently automate this function in a subtle way. The result is smoother cornering - especially for novice drivers.

The system is also effective in straight-line deceleration, for example slowing down before a red light. Many less-skilled drivers apply the brakes several times between initial slowing and final stop - which can feel like a jerky and inelegant maneuver. With Active Engine Brake everyone performs more smoothly, which reduces driving stress.

"It is deliberately subtle to avoid startling the driver," says Naoki Miyashita of Nissan's driving control development team. "But the effective is clearly measurable, in terms of reduced wear on the brakes and also in smoother driver performance with both cornering and straight-line deceleration."

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This is Stelvio Pass Road located in Italy and is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps.

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How To Share The Road With Truckers

Everybody has a horror story to tell about an encounter they've had with an 18-wheeler on the Interstate, and how they were nearly killed by the inattentiveness of the truck driver. News programs like Dateline NBC and 60 Minutes feed this fear with selectively edited stories regarding truck safety. But what nobody seems to consider is that they themselves may have caused the problem because of ignorance about what is involved in driving a truck, or by engaging in righteous driving behavior that did nothing but endanger their own lives and those of the people they care most about.

Personally, we've seen rude truckers hog the road, and we've seen dimwitted drivers set themselves up for what could be a very painful, if not deadly, lesson. Furthermore, not all trucks traveling the nation's highways are properly maintained, due to a lack of finances or pure laziness. But for most truck drivers, who are paid by the mile and are held responsible for damaged goods, their lives and livelihoods depend on driving a well-maintained truck carefully, and getting freight to its destination on time.

Tractor trailer trucks are responsible for carrying nearly 30 percent of all the cargo shipped in the United States. Technology and improved roadways have allowed the use of trucks for shipping to increase steadily since the 1920s, resulting in larger vehicles and heavier loads. Yet, traffic fatalities involving trucks have steadily declined during the past 50 years, except for a small spike upward in the early 1980s right after the trucking industry was deregulated. Fatalities due to accidents involving semi trucks total 5,000 annually on average, with the vast majority of those fatalities suffered by occupants of passenger vehicles that collided with a truck. As motorists who must share the road with semi trucks, we can do our part to help reduce this number even further if we simply take the time to follow a few simple driving rules and try to understand how difficult it is to maneuver a tractor-trailer in traffic.

We asked Michael Taylor, transportation special programs developer for the Tractor Trailer Training Program at Triton College in River Grove, Ill., what the top five pet peeves truckers had with fellow motorists were. Here is his list:

1) Riding in a trucker's blind spots. Trucks have large blind spots to the right and rear of the vehicle. Smaller blind spots exist on the right front corner and mid-left side of the truck. The worst thing a driver can do is chug along in the trucker's blind spot, where he cannot be seen. If you're going to pass a truck, do it and get it over with. Don't sit alongside with the cruise control set 1 mph faster than the truck is traveling.

2) Cut-offs. Don't try to sneak into a small gap in traffic ahead of a truck. Don't get in front of a truck and then brake to make a turn. Trucks take as much as three times the distance to stop as the average passenger car, and you're only risking your own life by cutting a truck off and then slowing down in front of it.

3) Impatience while reversing. Motorists need to understand that it takes time and concentration to back a 48-foot trailer up without hitting anything. Sometimes a truck driver needs to make several attempts to reverse into tight quarters. Keep your cool and let the trucker do her job.

4) Don't play policeman. Don't try to make a truck driver conform to a bureaucrat's idea of what is right and wrong on the highway. As an example, Taylor cited the way truck drivers handle hilly terrain on the highway. A fully loaded truck slows way down going up a hill. On the way down the other side of the hill, a fully loaded truck gathers speed quickly. Truckers like to use that speed to help the truck up the next hill. Do not sit in the passing lane going the speed limit. Let the truck driver pass, and let the Highway Patrol worry about citing the trucker for breaking the law.

5) No assistance in lane changes or merges. It's not easy to get a 22-foot tractor and 48-foot trailer into traffic easily. If a trucker has his turn signal blinking, leave room for the truck to merge or change lanes. Indicate your willingness to allow the truck in by flashing your lights.

According to "Sharing the Road," a booklet distributed by John Deere Transportation Insurance, the three most common types of accidents involving heavy trucks involve the following:

1) Crashes caused by the truck's inability to stop in time.2) Crashes caused by a motorist trying to pass a truck on the right while the truck is making a right-hand turn. Also known as the right turn squeeze.3) Crashes caused by a motorist riding in the trucker's blind spots. Use the following rule of thumb: If you cannot see the truck driver in his mirrors, he probably cannot see you.

By taking simple common-sense steps to protect yourself and your family when driving near large trucks, traffic fatalities will continue to drop. Over the years, the trucking industry has improved the quality of truck drivers by making it more difficult to qualify for and keep a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Mandatory drug testing has also been instituted. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published the following data in 2008. The intoxication rate for drivers involved in fatal accidents was:

27% for motorcycle riders 23% for light truck drivers (pickups and SUVs, that is) 23% for passenger car drivers 1% for truck drivers

Still, more work must be done to combat tightly scheduled deliveries, overbearing stacks of paperwork and driver fatigue caused by federal regulations that work against the human body's natural circadian rhythm.

After meeting with truck driving instructors at Triton College, with representatives from the Illinois Transportation Association and learning what it takes to pilot a tractor-trailer by taking the wheel myself, we joined Taylor for a ride in a brand-new empty tanker truck.

We covered suburban roads during a half-hour loop just to the southeastern side of O'Hare airport. During our 30-minute ride, two motorists turned left across traffic directly in front of the truck. One young woman in a Toyota Celica crossed no more than 50 feet in front of us as she zoomed onto a side street. An older couple in a Dodge Grand Caravan turned in front of our International tractor, and incredibly, slowed so they wouldn't scrape the van on a steep driveway apron to a convenience store. A dude in a Camaro RS blasted by on the left, cut in front of the truck and stopped at a red light we were approaching. When the light turned green, he turned right.

These are the kinds of driving habits that we must break for truck-related accident rates to drop even lower. After a day at truck driving school, we left Chicago for Denver in a Subaru Outback. During that evening and the next day traveling I-80 and I-76, we were keenly aware of the needs of the truckers with whom we shared the road. We behaved more courteously toward truck drivers and fellow motorists than usual, and exercised more patience. We doubt very much that by driving more defensively and less aggressively we arrived in Denver any sooner than we would have had we not let that Kenworth into our lane back in Iowa or had we tried to beat that Freightliner to the construction zone near Lincoln, Neb. We do feel, however, that our trip was a safer one, that we had done our part to make highway travel better. Now it's time to do yours.

Source: Edmunds

Nissan Records Strong September Sales in Europe

• September sales increase of 58% from August 2012 - fourth successive month of growth
• Juke, Qashqai and Micra continue to fuel sales pipeline despite tough economic climate
• Russia and UK remain high performing markets given strong industrial footprint

ROLLE, Switzerland - Nissan announced European sales of 66,074 units in September 2012,recording an increase for the fourth successive month, up 58% from August 2012.

Despite the challenging economic conditions across Europe, Nissan's calendar year to date sales volume continues to track ahead of 2011 at 1.2% up over the same period last year.

Market share is also up, with Nissan achieving a 4.1% share in September and 3.9% for the first nine months of the year.

Sales in the UK saw a fivefold increase between August 2012 and September 2012, driven by demand for the Sunderland-produced Juke, Qashqai and Note. Meanwhile sales in Russia have steadily grown since the beginning of 2012, due to brisk crossover sales and the popularity of the X-Trail SUV.

Contributing to this European growth was the iconic Nissan Micra, which saw sales more than double in September 2012, with Nissan's family of crossovers also delivering strong performance - Nissan Juke up 77% from August 2012 and Nissan Qashqai up 48%.

Nissan Vice President for Sales Operations in Europe, Guillaume Cartier, said: "Nissan continues to buck the trend in Europe by demonstrating strong month-on-month sales and significant growth across some of our flagship models."

"Nissan continues to expand the regional business and we have announced over half a billion Euros investment in new models this calendar year alone. This will add to our exciting model line-up, which is already amongst the broadest of any manufacturer.

"Although the remainder of the year will continue to be turbulent for all manufacturers in Europe, Nissan is optimistic that it can maintain its strong sales and production performance in the last quarter and into 2013."

About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has 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 more than 677,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.

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 ($US118.95 billion). 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.

 

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Charging CEATEC

 

 

CHIBA, Japan – There's a growing trend in consumer electronics and IT: cars.

Japan's largest showcase of electronics and information technology, CEATEC, kicked off with three carmakers displaying products in which mobility, electronics and IT intersect.

This is Nissan's sixth year at CEATEC, where market-ready technologies and those capturing a glimpse of the distant future converge.

Last year Mitsubishi joined; this year it's Toyota with a new concept called "Smart INSECT", a single-seater, mini EV that uses motion detectors to recognize a driver's behavior.

"The increased presence of automakers at CEATEC not only underscores the importance of information technology and electronics for autos, but also greater potential for collaboration between the auto industry and the electronics industry."

With 70% of electric vehicles comprised of electronic parts, one might consider cars the biggest of consumer electronics.

Said Nissan COO Toshiyuki Shiga, "The distance between appliance companies and electricity management and the automotive industry is closing more and more."

Nissan proves that, powering its lights and stage with LEAF batteries. That technology debuted last year in Nissan's LEAF-to-Home exhibit, after 3/11 underscored the need for alternate power sources for the community.

Nissan is looking to solve other problems, including traffic congestion and accidents.

The NSC-2015 is focused on time management and security, said Toru Futami, Expert Leader for Nissan's IT & ITS Development department.

"With 90% of accidents caused by human error, we aimed to make a machine that could reduce error to as close to zero as possible and prevent an accident before it happens. Another objective was to reduce time-loss, such as that spent on looking for parking. That can be about 10 minutes lost door-to-door, when all you need to do is get to the entrance," said Futami.

To save you time, the NSC-2015 parks itself and returns to pick you up. A smartphone connected to the Automated Valet Parking technology allows a driver to maintain full control, remotely.

And a new feature to catch any unsuspecting thief by surprise, an all-around view camera can react to suspicious behavior and alert the driver. The driver can then opt to set off an alarm.

As its name suggests, the NSC-2015 will be fully viable by 2015. By then, who knows, the car might even be able to make an arrest.

 

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Winter Driving Tips: How to Drive in the Snow

In a perfect world, all roads would be dry and untrafficked. But in the real world, drivers face a wide variety of weather conditions, and when snow is added to the mix, the potential for automotive disaster can increase exponentially.

Whether you venture to the ski slopes once in a blue moon or spend six months of every year in snowy climes, we’ve assembled a few crucial points to remember while braving snow-covered roads. Follow these tips, and you might even look forward to cold weather driving!

Slow, Turn, Go!
Dynamically speaking, a car can only do three things: accelerate, turn and brake. While it’s possible to combine those commands from the behind the wheel, vehicles are far easier to control when those actions are performed separately. Let’s say you’re approaching a sharp bend on a snowy road: first, gently apply the brakes in advance of the turn. After taking your foot off the brake, coast through the corner while turning the wheel. Only after you’ve exited the turn and straightened the steering wheel, gently accelerate. “As easy as that sounds intellectually, it’s really hard for most people to put into practice,” says Mark Cox, Director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School.

Limit Your Speed, and Think Ahead
Excessive speed is the single biggest reason people lose control in the snow, and slowing down will give you enough wiggle room to correct your course in case your vehicle loses control. “It takes 4 to 10 times longer to stop in ice and snow,” explains Cox. “Adjust your speed to the conditions,” he adds, “but also remember that going too slow can be just as problematic as going too fast.”

If You Start to Slide…
… don’t panic! A proper response will ensure that car control is regained. If the vehicle oversteers (i.e., the back end swings out), accelerate lightly in order to transfer weight to the rear and increase traction. It may feel counterintuitive to press the gas pedal while a car is sliding, but that action can straighten out the tail-happy yawing motion. Conversely, if the car understeers (i.e., slides forward without turning), straightening the steering and gently touching the brakes will shift more weight over the front wheels and enable the tires to “bite” again. As with all winter driving maneuvers, using a gentle hand and not stabbing the gas, brake or steering wheel is the most effective way to recover from a slide.

Humans tend to target fixate. Couple that with the natural reflex to go where you’re looking, and it’s no wonder so many out-of-control cars head straight into curbs and lampposts. By training yourself to look where you want to go, your hands will follow your eyes and steer away from danger.

Smooth and Easy Wins the Race
Race drivers swear by smoothness when it comes to driving technique, and that practice becomes even more important in wintry conditions. “Pretend you’ve got a cup of coffee on the dashboard,” advises Matt Edmonds, Vice President of TireRack.com. “If you make sudden or abrupt movements, you’ll go from grip to no grip very quickly.” On the other hand, “[smooth inputs] will help you sense the limits of your tire’s grip before your car starts to slide.”

Know Your Limits and Your Car’s Limits
Becoming familiar with your car’s handling dynamics will prepare you for the unexpected. When the going gets slippery, does your car understeer (plow forward), oversteer (fishtail) or drift sideways? Weight distribution, suspension and drivetrain setups (like front-, rear- or all-wheel drive) affects how your car reacts to adverse conditions. If you can’t attend a driving school and learn about vehicle dynamics from the pros, carefully explore your car’s limits in a safe area like an abandoned parking lot. Once your sense memory develops, you’ll be better prepared to handle a slide when it arrives unannounced.

Don’t Rely Too Much on Technology
Electronic aids like anti-lock brakes and traction control have done wonders for vehicle safety, but icy conditions can render those features useless. Once a tire loses its mechanical grip on a slick surface, all the high-tech gizmos in the world won’t stop that vehicle from spinning out of control. Avoid the inescapable laws of physics by keeping your speed reasonable and maintaining a safe distance from cars and objects around you.

Pick Your Tires Like You’d Pick Your Shoes
“Some shoes are good at everything, but not great at one thing,” says Edmonds. Following that logic, you wouldn’t wear flip-flops in the rain—and likewise, you shouldn’t drive through winter snow on summer tires. Edmonds advises looking for the international symbol for winter tires, which is a snowflake on a mountain. A number of winter tire varieties exist; snowbelt states call for dedicated winter rubber which is referred to as a “studless ice and snow tire,” featuring more aggressive tread and deeper blocks. In regions where snow falls more occasionally, you might opt for so-called performance winter tires, which offer better grip under dry conditions.

A Question of Chains

Unless the law demands it, avoid installing chains and choose instead to invest in a solid set of winter tires. As it stands, winter tires are so effective that several provinces in Canada actually make it a legal requirement to install them during certain months of the year. California is the last U.S. state that requires chains on mountain passes, and those regulations may someday be eliminated.

Keep Your Car Maintained
A reliably running car can help avoid a world of complications in inclement weather. Make sure your tire pressure hasn’t dipped with the drop in ambient temperature, and your vehicle will be easier to control as a result. Install winter wiper blades in order to maximize visibility, and test your battery to make sure it can handle the challenges of cold weather cranking. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you.

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