Now that Nissan has established a U.S. beachhead in the commercial van market with the introduction of the full-size NV van series last year, the company is taking the next step with the addition of an all-new NV200 Compact Cargo Van.

Making its North American debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February, the smaller NV200 van fits the needs of businesses who don?t need the space of the massive NV van and are looking for a compact, efficient alternative to larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles.
?There is an increasing need for a ?right-sized? van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price ? the exact sweet spots of the innovative new Nissan NV200,? said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet. ?Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light ? smart, innovative, and professional. NV200 does that and much more.?
The compact NV200 has been highly successful in more than 40 countries around the world, receiving acclaim from both users and media alike for its optimal functionality and smart design. It won the 2010 International Van of the Year award in Europe, the 2010 Commercial Delivery Van (CDV) of the Year in China, and the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, a German organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. NV200 has also established a presence as the strong segment leader in Japan with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.
?Our global success provides a great foundation for the North American version, which we know will become an essential tool for business,? added Castelli.
For the North American market, the NC200 has been adapted from the world market sizing and extended by 7.9 inches to produce a large 123 cubic foot cargo area.? The NV200 is 186.2 inches long, making it just a few inches shorter than the Nissan Murano crossover and about six inches longer than the Ford Transit Connect van.

The NV200 has an estimated 1,500-pound maximum payload. The cargo area dimension between the efficiently designed wheelhouses allows for loading standard U.S. 40×48-inch pallets. ?The standard integrated mounting points, which allow installation of racks and shelves without drilling into the sidewalls, provide added utility and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area.
NV200?s exterior includes a Nissan signature front grille and aerodynamic front-end design.? The large body sides have easy-to-use dual sliding side doors and large areas for graphics and signs. In the rear, NV200 features tall 40/60 split opening doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees.)
?In many ways, choosing a new work van is like finding a new business partner. Beyond the basic necessities, it must instill trust that it can always get the job done ? and that you are comfortable with for many years,? said Castelli. ?In that regard, along with the innovative cargo area features, NV200?s interior is designed to offer comfort and convenience day in and day out.?
The driver-focused cockpit includes both comfort and functional features including a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cupholders, which create a ?Mobile Office? environment in the NV200.
Available technology includes a Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth? wireless communications, XM? Satellite Radio, RearView Monitor, and telematics pre-wiring (Nissan Fleet Tracker).
Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection, front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
A 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through Nissan?s responsive and efficient Xtronic CVT? transmission powers the 2013 Nissan NV200.
?The Nissan NV200 is designed as a durable work tool, with features such as the seating wear patches, low-effort sliding side doors and wide-opening rear doors,? adds Castelli. ?And since we fully understand how vans like this are used in business, it?s also a very pleasant vehicle to drive and use two well-equipped models are available, Nissan NV200 S and Nissan NV200 SV in a choice of five exterior colors, matched with a gray cloth interior.?
In addition to the long list of standard features on the NV200 S, the SV model adds power heated outside mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking feature, remote keyless entry with two key fobs, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, rear cargo floor mat, additional 12V power point in the rear of the center console, six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area, and full wheel covers.
The new Nissan NV200 will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico and available through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.??? For more information, go to?www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.