Nissan to Enter Commercial Van Business in the Spring

Nissan NV Van Pricing Starts at $24,590

After 75 years of building commercial vehicles worldwide, Nissan will move into the commercial van business in the U.S. for the first time in the spring of 2011.?? The Nissan NV is a full-size van built on a strong body-on-frame chassis and is offered in both a traditional roof and high roof configuration.? The high roof version is tall enough to allow most users the ability to stand, walk and work in the cargo area.

Three models will be offered including the NV1500 with standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine, the NV2500 HD with a choice of 4.0-liter V-6 or 5.6-liter V-8 and the NV3500 HD with standard 5.6-liter V-8, plus there are two trim levels, S and SV.

The rear-wheel drive Nissan NV 4.0-liter V-6 rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque and a 5.6-liter V-8is ?rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.

The NV?s rugged, masculine design combines a full-length hood with access to the engine for service and maintenance, along with signature Nissan styling cues such as large headlights and vertical grille. The broad bodysides project a serious commercial vehicle appearance and provide ample room for company logos and advertising messages. The tall, wide doors offer easy access to the cargo area.

Inside the cab is a roomy comfortable interior with wide, supportive seating and an expansive instrument panel. The passenger seat includes a segment-exclusive fold-down feature, providing a convenient worktable. An available lockable center console offers innovative storage compartments and space to hold binders, hanging file folders and a laptop computer. Other convenient storage spaces include a wide overhead console (available with High Roof models), underseat storage drawers (NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD models) and large door pockets.

The NV has a long, wide cargo floor, square-top wheelwell housings and nearly vertical sidewalls. Along with maximizing cargo space, the sidewalls accommodate aftermarket storage systems without excessive modification. The cargo area also features a full-length inner panel to prevent cargo from denting the vehicle?s outer skin (SV models). There are also multiple integrated reinforced mounting points for durable installation of cargo.

Pricing starts at $24,590, plus the destination charge for the NV 1500 standard roof, S trim and V-6 engine. ??The NNV 3500 with SV trim and V-8 engine starts at $32,190.? Nissan has not yet revealed what option packages will be offered.

The 2012 NV, which has been designed and conceived as a solution to the needs of today?s commercial van customers, will be produced at Nissan?s Canton, MS. assembly facility. It is scheduled to go on sale through a select network of Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide beginning in spring 2011.

More from Our Auto Expert

OAE TV