Nissan’s 4×4 SUVs like the Patrol and Navara pick-up trucks can travel over all sorts of terrain on the planet. Soon, there will also be a Nissan vehicle moving around on even more hostile terrain which won’t even be on Earth. It will be on the moon and the vehicle will technology which Nissan has developed for use on Earth.
The Lunar Rover Prototype jointly developed by Nissan and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is a project which has been ongoing since January 2020. Nissan’s research work applies the motor control technology it has developed through its production of mass-market electric vehicles such as the LEAF as well as the e-4ORCE all-wheel control technology featured in the all-new Ariya electric crossover.
A lunar rover must be able to traverse the moon’s powdery, rocky and undulating terrain and be energy efficient. Furthermore, energy sources for operating vehicles in space are limited. With e-4ORCE, the vehicle’s performance can be boosted over tricky terrain.
Ultimate driving performance
Nissan has focused on the development of stable driving performance that enables customers to drive their cars with greater confidence. Its e-4ORCE technology precisely controls all 4 wheels independently, providing the driver with confidence in various conditions.
In its joint research with JAXA, Nissan is evolving e-4ORCE technology to improve its performance in sandy terrain and other harsh conditions. When vehicles are driven in sand, their wheels frequently spin and dig in, limiting forward progress. A high level of driving skill is required to avoid getting stuck. To meet this need, Nissan has developed driving-force controls that minimize the amount of wheelspin in accordance with surface conditions.
Sharing knowhow
Through the joint research, Nissan aims to contribute to the technological evolution of automotive technology and space exploration technology by sharing knowhow gained from test-vehicle development and combining it with JAXA’s knowledge of rover research.
“The uses of automobiles and driving situations are wide-ranging. We aim for the ultimate driving performance through our research and development, and believe the knowhow gained from this joint research with JAXA will lead to innovations in our vehicles that will bring benefits to customers,” said Toshiyuki Nakajima, General Manager of the Advanced Vehicle Engineering Department in charge of e-4ORCE control development at Nissan.
Organized by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the Nissan Almera Turbo Fuel Efficiency Charity Drive was unique way to raise funds for charity. Owners of the sedan were invited to submit the best fuel consumption figure they achieved and the total number of kilometres of all the entries would be converted to money for charity at the rate of RM1 per kilometre.
Almera Turbo owners throughout the country participated, trying their best to get the lowest consumption (which was shown on the computerized display) and when the entries were added up, the total distance was 12,841 kms. This meant that RM12,841 would be provided by ETCM which would be donated to few charitable organizations (to be announced soon).
Turbocharged engine of Almera Turbo can achieve fuel consumption up to 49.5 kms/litre.
2.7 times better than official figure
For the record, the lowest consumption achieved (owners had to send a picture of the Drive Computer display) was 49.5 kms/litre – almost 2.7 times the figure officially stated by ETCM (18.4 kms/litre). In fact, the top 10 drivers were able to achieve more than double the official figure.
To reward the efforts of the top 20 drivers (click here for the list of drivers), ETCM will send them an exclusive Nissan GT-R by LEGO while the next best 30 will receive a special edition Nissan Duffle Bag.
Keen to experience the Almera Turbo
If you’re planning on experiencing this fuel efficient, yet powerful (152 Nm of torque) sedan, this would be a good time to do so as ETCM is having a ‘Test Drive & Win’ contest. 50 lucky customers will be rewarded with WATSONS vouchers worth RM500 each when they test drive the Almera Turbo at any authorised Nissan showroom nationwide. Alternatively, they can contact the nearest dealership and have a testcar brought to them.
For a limited period, the Almera Turbo also comes with a free Urban accessories package worth up to RM5,500 while sales tax is exempted, bringing to price down to as low as RM79,906. Two other variants, which also come with the free accessories package, are priced from RM85,715 and RM91,310. Purchasers can enjoy an attractive 1.88% Hire-Purchase interest rate (terms and conditions apply).
Other special offers
Other special offers are for the X-Trail (priced from RM139,643) which comes with an Aero Edition accessories package worth RM5,000, and the Serena S-Hybrid (priced from RM140,226) which comes with 3 years of free maintenance service, parts and labour included.
Nissan Serena S-HYBRID
More information is available at any Nissan showroom or at www.nissan.com.my.
Nissan will be stepping up its electrification strategy as it aims to be carbon-neutral across the lifecycle of its products by its fiscal year 2050. With its new long-term vision – Nissan Ambition 2030 – announced today, the carmaker will advance technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and pursue new business opportunities and become a sustainable company.
Having been a strong promoter of electric vehicles (EVs), starting with the LEAF, Nissan will continue to place electrification at the core of the company’s long-term strategy. In this respect, it aims to accelerate the electrification of its vehicle line-up and rate of technology innovation with investments of 2 trillion yen (about RM76.2 billion) over the next 5 years.
23 new electrified models to come
By fiscal 2030, the Nissan range will see 23 new electrified models, including 15 new EVs, to achieve an electrification mix of more than 50% globally across the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Within the next 5 years, 20 new EV and e-POWER equipped models will be launched and with these new models, more than 75% of sales in Europe will be electrified models by 2026. In Japan, the mix is expected to be more than 55% of sales, while in China, it will be more than 40% of sales.
“We are proud of our long track record of innovation, and of our role in delivering the EV revolution. With our new ambition, we continue to take the lead in accelerating the natural shift to EVs by creating customer pull through an attractive proposition by driving excitement, enabling adoption and creating a cleaner world,” said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.
Representing the next stage of Nissan’s electrified future, the company today also unveiled three new concept cars that offer enhanced experiences through sophisticated technology packaging. These concept cars are being developed under Nissan EV Technology Vision, a technology study that looks beyond the Ariya and next-generation crossover EV. The technology considers the direction of future EVs, and how advancements in battery technology, hardware and packaging can offer customers a wide variety of mobility solutions to match their needs and lifestyles.
All solid-state battery (ASSB) technology
At the core of Nissan EV Technology Vision is the integration of all solid-state battery (ASSB) technology that integrates with optimized components into a skateboard-like structure that allows for a variety of vehicle types. The optimum hardware structure will bring out the full potential of future complex software configurations and further realize the precision, performance, efficiency and versatility of EV offerings. Recharging time will be reduced to one-third, it is claimed.
CMF-EV platform
ASSB, which offers innovative integration of the body, chassis and battery pack, has ideal geometry with electric drive. Motors are located at the front and rear and together with a very low centre of gravity and ultra light weight, optimal mass distribution can be achieved. To efficiently manage and operate the vehicle precisely, AI (artificial intelligence) will also be integrated and this includes technologies such as Advanced e-4ORCE and Advanced ProPILOT.
Nissan will also continue to advance its lithium-ion battery technologies and introduce cobalt-free technology to bring down the cost by 65% by fiscal year 2028. The proprietary ASSB will be installed in EV models by fiscal year 2028.
In addition to technology upgrades, Nissan will localize manufacturing and sourcing to make EVs more competitive. The carmaker will expand its unique EV Hub concept, EV36Zero, which was launched in the UK, to core markets including Japan, China and the USA. EV36Zero is a fully integrated manufacturing and service ecosystem connecting mobility and energy management with the aim of realizing carbon neutrality.
Preview of future models
For those who worry that electrification will mean the end of sportscars from Nissan, this seems unlikely to happen. Even in the EV age, there will be sportscars although they may have a different sort of feel from today’s musclecars with combustion engines. They will still offer impressive performance, thanks to the high torque characteristics of electric motors.
The Max-Out concept (above) is one idea which Nissan designers are looking at and it is a convertible. Technical details are not available at this time but there is the promise of ‘a new driving experience with superlative stability and comfort’. The low centre of gravity will provide dynamic cornering and steering response with limited body roll and the occupants will feel united with the car. The 2-seater has a unique ability to morph the seating, flattening into the floor for more interior space when needed. This would be ideal when the driver is out on the road alone.
The Max-Out will have Advanced e-4ORCE which offers powerful, smooth and high output, ride comfort, and independent brake control. This electric-drive 4-wheel-control technology integrates Nissan’s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with chassis control technology to achieve a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance on par with the latest sportscars.
The Surf-Out concept (above), as the name suggests, is more of an adventure concept with the bodystyle being that of a compact pick-up. It is all-terrain capable and could have a variety of power outputs to suit different conditions. The low and flat cargo space will make stowing gear convenient, while the vehicle can also supply electric power for other devices or equipment. Like the Max-Out, this concept vehicle is also engineered with Advanced e-4ORCE.
With the Hang-Out concept (above), the designers are exploring new ideas for interior layouts. This is possible as the floor is completely flat from front to rear. Thus, the cabin can be a mobile living room which travels off the highway. Theatre-style seating will make viewing movies on the built-in display enjoyable for everyone. Special effort is made to suppress vibrations and jolts so that the occupants are less likely to experience motion sickness.
The driver will have the support of Advanced e-4ORCE and Advanced ProPILOT to make journeys safer and more comfortable. ProPILOT technology is already available in some Nissan models as the carmaker was the first to introduce a combination of steering, accelerator and braking that can be operated in full automatic mode. This technology enables autonomous operation during highway driving in single-lane traffic.
Nissan aims to expand ProPILOT technology to over 2.5 million Nissan and Infiniti vehicles by fiscal year 2026. The company will also further develop its autonomous vehicle technologies, aiming to incorporate next generation LIDAR systems on virtually every new model by fiscal year 2030.
Besides the three models, a more advanced concept model is the Chill-Out (above), which shows some of the design language that we might see in future Nissan vehicles. It sits on the modular CMF-EV platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Designed specifically for electric vehicles, the CMF-EV platform is exceptional in its modularity. For example, it allows for the installation of batteries of different heights which means it can be used for low sedans as well as SUVs which have more ground clearance. The platform is variable in its length, making it applicable for more different types of vehicles.
The Nissan Silvia is one of the models of the Japanese sportscar era that is fondly remembered by enthusiasts. It first appeared in 1964 at the Tokyo Motor Show and would continue through 6 generations before production ended almost 20 years ago. Since then, many have hoped for its return but in the 21st century, every model must have a business case, meaning sufficient volume to justify investment in development and sportscars don’t necessarily command sufficiently big numbers.
Nevertheless, designers are not prevented from dreaming and some of them reimagine the classic models that once drew people to showrooms and impressed with their performance. When Matthew Weaver, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe was asked to reimagine a car from Nissan’s history for an electric future, he chose to remix the iconic Silvia CSP311.
This particular Silvia was not actually the first generation but it was the one that was shown in the Tokyo Motor Show in 1964. It is a rare model – in fact, so rare that even some of Nissan’s most seasoned employees haven’t seen one.
The Silvia CSP311 was presented as a Datsun Coupe 1500 at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show and sold as a Silvia in 1965. It was the work of Nissan designers with advice from a an ex-BMW consultant, Albrecht Graf von Goertz. Only 554 units were produced over 4 years and each one was mostly handbuilt, using the chassis of the original Datsun Fairlady. It had a 4-cylinder 1595 cc engine producing 90 ps/132 NmIn 1965, the Silvia CSP311 was the first sportscar used by the Japanese police. It was selected for its high performance – a top speed of 165 km/h – which was deemed necessary for patrol cars on the newly opened highways.
“The Silvia was ahead of its time, in a very quiet, understated way. It has aged very well and would still have its place on the roads today. It’s also a great example of what is expected of a global product: high quality and universally appealing,” said Weaver.
“By re-designing this car for the future, we wanted to pay homage to that heritage. One of the most distinguishable features is the one clean line connecting the upper and lower body. In this version, we accentuated its presence even more by having a clean and sharp cut into the top of the wheel arches. Also keeping in mind the world of the future, we felt the design naturally suited being an electric vehicle,” he explained.
Innovation with classic design elements
Being an electric vehicle gave the designers the opportunity to extend the clean surfacing around the front because an electric powertrain has far lower cooling requirements. It would be possible to have that characteristic sharp nose of the Silvia without needing a grille where radiators are traditionally located. To bring the CSP311 into the 21st century, Weaver and his team took a lot of important. It was refined, making for a purer form and the lines made even cleaner.
Electrification of the vehicle allowed envision the use of today’s innovations alongside classic design facets. With the increasing electrification of mobility, most car designers find themselves facing the challenge of infusing the heritage of their respective brands, while also reinventing what cars can and should be. Every design starts with a blank piece of paper. Then come sketches and many 2D designs, followed by digital and 3D clay prototypes.
New design opportunities with electrification
In the age of electric cars, the designers can use the same techniques to come up with new ideas, but they can play by a whole new set of rules. Previously, designers had to work alongside engineers to find a way to accommodate an internal combustion engine, radiators and exhaust pipe. Now, those once essential components have been replaced by battery packs, inverters and small motors. It’s a big change but also offers a huge opportunity to do things differently.
“The key components of an electric vehicle are quite different and they can be packaged differently, compared to an internal combustion engine car. Consequently, the Silvia we’ve reimagined here would have a larger interior than its exterior dimensions would suggest. Customers of the forthcoming Nissan Ariya electric crossover will really appreciate how spacious and comfortable that interior is, thanks to its efficient packaging,” said Weaver.
Today’s designers have to think about new functionality and the apparatus that enables it, such as radars, cameras and sensors. But it goes deeper than that and they also have to find new ways to do the same thing they’ve always tried to do: generate an emotional response and create a lasting connection with customers.
Greater demands for efficiency
“Efficiency improvement is the target. The future will see cars created through a different lens, in which efficiency is a key requirement,” noted Marco Fioravanti, Vice President Product Planning, at Nissan Europe. “It is even more important for electric vehicles because at high speeds, the aerodynamics can minimise the negative impact of drag on the vehicle’s range.
Fioravanti and his team look into automotive trends to understand what customers will want and need up to 20 years from now. “So, we are seeing a new generation of electric crossovers that are slightly lower, wider and longer in order to improve the aerodynamics, while keeping a similar interior space and giving a higher seat position than a traditional sedan or hatchback. This is possible thanks to the improvements we can make to the layout of an electric vehicle to accommodate its next generation of technology,” he explained.
Looking further ahead, what customer requirements, technological advancements and legislation will affect design? One thing that is certain is that cars are changing. They will look and function differently in order to be more user-friendly, energy-efficient and practical. Reinventing classic cars for the modern, electrified world, even if they only start out as sketches, proves that future possibilities are endless.
Visit www.nissan.com.my to know about Nissan models you can buy today
In recent years, you would be reading a lot about electrification and how motorists in Europe are steadily switching to electric vehicles. The shift has yet to start in Malaysia but for 23-year old Haqiem Rusli, it has started. The young and talented singer, composer and actor from Selangor, took delivery of a new Nissan LEAF EV as the Grand Prize winner of the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2020 (ABPBH).
The all-electric LEAF was presented by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official vehicle sponsor for the event in collaboration with Berita Harian. Haqiem Rusli was announced the winner of Bintang Paling Popular when he received 22,332,676 votes. He also won Penyanyi Bintang Popular and Lagu Paling Boom Popular with the song titled ‘Lembah Kesepian’.
Haqiem Rusli being told about his new electric car by an ETCM representative.
During the presentation ceremony, ETCM’s Sales & Marketing Director, Christopher Tan said: “It was our pleasure to collaborate with Anugerah Bintang Popular 2020 Berita Harian as this contest recognizes Malaysian artistes’ hard work and dedication in growing the local entertainment industry. We would like to congratulate Haqiem Rusli on his win and driving home the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. He now joins the EV family and will be part of our sustainability efforts in supporting the nation’s aspiration, as well as accelerate the global movement to become more environmental conscious towards a sustainable future.”
Global topseller in EV category
The LEAF, with a price from RM181,263 is in its second generation and has been the most widely sold electric vehicle in the world since the model line started in 2010. The latest generation has many advances which enable it to go further, with a range of up to 311 kms range on a full charge. And with 320 Nm of torque, it has strong acceleration as maximum torque is available from almost standstill, a characteristic of electric motors.
Like many of the latest Nissan models, the LEAF also has Nissan Intelligent Mobility safety technologies. These advanced driver-assist technologies include the e-Pedal, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning & Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Around View Monitor (360° camera).
The LEAF is available for viewing and testing at selected authorised Nissan showrooms around the country. To find out where they are, visit www.nissan.com.my.
Tan Chong, one of the longest business partners of Nissan Motor (since the 1950s), has built up the brand to what it is today by ensuring that aftersales services have always been good. The company has invested heavily over the decades in developing a nationwide aftersales network to look after the increasing number of Nissan vehicles.
It has been recognized for its efforts on many occasions in the past and in fact, since 2017, it has been picked 3 times as the best achieving Nissan dealer for aftersales services within Asia and Pacific region. The most recent was being the Winner in the Global Nissan Aftersales Award 2020 (GNAA) by Tan Chong’s Aftersales Division. The Global Nissan Aftersales Award is one of the most prestigious honours by Nissan Motor. It is aimed at motivating and improving aftersales operational excellence, and enhance customer service experiences across the globe.
Award for meeting high standards
The award is given to the best performing Nissan dealer according to a set of standards covering parts and service performance, customer service and satisfaction, and quality of business management.
“We are proud to be recognized as the best amongst Nissan Aftersales dealers from across the region. To win 3 times since 2017 is a testament to our focused customer approach, dedication in service performance and teamwork. We will continue to improve and consistently provide our customers with highest service support to improve customer satisfaction,” said Michael Yao Tsu-Wei, Head of Aftersales, Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS).
“The award sets a new milestone for the company. The teams, especially aftersales, have consistently challenged and go beyond their best efforts to provide excellent services to our customers. I would like to thank the teams for their continuous support and hard work,” added Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM).
Warranties remain valid
On a related matter, Mr. Yao said that all authorised Nissan service centres are operating as usual in the Phase 1 and 2 of National Recovery Plan (NRP) period. The exceptions are those within the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) affected areas.
Nissan owners should note that services will be available only via appointment which can be made beforehand via DriveOn mobile app. Owners can also schedule an appointment by visiting www.tceas.com, calling the Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at 1800-88-3838, or directly contact the preferred service centre.
Owners need not be concerned about their vehicle warranties. TCEAS says they will remain valid even if the preventive maintenance service could not be carried out during the Phase 1 and 2 of NRP period. However, the vehicle should be sent to the service centre as soon as it is possible to do so.
A new entry in the European light commercial vehicle (LCV) market is the Nissan Townstar, with a future-proofed powertrain that is electrified but also having a petrol engine option. Said to be Nissan most technologically comprehensive LCV to date, it has over 20+ technologies for efficiency, safety and functionality.
The main target of the new compact van is the electrified segment of the LCV market, where the Nissan e-NV200 was a pioneer and leader. “With tougher emissions standards, urban access restrictions and ever-increasing demand for last-mile delivery, businesses large and small need to find effective and sustainable solutions to remain competitive and optimise their operations,” said Emmanuelle Serazin, LCV & Corporate Sales Director, Nissan Europe.
Van and combi versions
Built on the Alliance CMF-C platform, it is developed for optimum efficiency and versatility in urban environments, the Townstar is offered in van and combi (passenger) versions, the latter offering comfortable accommodation for families on the go. Connectivity features such as E-Call, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless phone charging are available.
The van version is designed for the operations of small and medium businesses, especially in the city. Various configurations are available with up to 3.9 cubic metres of cargo space. The cargo area integrates large sliding doors on the side, with the possibility to have 60/40 French doors with 180-degree opening or a tailgate at the rear.
The LCV can transport two Euro pallets and up to 800 kgs of cargo. It also includes smart storage solutions and a dedicated space for on-board office tools.
285 kms, 42-minute recharging to 80%
The fully electric version has an enhanced 44 kWh battery with advanced EV technology and intelligent energy management. In comparison to the e-NV200, the Townstar powertrain has an output of 90 kW/245 Nm and the range is said to be up to 285 kms on a single charge. With DC charging, an empty battery pack can be recharged to 80% within 42 minutes, it is claimed.
Those who do not want the electric version can still get the Townstar with a 1.3-litre petrol engine. This 130 ps/240 Nm engine is fully compliant with the latest Euro 6d-Full emission regulations.
ProPILOT system in EV version
There’s a broad range of Nissan safety technologies and advanced driver assistance features, including Side Wind Assist and Trailer Sway Assist. Automatic emergency braking is standard as well as Hands-Free Parking and Intelligent Cruise Control, while the Around View Monitor (AVM) is being offer for the first time in the compact van segment.
Nissan also provides drivers of the electric Townstar with the ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system. The system will automatically slow the vehicle to a full stop and accelerate by following the vehicle ahead, as well as keeping it centred in the lane – even around a gentle curve.
The Townstar is first European model to carry the new Nissan brand logo, and the latest model to be introduced under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan. It comes with an industry-leading, pan-European 5-year/160,000 km warranty, plus a separate 8-year/160,000 km warranty covering the battery pack.
It was 2007 when Nissan unveiled the GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show, which makes it 14 years now that it has been in production. In comparison, the last Nissan Z was in production for 11 years and a new one was revealed last month for sale in 2022. However, the appeal of the GT-R has not diminished all these years, kept glowing by successes on the racetrack.
Over the years, Nissan has introduced special editions to keep interest high and also as evolutionary updates. Typically, performance has been improved in various areas, usually with work done by NISMO.
Unveiling of the Nissan GT-R at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007.
JDM only
The latest edition unveiled today is for the Japanese market only, although some units might appear overseas eventually. This new version comes in two grades – GT-R Premium Edition T-spec and GT-R Track Edition Engineered by NISMO T-spec.
The two editions are equipped with exclusive carbon ceramic brakes, a carbonfibre rear spoiler and an exclusive engine cover. Customers will be able to choose from two new body colours, Midnight Purple and Millennium Jade, as part of the T-spec options.
‘Trend’ and ‘Traction’
‘T-spec’ refers to ‘trend and traction’, the former relating to the GT-R as being ahead of the times, and the latter to the robust grip which the engineers have always worked hard on. Developed with a focus on enhanced driving performance, the GT-R Track Edition engineered by NISMO T-spec is specially equipped with an exclusive carbonfibre roof and bootlid as well.
Also fitted as Rays forged alloy wheels (bronze), and suspension that takes advantage of weight reductions below the springs. An expanded wheel-rim width has increased tire rigidity, enabling smooth and sensitive handling.
Same 3.8-litre powertrain
Under the bonnet, the Japanese-spec powertrain is used, which is a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine (VR38DETT) and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with all 4 wheels powered. In NISMO tune, the output can be up to 600 ps/637 Nm.
The production run will be limited to only 100 units and as orders are expected to exceed that number when sales start in the second half of October, Nissan will select purchasers by lottery.
‘Kei’ cars are vehicles in a category that was created in 1949 in Japan. The regulations limit their dimensions to a very small size, suited for the narrow roads of the country’s cities but also permitted for use on highways. They are very small – no more than 3.4 metres in length, 1.48 metres in width, and 2 metres in height – and even their engine sizes are limited to 660 cc (in Japan).
Having small engines, kei cars have obviously been very economical and as a segment, the amount of pollution from such vehicles would be lower than the other segments too. Due to the fuel efficiency of kei cars, the need to electrify them has not been as urgent as for larger cars but electrification is necessary in coming years.
To prepare for this new era, Nissan Motor has been having a joint project with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) through an existing 50/50 joint venture known as NMKV Co., Ltd. It’s not known what ‘NMKV’ stands for though it could be ‘Nissan Mitsubishi Kei Vehicles’. The company handles product planning and project management for minivehicles sold in the Japan market.
The NMKV Model
NMKV uses its unique ‘NMKV Model’ to create highly competitive products while dispersing risks of development costs. The source of the NMKV Model is the value-creation abilities through organically combining the resources, technology, and expertise of the two parent companies.
The NMKV model
Expertise in electric vehicles and kei cars
Nissan Motor and MMC each have their own strategies for kei cars. One aims to display a significant presence as an automobile company in the segment while the other wants to fully utilize the high level of development capability of such vehicles that it has built up to this point. With NMKV, corporate lines can be crossed to share the automobile development expertise that has accumulated inside each company.
MMC, for example, has built up expertise in electric kei cars, having introduced the first one in Japan in 2009. This was the i-MiEV and it was also the world’s first mass-produced electric car. Nissan too has a long history of making electric cars, with its corporate history including an electric model known as the TAMA which was produced way back in 1947.
Although the LEAF, introduced 10 years ago, put Nissan in a very prominent position in the EV segment, its corporate history includes an electric vehicle called the TAMA which was produced in 1947.Mitsubishi i-MiEV was the world’s first mass-produced electric car. Some units were also available in Malaysia during the period when the government exempted EVs and hybrids from all import taxes.
“We are a highly unique company of a type never before seen in Japan. We inherit the genes of both companies, and fuse together the experience and knowledge that both have cultivated. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for both companies to make ‘1 + 1 = 3’, or even ’1 + 1 = 5’, and accomplish things that were not possible for the companies to accomplish individually in the past,” said Junichi Endo, President & CEO of NMKV.
New electric minivehicle in 2022
NMKV is developing a new electric minivehicle to be launched by Nissan in the second quarter of 2022 which is said to redefine the popular car category in Japan (it accounts for about 30% of new vehicle sales). With a nominal battery capacity of 20 kWh, it will have strong acceleration with smooth driving and cabin quietness that are key characteristics of electric vehicles. It will be available with a variety of advanced technologies, including driver assistance technologies.
Nissan iMK concept shown at the Tokyo Motorshow in 2019 could provide ideas for the new electric minivehicle.
The range will be sufficient to cover daily usage in Japan and in any case, the charging network in the country is already quite extensive. In addition to its mobility uses, the vehicle will be able to provide electricity from its battery to a home and, in emergencies, act as a mobile power source.
At 3395 mm long, 1475 mm wide, and 1655 mm high, the minivehicle would qualify for kei car incentives and the purchase prices are forecast to start at approximately 2 million yen (about RM76,400).
To locate a showroom to view or purchase the latest Nissan LEAF EV in Malaysia, visit www.nissan.com.my.
With the digitization of car interiors and the continuing addition of more and more electronic systems, the way a driver interacts with the systems and operates or adjusts them has been changing. For decades, mechanical systems used mechanically-actuated knobs and levers or pushbutton and rocker switches and generations of drivers have used them.
No more knobs and levers
With the new generation of cars, those knobs and switches have been disappearing, typically replaced by icons on touchscreens. No longer does a driver have to turn a knob to make the temperature higher or lower – it can be done by touching a display screen, just like on a smartphone. Or physical interaction might not even be necessary as many cars now have intelligent voice command systems.
The dashboard in today’s Nissan Ariya has digital and graphic displays with touchscreens, a big difference from the one in the Nissan Grand Livina of 2011 which had knobs, levers and rotary dials (below).
When developing the latest Nissan Ariya all-electric crossover, its designers and engineers didn’t just consider the ergonomics involved in reaching toward the dashboard. They were determined to create a new look and feel for controls that drivers generally take for granted. This required a rethink of cabin space, touch and positioning.
Controls beneath the surfaces
Taking advantage of an all-electric powertrain layout, the Ariya’s interior was crafted to be open, and spacious, a cabin with a sense of calm and serenity. Part of that design is a dashboard free of traditional buttons. The wood-grained trim bisecting the dashboard comes to life upon starting the Ariya, illuminating a set of environmental controls that reside just beneath the dashboard’s surface.
Haptic feedback, like a smartphone
Utilizing a new generation of haptic feedback controls, these subtly integrated buttons open a world of possibilities in the relationship between function and design. In the same way that we interact with a smartphone display to navigate and engage with apps, haptic feedback buttons in the Ariya react to touch, communicating through fingertip vibrations. When adjusting the Ariya’s climate controls and drive modes, for example, the driver will interact with a familiar set of icons. Yet, because the points of interaction are felt and heard, they can remain focused on the road.
The design team’s decision to integrate haptic feedback into the Ariya follows the car’s underlying design concept of ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’, which takes a distinctive Japanese approach to design, conveying a simple yet powerfully modern impression.
“We created a clean space by blending the haptic controls with the grain of the interior’s woodgrain finish. We did this in a way that didn’t affect the performance of the controls, allowing us to achieve both functionality and an attractive appearance,” said a Senior Designer at Nissan, Hideki Tago.
“By applying a woodgrain pattern to the plastic panels with a hydro-printing process, we gave them a very realistic wood-like feeling. At the same time, this allowed transparent icons to come to life when illuminated,” he explained.
Integrating technology into design
With the Ariya design team’s final goal laid out, it was the engineering team’s responsibility to make this sci-fi concept a reality. The process began with an exhaustive breakdown of the technology itself. Haptic feedback buttons are grouped into two specific areas in the Ariya — on the main dashboard and on the adjustable centre armrest. The goal was to not only integrate the technology into the cabin design as a means of wowing passengers, but also to give the technology a natural and responsive feel for a wide variety of drivers.
Following extensive testing, the team settled on electrostatic buttons that are not only bigger than traditional haptic controls, but also more broadly spaced. This allows for a realistic and intuitive feeling for users, and also generates a kind of air pressure ‘kick’. This amplifies the tactile feedback with the click sensation of a traditional mechanical button, despite no traditional physical button being involved.
Then came the fine-tuning of the vibrations and sounds. That’s right — sounds. “Vibration and sound are inseparable,” explained Tomotaka Igarashi, the engineer in charge of the Ariya’s interior HMI (Human-Machine Interface) development. “It may seem obvious, but this challenged our team to develop a unique sound that would match the expectations of the driver while also designing it to be as pleasant as possible.”
Such attention to detail in an all-electric crossover is a necessity as the minimal sound emitted by the electric powertrain means that the sounds developed by the team will be clearly heard while driving. The development of the haptic controls required that every possible scenario be tested repeatedly to ensure easy use for a wide range of drivers, especially since the Ariya will sell in different regions of the world. That meant extensive testing by people with different size fingers and fingernail lengths, and with different button-pressure strengths and engagement angles. Gloved hands were also tested to ensure button activation.
