Tokyo Motor Show -- Stunning ``Design'' Marks the New Nissan

TOKYO--Oct. 31, 2001--TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

The dreary weather and dismal economy were no match for the Tokyo Motor Show. Visitors continue to pour in, and the surrounding restaurants are packed with patrons, even sales are not what they could be. There seems to be some influence of low consumption.

Stunning ``design'' marks the new Nissan

The Nissan booth is one of the most popular in the show. It features several new models scheduled for launch, the ``ultimate road car,'' and a wider range of concept cars than the company has ever exhibited in the past. The stunning new emphasis on design is destined to be a hallmark of the Nissan of the future.

The clean, ivory white color scheme of the Nissan booth matches the design image in the company's head office and Ginza gallery, which brings a bit of consistency to the brand, but inside you will notice the changes. At the center stage are the ``GT-R Concept,'' which President Carlos Gohsns announced on Press Day, and the concept model for the next ``Fairlady Z'' that is scheduled for launch next summer. This is something Nissan fans have been waiting a long time for, and they have flocked to see the cars--in fact, there is hardly any room to squeeze in, the exhibit is so popular. Nissan's bold, new corporate attitude can be seen in the exciting debut of these two new cars.

Nissan has a total of 8 concept models on display, including the surprise ``GT-R Concept.'' All of them feature uniquely appealing ``designs'' that combine Nissan's traditional strength in ``driving pleasure'' with ``Telematics'' information technology to produce greater comfort and safety. With these concept cars, Nissan has shown the world its vision for the next generation of automobiles.

To the right of center stage you will find the ``ideo,'' another distinctive model that has attracted attention. Nissan calls the ``ideo'' a ``network vehicle'' for its ability to use IT to catch information as it moves along the road. The ``ideo'' is also notable for its unique design: the Japanese architectural elements as seen in its glass top roof, etc. The result is a pleasantly familiar atmosphere. The ``mm,'' which will be the base for the next generation of March, and the ``MOCO,'' which is Nissan's first mini-vehicle, both have a unique and instantly recognizable style. One of the reasons for Nissan's enormous popularity this year is the fact that it has so many soon-to-be-launched models on display.