New Nissan Micra wins 2003 European Automotive Design Award at Geneva Motor Show

Geneva, March 5 -- The new Nissan Micra was today honoured with the 2003 European Automotive Design Award from Designers (Europe), a division of Fontignies Consulting.

Dominique Fontignies, Chief Consultant from Designers (Europe) presented the award in the 'production car' category to Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Head of Design at Nissan during a ceremony held at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Designers (Europe) awards, which have been in existence since 1996, are unique in that the selection process involves only automotive and design industry professionals and students. In total, over 600 people from 30 countries took part in the voting.

Dominique Fontignies from Designers (Europe) said: "The new Micra was a popular choice among those people who voted. Nissan has developed a strong individual character for the new Micra. Its exterior design is both fresh and attractive, with many elements that are both elegant and original. Inside, the Micra succeeds in mixing functionality with innovation, and makes good use of original materials and textiles. "

The new Micra, which was designed in Nissan's Japanese and European design studios, is produced at the company's award-winning manufacturing plant in Sunderland, UK. Sales of the new model began in January, backed by a high-profile advertising campaign.

Nissan employs around 12,000 people in its European design, research and development, production, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. Last year, the company sold 474,000 vehicles in Europe.

Editor's Notes :

Fontignies Consulting is a specialist automotive consulting firm that provides car companies and allied industries with information and strategies aimed at developing their businesses.

For further information, please contact:

Frank Shepherd, Nissan Europe +33 6 14 92 20 57

Gilles Gautherot, Nissan Europe +33 6 17 62 01 62