Nissan at the Geneva International Motor Show 2004

Tokyo, Japan, Feb. 06, 2004 - (JCN Newswire) - Nissan will be unveiling
the Qashqai concept car for the first time at this year's Geneva Motor
Show.

The Qashqai is a compact Crossover with an advanced electronic
four-wheel drive system and is best described as an "Urban Nomad". It
reflects Nissan's belief that consumers' tastes are changing to echo
their lifestyles which are becoming more active. Buyers of compact
Crossovers will want enough interior space for their family, the
ruggedness of a 4x4, as well as the comfort and ease of driving of a
traditional passenger car. In addition, buyers increasingly want a
vehicle which is distinctive, allowing them to express themselves and to
stand out from the crowd.

The concept is the first complete design project to have come from
Nissan Design Europe's new facility which opened in London in January
2003 and is now home to over 50 international designers, modellers and
support staff. The studio's mission is to design the next generation of
Nissan cars for Europe. 

With the Qashqai, Nissan has been concentrating on customer segmentation
to improve its understanding of the lifestyles and activities of its
prospective customers. As a result, Nissan is better able to identify
niches which will become market segments in years to come. 

Although a concept car, Nissan has recognized that prospective owners of
the Qashqai would be based in an urban environment. They will be
successful in their careers considering their age. As well as working
hard during the week, their car will allow them to escape the city at
weekends and play hard, seeking adventure with like-minded friends.

Reflecting the lifestyles of its potential owners, the Qashqai offers
space and flexibility. The interior of the car reflects the varied role
it will have to play, with an innovative folding seat arrangement
allowing bikes, outdoor activity equipment and the weekly shopping to be
easily stowed. This flexibility is aided by rear doors which are hinged
on the back edge, allowing a massive loading aperture thanks to the lack
of a B-pillar. Despite the lack of B-pillar, the structural strength of
the Qashqai is uncompromised thanks to the individual seat mounting.

The exterior design incorporates strong Nissan DNA seen in the design of
the Micra, 350Z and Primera. The Qashqai's large wheels and exaggerated
wheel-arches give the vehicle a purposeful stance, echoing the strength
of a large 4x4, but with delicate design touches which endow it with a
softer, less aggressive look.

Nissan is among the first manufacturers to recognize the evolution in
customer tastes which will see consumers increasingly buying cars like
the Qashqai and it represents an interpretation of how a future model
may look. 

In addition to the Qashqai, Nissan will also have one of the Rally Raid
Pickups driven by Colin McRae, Ari Vatanen and Giniel de Villiers which
won four of the grueling stages of the Dakar rally in January. 

As well as these two very special cars, Nissan will also have on display
the 350Z, Micra, X-TRAIL, Pickup and Primera. Visitors to the Nissan
stand will also be able to enjoy the relaxation zone where they can rest
their tired legs.

The Nissan press conference will take place at 1330, Tuesday 2 March
2004. 
Nissan's stand is 4150, in Hall 4.


About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.  was established in
1933 to manufacture and market the Datsun, a small passenger car, and
related automotive components. The company is Japan's second largest
automobile manufacturer and the world's fifth, with annual global sales
of 2,415,433 vehicles. The company markets a wide range of passenger
cars, commercial vans, trucks and buses, parts and components in over
one hundred and seventy countries. The company has also expanded its
operations to include forklifts, textile machinery and other industrial
machinery and equipment. Nissan's affiliation with French automaker
Renault in 1999 has helped produce Nissan's best results in a decade.
The company has three hundred and forty two consolidated subsidiaries
worldwide. Consolidated sales in FY 2000 exceeded $49 billion dollars
(Euro 55 billion.)For further information, please visit the Nissan Motor
Co., Ltd. home page at: CLICK4SITE