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Fresh from its split from Daimler, and subsequent purchase by investment group Cerberus, Chrysler formed a partnership with an international automaker Nissan. Back in January, Nissan agreed to supply Chrysler with a new car based on the Nissan Versa sedan for limited distribution in South America. This week, the companies have announced that the partnership has deepened, with each automaker committing to produce vehicles for the other. Nissan will manufacture an all-new small car based on a unique Chrysler concept and design for North America, Europe, and other global markets in 2010. Chrysler will manufacture a full-size pickup for Nissan. Based on a Nissan design, this truck will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Saltillo, Mexico, factory. In order to accommodate this product, Chrysler will shift volume from Mexico to its U.S.-based assembly plants that produce pickup trucks. Sales of the pickup in North America will start in 2011. This alliance promises to bring efficiencies to both companies, helping them to better capitalize on core competencies to aid the other. Further, it marks a strong showing for Cerberus’s business acumen. Research Chrysler and Nissan in the buyer’s guide, complete...
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All seven family and luxury sedans in the latest crash test group evaluated by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) earned a Good rating for occupant protection in frontal crashes. Only one fell short of the top rating in the side crash test, the Kia Optima. However, results for the rear crash test were quite mixed. In all, this group’s performance shows that indeed cars are getting better with each generation, through structural improvements and increased standard safety equipment. All seven of these vehicles included side and side-curtain airbags. “The side impact results represent a huge change from just four years ago,” says Institute Senior Vice President David Zuby. “In 2004 we tested 10 mid-sized moderately priced cars, and all 10 were rated Poor in their standard configurations without side airbags.” In the 2004 tests, only the previous generations of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Malibu earned Good ratings when tested with side airbags, which then were optional equipment. “A major change is that side airbags are standard in every one of the seven mid-sized cars we tested this time around. Auto manufacturers have been moving quickly to make side airbags...
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Scion proved its hip to be square with its original xB, being affordable, frugal, and urban chic. Nissan has been watching the success of that enthusiast-rallying box from afar, while offering its own successful take in Japan, the Cube. Over the past few years, the Cube has made token appearances at international auto shows with side comments made by officials about consideration for the United States. Well, that trend has extended now to New York, with the announcement that we can expect the next-generation Cube to reach our shores. The Denki Cube concept on display at the NY auto show gives Americans a close look at an asymmetrical design that looks like it popped right out of an iMac computer. The word “Denki” is Japanese for “electric,” hinting at the electric powertrain demonstrated in this show model. To spark conversation about its future alternative-vehicle strategy, Nissan replaced the Cube’s standard 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility...
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The 2009 Nissan Murano was the best performer in the latest crash tests conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ). Results from this group of midsized SUVs saw span the safety spectrum, with only the Murano earning a Top Safety Pick award for good performance in front, side, and rear tests and including electronic stability control as standard equipment. All is not perfect for Nissan; The recently redesigned Murano has also been the subject of a safety recall to address airbag-related software. Results were largely mixed from the other nine SUVs. For example, the lowest-ranked model, the Kia Sorento did earn a good rating for front crash protection and a good for rear protection, a score many vehicles fall short of. However, it got the lowest rating of poor for side protection, despite being equipped with front and rear head-curtain airbags. The rear measure assesses mainly the whiplash risk. While whiplash is a very common, often long-term injury, it is seldom fatal. The greater physical risk is with a harsh side impact that can cause significant trauma, hence the greater importance for the side rating. The general rule that vehicles are getting better every year...
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