Nissan Motor Co Ltd has issued the following press release:

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled six new models for the Japanese market to be launched by the end of fiscal year 2004. The Murano crossover sport utility vehicle, which goes on sale today, spearheads the product offensive for Japan. The five other models, which will go on sale on separate dates, are the Tiida compact hatchback, the Fuga luxury sedan, the Tiida Latio compact sedan, the Lafesta minivan and the Note compact hatchback.

“These six new models for Japan, together with the new products we will introduce in many key markets this fiscal year, support our commitment to sell an additional 1 million units worldwide under Nissan 180,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Under the three-year Nissan 180 business plan, Nissan will count the additional 1 million units between October 2004 and September 2005, compared with fiscal year 2001, bringing the company’s global sales to 3.6 million units.

New model highlights:

Nissan Murano
Marking Nissan’s debut into the growing crossover SUV segment, the Murano first went on sale in the U.S. in December 2002. Since its launch, the Murano has sold more than 80,000 units. In Japan, the model is expected to gain new fans with its bold exterior design, stylish interior and refined driving performance. Japanese customers have a choice of an in-line, four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine with 4-speed automatic transmission or a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with Nissan’s XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).