Chicago 2012: Nissan NV200 Cargo Van: Comments

[William Maley]

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William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

February 8, 2012

If you wanted a compact cargo van, your only choice was the the Ford Transit Connect. Now, Nissan introduced their competitor, the NV200 at Chicago.

We've seen the NV200 in its passenger form as the new New York City taxi, and the cargo van is the same; minus the yellow paint and rear windows.

Power will come from a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. Nissan isn't revealing power figures of the NV200.

The NV200's cargo space is estimated to hold 123 cubic feet and can carry up to 1500 lbs. The cargo space can be accessed by sliding doors on either side and 60/40 split rear doors.

Two models will be available; the base S comes with power windows, 12V power outlets, audio auxiliary inputs, and a “mobile office”-style center console. The SV adds power door locks, power heated outside mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Options include Bluetooth, an Appearance Package, and a Technology Package, which includes navigation and a rear back-up camera.

The NV200 goes on sale in 2013.

Press Release is on Page 2

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Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van Offers Efficient Packaging with a Large Cargo Space Within a Small Footprint

– Latest Addition to the Nissan Commercial Vehicle Lineup Combines Innovative Ease-of-Use and Smart Design While Minimizing Cost of Ownership –

CHICAGO - The all-new Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van, which makes its North American debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, is set to join the growing lineup of Nissan Commercial Vehicles in early 2013 at 300 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealerships nationwide. The NV200 follows the full-size Nissan NV Cargo, introduced in spring 2011, and the recently announced full-size Nissan NV Passenger that goes on sale this spring. The Nissan NV200 provides a new entry point for current cargo van and small pickup buyers looking for a compact, efficient alternative to their larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles.

“There is an increasing need for a ‘right-sized’ van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price – the exact sweet spots of the innovative new Nissan NV200,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet. “Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light – smart, innovative, and professional. NV200 does that and much more.”

While new to North America, the Nissan NV200 compact van is already in use in more than 40 countries around the world, receiving acclaim from both users and media alike for its optimal functionality and smart design. It won the 2010 International Van of the Year award in Europe, the 2010 Commercial Delivery Van (CDV) of the Year in China, and the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, a German organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs. NV200 has also established a presence as the strong segment leader in Japan with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.

“Our global success provides a great foundation for the North American version, which we know will become an essential tool for business,” added Castelli.

High Volume in a Small Footprint, Exceptional Ease of Use

As the next “innovation for business,” NV200 offers a large cargo capacity of 123 cubic feet (estimated using SAE J1100 rev 2009) with a small exterior footprint. Unique for North America, the NV200 body has been extended 7.9 inches (200 mm) versus the models sold in other global markets. This longer body length offers additional cargo carrying capability for North American customers.

Measuring just 186.2 inches in overall length, on a 115.2-inch wheelbase, NV200 is highly maneuverable in traffic and negotiating city parking spaces. Yet it allows for a 1,500-pound (estimated) maximum payload. The cargo area dimension between the efficiently designed wheelhouses allows for loading standard U.S. 40x48-inch pallets. Added utility is provided by the standard integrated mounting points, which allow installation of racks and shelves without drilling into the sidewalls, and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area.

NV200’s exterior design features a Nissan signature front grille, aerodynamic front end design, and functional cabin design. The large body side includes low-effort dual sliding side doors and large areas for business signage and graphics. In the rear, NV200 features tall 40/60 split opening doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees). The low floor height and tall interior cargo height aid easy loading and unloading. Other exterior features include halogen headlights, durable black front and rear bumpers, and outside mirrors with wide-angle spotter mirrors and available heated function.

“In many ways, choosing a new work van is like finding a new business partner. Beyond the basic necessities, it must instill trust that it can always get the job done – and that you are comfortable with for many years,” said Castelli. “In that regard, along with the innovative cargo area features, NV200’s interior is designed to offer comfort and convenience day in and day out.”

The driver-focused cockpit includes both comfort and functional features. The driver’s seat is 6-way adjustable with manual lumbar and armrest and is designed for durability with outboard vinyl wear patches. NV200 offers “Mobile Office” functionality with a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cupholders. Recessed storage areas are provided on the upper instrument panel for folders and documents. In addition the passenger seat folds down to serve as a worktop or extends the cargo space for hauling longer items.

Power windows with auto up/down are standard. A 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel is standard, along with an available 12-volt power point in rear of center console. There is also a passenger-side underseat storage tray, drive computer, battery saver feature, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers.

Available technology includes a Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth® wireless communications, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor, and telematics pre-wiring (Nissan Fleet Tracker).

Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection, front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Efficiency and Affordability

The 2013 Nissan NV200 is built on Nissan’s proven compact commercial platform and features an efficient 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine. The engine is matched with a responsive and efficient Xtronic CVT® transmission.

The suspension utilizes independent struts and stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear. Front disc/rear drum brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard, along with electric power-assisted steering and 15-inch steel wheels mounted with 185/60R15 high-load all-season tires.

“The Nissan NV200 is designed as a durable work tool, with features such as the seating wear patches, low-effort sliding side doors and wide-opening rear doors,” adds Castelli. “And since we fully understand how vans like this are used in business, it’s also a very pleasant vehicle to drive and use as a mobile office.”

One other key element of NV200, built in from the earliest planning, is low total cost of ownership. The 2013 Nissan NV200 will have a competitive price, excellent fuel efficiency, and reduced upfitting costs (due to the standard integrated mounting points), all of which will provide business owners with a low total cost of ownership.

Two Well-Equipped Models

Two well-equipped models are available, Nissan NV200 S and Nissan NV200 SV in a choice of five exterior colors, matched with a gray cloth interior.

In addition to the long list of standard features on the NV200 S, the SV model adds power heated outside mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking feature, remote keyless entry with two key fobs, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, rear cargo floor mat, additional 12V power point in the rear of the center console, six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area, and full wheel covers.

Several option packages will be available, including rear door glass; an Exterior Appearance Package with body-color bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors and chrome grille; Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; and a Technology Package with Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

The new Nissan NV200 will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico and available through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.

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[G. David Felt]

Take the Transit and support america, we have seen this and nothing big deal to pay attention to.

[Robert Hall]

The side profile on this kind of reminds me of the old Ford Aerostar.

[G. David Felt]

The side profile on this kind of reminds me of the old Ford Aerostar.

I would agree with you, it does have that, interesting catch.

[smk4565]

That thing is ugly, the Transit looks better. Why do these things always have tiny 2 liter engines, if GM did a van like this with the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder they could have the powerhouse of the group!

[Robert Hall]

GM should bring one of their Eurovans over for this niche...bring back the Astro and Safari names.

[SAmadei]

Too much nose. I don't understand why these won the NYC taxi of the future contest... to me, all that nose is very wasteful, space-wise.

Otherwise, its ugly... just like all the other Eurovans. I'm just glad I already have a van... guess I'll be holding onto it forever.

[Drew Dowdell]

Nissan has the big Titan based NV for you then.

[SAmadei]

That NV is ugly, as well... but not as ugly as the NV200/Taxicab thing.

Unless something amazing happens, real vans die with the Econoline/Express.

[the_yellow_dart]

Why is this just making it to an autoshow now?

There's a Nissan dealership next door here and right now out the window I can see at least 30 of these things in their parking lot.

[Drew Dowdell]

That NV is ugly, as well... but not as ugly as the NV200/Taxicab thing.

Unless something amazing happens, real vans die with the Econoline/Express.

Chris and I sat in the big NV2500 in Chicago. I think it is every bit an Econoline competitor and that Ford is going to have a problem on their hands when the Econoline dies. The NV bases at $24,995 with a decent V8. I think you need to actually try one out before fully judging.

[G. David Felt]

Somebody forgot that style is a requirement, this is lacking in that and much more. Ford Transit wins over this.

[SAmadei]

Chris and I sat in the big NV2500 in Chicago. I think it is every bit an Econoline competitor and that Ford is going to have a problem on their hands when the Econoline dies. The NV bases at $24,995 with a decent V8. I think you need to actually try one out before fully judging.

You and Chris should do something more than 'sit in one' to try it out. Put 3 tons of newspapers in it, drive it at 80 mph on the BQE and drop it in a seedy neighborhood before the homeless steal your tires.

Personally, I believe the current Econoline is a POS, as well... but at least its easy on the eyes. However, the big NV suffers from a problem I don't like on the Econolines... too long of a hood... its wasted space in a van... especially when parking in the city. I don't care about how soft touch the interior is, but I do care how far forward the load is going to shift when I get railed by a Suburban from behind... something which actually happened recently.

I'm sure I'll be testing out a big NV sooner or later when I have to forktruck a server farm from Brooklyn to Newark or back.

[GMTruckGuy74]

What's with the tiny tires?

[ocnblu]

It's all about saving the business customer money. Tires are expensive relative to their size. Little ones are cheap.

To me, if I were a small businessman, the looks of my rolling billboard would be important, but then again, would a good looking van make me more money? Or are the most important things low purchase price, low maintenance costs, durability and longevity?

This thing will probably run forever, with the body giving way before the mechanicals die, a lot of business people would prolly be interested in such a little beast.

The Transit Connect is still made in Turkey, isn't it? I'm all for supporting Ford and the rest of the Home Team, but if Nissan wants to keep Mexicans employed, I support that, too.

Edited February 11, 2012 by ocnblu

[Drew Dowdell]

I don't think the NV200 is more or less ugly than the Transit Connect or the RAM C/V for that matter. They are panel delivery vans that will have "Rose's Flowers" painted on the side eventually.

[ocnblu]

I wonder how long the load floor is on the NA version. It might make a handy micro camper van, which would be cool, imo.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I wonder how long the load floor is on the NA version. It might make a handy micro camper van, which would be cool, imo.

Oh, I see the automotive ADD is kicking in already!!

I understand that tires are expensive (having purchased three sets in 2011 for all of my vehicles), but I was just referencing that the size of the tires in comparison to the rest of the van, they look very small (the Transit Connect's don't look nearly as bad as the NV's do).

[ocnblu]

Haha... oh man. Yup, not as a daily, but as a self-contained sleeping and cooking van, it might woik.

[thegriffon]

If you're in the market for a compact van, thew Transit Connect is stll your only option until the Ram version of the Doblo arrives. For the NA market Nissan apparently decided the original compact NV200 was too small, so the version built in Mexico is almost 15" longer and also quite a bit wider. Oddly that makes it bigger (at least in footprint) than the upcoming NV350 Urvan (a more boxy van not for the US).

The clostest thing GM has to the original NV200 (not the blown up Mexican version) is the 5-7 seat fwd Wuling Huang Guang (smaller Wuling vans are rwd), which will be sold in some developing markets as a Chevrolet MPV. In Europe Opel sells the bigger Vivaro designed by Renault and made by GM UK (formerly Vauxhall), and a rebadged Doblo made in Turkey by TOFAS. If iwas in charge of product planning I'd insist on a new compact fwd truck platform (upgraded Gamma?) to support new compact MPV/LCVs for Opel/GMC (a "modern" van to replace both the Combo and the older 4.4 m Zafira filling the gap between the new Tourer and Meriva) and Chevy (a "retro" van to replace the HHR and Thai/Brazilian Chevy Zafira); and a new fwd Chevy pickup to replace the awkwardly styled Montana/Tornado/Utility.

[Robert Hall]

I looked up the NV350...pretty radical in the boxy Japanese van style, like a descendant of the boxy Nissan van that was sold in the US in the '80s.

[67impss]

Thanx for the input Griffon It's been a year of blue moons hasn't it . Take your shoes off sit down stay a while