Coon Rapids Nissan

Unless you're living under a rock (which we doubt you are, if there's internet access available), you've probably seen the rise of the hybrid and electric automobile craze. However, if you're choosing a hybrid simply because it's branded as such, you could be missing out on other excellent fuel-efficient choices. Take the 2013 Nissan Altima, for example. This new vehicle promises 38 mpg highway from its redesigned 2.5-liter engine. The midsize Altima sedan has a starting price of only $21,500 for its base 2.5 trim (much less than many hybrid models) and also comes with a more powerful, slightly less fuel efficient engine option, a 3.5-liter V6 for those that would rather have the heft.

Did you know that the Nissan Pathfinder is an amazing 26 years-old? It's true. And, though the Pathfinder has experienced several redesigns and refreshes during that time, its best model year yet may be just around the bend. The new Pathfinder will feature a unibody form for its new fourth generation model- a return to its second-generation style from the current body-on-frame chassis. However, it will be much less boxy than its predecessors due to an improved, more fuel-efficient design.

As we travel deeper into the 21st Century, the citizens of Earth become more and more concerned about the impact we are having on our environment. And, though the auto industry might not be the first place one would look for sustainable technology, many auto brands have been working diligently to make our world a greener place. Take Nissan, for example. The Japanese auto manufacturer is certainly committed to these kinds of goals, as 2012 marks its sixth year as an Energy Star Partner. This year, Nissan North America has even earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "2012 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award."

Have you ever heard of the Datsun auto brand? It was actually the predecessor of Nissan in the United States and other International markets before Nissan got its name, from the company's inception in 1934 to the last use of the name in 1981. Some of the most famous Datsun models were its Z sports cars (a letter which is branded on Nissan sports cars today). And, though the auto brand won't likely be seen in the U.S. again anytime soon, Nissan is debating bringing it back into emerging auto markets such as Russia and India.

Nissan certainly had an impressive 2011 year, and now, those trends are continuing into this year as well. Sales numbers for January 2012 (as compared to January 2011) were up over ten percent, while Nissan Division sales (including its other brand holdings) rose an amazing 12.5 percent. As Al Castignetti, Vice President and GM for Nissan explains, "Nissan carried momentum from a strong finish to 2011 into January. January's performance, especially for key models like Altima, Versa, Rogue and Frontier, reinforces our optimism that 2012 is going to be an even better year than 2011 for Nissan."¹

Maybe you've seen the spicy little crossover called the Nissan Juke around town. It's affordable (with a starting MSRP around $20 grand), stylish, and has fantastic fuel economy ratings for a crossover (at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway). The Juke is impressive as-is, but Nissan recently took things up a notch with a suped-up version of the 2012 Nissan Juke, called the Nissan Juke-R. This Juke has an amazing 485- horsepower turbocharged V6 engine borrowed from the Nissan GTR supercar.

Nissan has truly been "on top" of EV production lately. The Nissan LEAF is the best-selling EV on the global market today. At the January 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Nissan unveiled a new EV, the e-NV200 concept multi-usage van. This new EV van actually features the same drivetrain as the LEAF and "previews a near-future production version of a full electric vehicle designed to provide businesses or families with flexible, roomy interior space, while achieving a dramatic CO2 footprint reduction,"¹according to the company.

The Nissan Pathfinder, the SUV adored by families across the U.S., will feature a brand new look for its 2013 model year. This week, Nissan premiered this year's new Pathfinder at the Detroit Auto Show- a concept that is very similar to the vehicle that will hit showroom floors across America, like the one at Coon Rapids Nisan, located in Coon Rapids, MN. The new Pathfinder is one of an amazing twenty new or redesigned products Nissan plans to bring to the U.S. over the course of the next two years.

Watch out, NYC! EV taxis are coming your way soon. It's often said that The Big Apple is one of the toughest auto endurance testing grounds in the world, and now the Nissan Leaf will be given the opportunity to strut its stuff in this harsh environment. Six Leaf vehicles will be tested by Nissan and the New York City Taxi and Limousine Committee as EV taxis. This move comes as part of NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg's green initiatives to reduce waste and make the city a more environmentally friendly place.

Ah, street vendors. Those were the days. Staring at questionable franks and greasy cheese-steaks will never be the same. The market is changing, and food trucks are all the rave on street corners, at sports events, and on college campuses. Just think, you can now purchase street food from a really nice vehicle instead of that cantankerous old street cart. Nissan recently showcased its new food truck concepts at the 2011 Auto Show. These food trucks feature work counters, custom fold-out serving windows, and full exterior graphics. The Grilled Cheese Truck and the Coolhaus [Ice Cream] Truck made their debuts with delicious fare in tow.