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Nissan to Introduce Tiida in Europe


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• Tiida Will be Launched in Selected Key Markets Across Europe

• On Sale From June 2007

• Four and Five Door Models, Three Engines (Two Petrol, One Diesel)

TRAPPES, France - March 26, 2007: Nissan Europe announced today that it will introduce the Tiida model to Europe from June 2007. The Tiida marks the latest addition to Nissan's current model line-up following the recent launch of its latest C-segment, cross-over vehicle, the QASHQAI.

As part of the Tiida launch strategy, Nissan carefully studied the individual European markets to identify the countries where there was a concentration of loyal customers of Almera and Primera who would consider purchasing a similar model in the future.

Tiida will therefore be distributed in the markets where there is strong demand for such models. These markets include: Baltics, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. As part of the launch strategy, Nissan may, at a later stage, study the possibility of introducing the model to further markets in Europe.

The name Tiida is derived from a word in a Japanese dialect meaning 'ever-changing tide' and sits between NOTE and QASHQAI in terms of price. It will appeal to the customer looking for a more conventional type of car and places an emphasis on traditional values such as comfort, interior space and ease of use.

The Tiida will be launched in four and five door versions and will feature three engines; a 1.6 litre petrol (110hp), a 1.8 litre petrol (126hp) and a 1.5dCi (105hp).

This model is already enjoying sales success in Japan and the United States, where it is called Versa. Sales in Europe are expected to reach an average of 30,000 units per year over its lifecycle. Tiida will be built at Nissan's Civac plant in Mexico.

"As part of our strategy for profitable growth in Europe, Nissan is focused upon winning conquest customers with new models which offer a real point of difference. However, it is also important that we retain our more traditional customer base in certain countries," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.

"Our business approach is driven by customers and common sense. We decided to introduce Tiida in the markets where we identified clear needs and a sustainable demand for this type of product, which could not be satisfied by Note or QASHQAI," Carolin added.

More information will be announced in April.

In Europe, Nissan employs approximately 12,000 people in its design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. Last year, the company manufactured a total of 507,201 vehicles in its Spanish and British plants and sold 539,773 vehicles in Europe. Nissan Europe's Head Office is based in Trappes (Paris), France.