Nissan is reportedly going to show their light commercial vehicle (or vehicles), otherwise known as LCV(s), at the next Detroit auto show in January. As has been reported, Nissan plans on introducing three LCVs in the United States within the next few years. One is expected to be a van, quite possibly based on their Primastar van (pictured), which is sold in many other markets worldwide. If so, it's most direct competitor here would the the Dodge/Freightliner Sprinter vans, which have proven so popular with delivery services and tradesmen...
As to the other two LCVs? Nothing certain has been announced to date, but there's certainly a lot of speculating going on. One such speculation centers around a heavy duty pickup (Nissan truck news), which I think is a pretty safe bet. The big question is, will it be a Detroit-style pickup, fashioned along the lines of the very successful Ford Duper Duty? Or will it be more of an "international style" of truck? By that I mean a vehicle that is totally unlike that coming from the domestic truckmakers. Perhaps something like the Primastar, but with a pickup bed and/or dump body instead? That leaves the third truck up for grabs. A small box van perhaps? Almost certainly these trucks will be diesel-powered.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Nissan Reveals Light-Commercial Direction at Next Detroit Auto Show
Here's AutoObserver's take: Nissan Reveals Light-Commercial Direction at Next Detroit Auto Show
estreka says:
08:01 AM, 05/ 5/08
Pictures don't do them justice, but these LCVs are huge! There's a Dodge Sprinter a few blocks from my house and I was shocked at how big it was. It's like a UPS truck, only longer.
rsholland says:
08:12 AM, 05/ 5/08
And if it's first-generation model, it's powered by a tiny (for this size vehicle) 2.7L 5-cylinder turbo-diesel. The new ones have a 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel and 3.5L V6 gas engine choices.
rick8365 says:
10:25 AM, 05/ 5/08
Why drop the 1/2 ton and go after the the Super Duty type market?
Unless.......maybe they are going to bring more of a world market type of truck so they won't be spending as much R&D and plant tooling money here.
I still don't get the whole idea of bailing out on the Titan - disappointing.
rsholland says:
10:29 AM, 05/ 5/08
There still will be a 1/2-ton (Dodge) Titan.
desmolicious says:
01:27 PM, 05/ 5/08
Dodge Sprinter vans come in a bunch of different sizes, from large to huge..
rick8365 says:
06:38 PM, 05/ 5/08
I know, Bob ..... I like both the Dodge Ram and the Nissan Titan....but I don't like a Dodge Titan!!