NEW YORK, April 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

• All-new third generation of Nissan's popular Murano crossover symbolizes Nissan's design-led product and brand renaissance
• Murano styling delivers bold "refined intensity" exterior and "social lounge" interior, arrives in Nissan showrooms in late 2014
• New 2015 Versa Sedan features updated exterior appearance with "Nissan family" front-end styling and a range of interior enhancements
• Versa Sedan goes on sale today with the lowest starting MSRP* in the United States** of $11,990 USD
• Smart Rearview Mirror shows new, clear technology; installed on all-new Rogue
• Complete lineup of 2014 Nissan cars, trucks and EVs on display April 18 through 27 at Jacob Javits Center

Nissan's all-new 2015 Nissan Murano made its world auto show debut today at the New York International Auto Show. The halo vehicle for Nissan's expanding range of bold crossovers and SUVs, the dramatic new Murano embodies Nissan's new design direction – including its V-motion front end, LED boomerang lights and the unique "floating" roof. Murano's breakthrough exterior design carries into the interior, which offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined lower-height instrument panel, wide center console, advanced NASA-inspired Zero Gravity front and outboard rear seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

Also making its North American debut today was the new 2015 Nissan Versa Sedan, the best-selling vehicle for four years in a row*** in the highly competitive sub-compact segment. Most prominent of the changes is the bold new front-end treatment anchored by larger headlights, a more substantial looking fascia and standard chrome plating on the grille – all of which strengthen the family ties of the Versa Sedan with the Nissan stable mates – Sentra, Altima and Maxima. The new Versa Sedan goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide.

Both new 2015 models were revealed at a press conference led by Nissan Chief Planning Officer and Executive Vice President Andy Palmer and Nissan North America, Inc. Chairman, Management Committee and Executive Vice President Jose Munoz.

"In the past three years, Nissan has completely transformed its product portfolio, grown global volume by more than one million units, strengthened the brand to being the fastest-growing automaker on the Interbrand Top 100, resulting in the shake-up of entire auto industry segments," said Palmer. "Murano helped create a new segment, and the latest version, debuting today, redefines that segment."

Added Munoz:  "We have ambitious growth targets for the Nissan brand, and these goals are supported by increasing consumer demand for our newest products. In the last 12 months, Nissan brand sales were up nearly 15 percent in the U.S. due to positive customer response to new vehicles like Versa Note, Pathfinder and Rogue. Now with the new Murano coming this fall, we expect this momentum to continue as we're poised to set even better numbers for 2014, including increased market share."

In addition, Nissan demonstrated its new, highly innovative Smart Rearview Mirror that utilizes advanced camera technology to enhance the driver's view behind a vehicle. For its first U.S. showing in New York, it is installed in the all-new 2014 Rogue at the Nissan display. Housed within a structure of a traditional rearview mirror, the Smart Rearview Mirror allows the driver to switch between a traditional rearview mirror and an LCD monitor, depending on the driver's preference.  The camera projects a clear image – a wider and clearer view than a standard mirror – onto the monitor for a better view, as well as a more comfortable driving experience.

"Smart Rearview Mirror will give our customers the best possible view no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat or how bad the road conditions," said Palmer. "This mirror technology reinforces Nissan's commitment to improving the everyday driving experience with advanced systems and technology, such as Electric Vehicles, connected and autonomous driving cars."  

For full information and additional photos of the 2015 Nissan Murano and Versa Sedan, as well as the Smart Rearview Mirror, please visit www.NissanNews.com.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012.

Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

* MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and $810 USD destination charges.  Dealer sets actual price.  Prices and specs are subject to change without notice.

** Starting price comparison based on 2014 and 2013 manual transmission models on manufacturers' websites.  All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).  MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax title license and options.  Dealer sets actual price.

*** According to IHS Automotive, Polk U.S. New Vehicle Registrations – non-luxury traditional sub compact segment, CY2009 - CY2013

Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140416/75611
Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/NISSANBADGELOGO

SOURCE Nissan North America