Nissan Debuts 2014 Versa Note, Resonance Crossover Concept At North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan today presented two important all-new vehicles during a press conference at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The 2014 Nissan Versa Note, which made its North American debut, is the second generation of the popular Versa hatchback. It is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this summer.

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The sleekly styled Versa Note shared the stage with the dramatic Nissan Resonance, a design concept previewing the direction of future Nissan crossovers. The Resonance concept is being shown for the time anywhere at NAIAS, which runs from Jan. 19^th through the 27^th at Detroit's Cobo Center. Nissan is also debuting an all-new multi-level exhibit stand at the show, featuring an amphitheater-style stage and cantilevered electronic "halo" surrounding the display space.

Said Nissan Division Vice President and General Manager Al Castignetti: "Our three all-new vehicles launched in the past six months – Altima, Sentra and Pathfinder – helped propel the Nissan Division to its best year ever with sales of more than one-million vehicles. We're keeping the excitement going with this great-looking Versa Note and its unexpected and affordable technology, which should help Versa retain its title as the top-selling nameplate in the entry-level segment*."

The list of advanced features offered on the roomy, 5-passenger 2014 Versa Note includes a segment-first** Around View^® Monitor, NissanConnect^SM with Navigation System with Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant and Active Grille Shutter – which helps it deliver expected 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy with the CVT transmission. A starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)*** of $13,990 USD for the new Versa Note was announced today, joining the 2013 Versa Sedan's $11,990 USD starting MSRP***.

Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer had the honor of unveiling the Resonance Concept, stating: "The Resonance concept leads Nissan into a new 'innovation era' of smart design and smart technology, ensuring that Nissan will continue its global crossover design leadership for many years to come."

The Resonance concept was created at Nissan Design America in San Diego, CA and features an open, airy architecture highlighted by a unique "floating" roof created through the use of the thin, steeply raked A-pillars, large full-length glass panel and flowing D-pillar design. Inside, the designers imagined what the future of first-class space travel might be: Welcoming yet exclusive and high-tech yet premium. The resulting "VIP lounge," with its light, buttery leather and premium-stitched seats, exudes genuine sophistication.

The all-wheel drive Resonance concept also features an efficient hybrid electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system. 

"The all-new Versa Note, and a future crossover that could look a lot like what you see here with Resonance, are just two of the many future products coming from Nissan," concluded Palmer. "Nissan welcomes attendees at the show to see what 'Innovation that excites' is all about with our new display, our exciting 2013 Nissan model lineup and this special preview of what's ahead."

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 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($US118.95 billion). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands.

A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards.

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 and 2012 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.

^{* Base upon R.L. Polk Total Registrations from Aug. 2011 to Oct. 2012. 2012 Ward's Lower Small Segment.
** 2013 Ward's Lower Small Segment. MY14 Versa Note vs. 2013 competitors. Competitor cargo space volumes from AutoPlanner.
*** MSRP excludes applicable tax, title, license fees and destination charges. Dealer sets actual price.} 

SOURCE Nissan North America