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Production-ready Nissan GT-R50 by ItalDesign makes debut on track

For the 50^th anniversary of the legendary Nissan GT-R, the company commissioned ItalDesign to design a special version of the sixth generation of the model. Until now, renderings and pictures of a prototype have been shown and now we get to see the first production-ready version that is known as the GT-R50 by Italdesign.

Unveiled at the Tazio Nuvolari Circuit in Italy recently, it is the first of 50 units that will be built, each priced from €990,000 (about RM4.71 million). Nissan says most are already taken up and the first customers will start getting their cars from the end of this year.

Powering each GT-R50 by Italdesign is a NISMO-tuned 720 ps/780 Nm hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 (VR38DETT). The engine draws on Nissan’s extensive GT3 competition experience and knowledge.

The E-TS ATTESA all-wheel drive system delivers power to all four 21-inch wheels. The suspension has been revised with a Bilstein DampTronic system and an upgraded Brembo braking system replaces the standard on for stronger stopping power.

The exclusive design involved a number of cosmetic changes, with the roofline being lowered and a restyled rear wing and rear diffuser. There’s also a distinct and large power bulge on the bonnet.

The cabin of the GT-R50 follows that of the standard model but customers can specify personalisation. As standard, the GT-R50 comes with exclusive sports seats, dashboard and centre console of carbonfibre, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

This Lego Nissan GT-R Nismo is what you’ll want in 2020

Nissan develops an EV ambulance for use in Tokyo

An electrically-powered ambulance would be ideal as it not only generates zero toxic emissions but also runs quietly and smoothly. However, due to the size needed to comfortably accommodate patients or injured people, it has to be quite big and as electric powertrains have become more powerful, it is now possible to have an EV ambulance.

It’s not surprising that Nissan, with its leadership in EVs, has developed an EV ambulance. The project is the result of a strong collaboration between Nissan, the Tokyo Fire Department and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which has led to the Nissan NV400 Zero Emission (EV) Ambulance.

The introduction of the first EV ambulance in the Tokyo Fire Department fleet is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s ‘Zero Emission Tokyo’ initiative.

“Nissan strongly believes in sustainable mobility and strives to contribute to a world with zero emissions and zero fatalities,” said Ashwani Gupta, Representative Executive Officer and Chief Operation Officer at Nissan. “This project is another great example of our efforts to enhance accessibility of eco-friendly vehicles to local communities.”

The Nissan EV Ambulance is equipped with an electric stretcher that enables ease of operations for ambulance staff. Thanks to its EV 55 kW/220 Nm powertrain, the noise and vibration levels in the vehicle are significantly lower in comparison with a traditional petrol engine-powered vehicle, helping reduce negative impact on patients as well as on staff handling sensitive equipment.

Two lithium-ion battery packs support its EV capabilities (33 kWh with an additional battery (8 kWh) allowing longer use of electrical equipment and the air-conditioning system. The ambulance can also turn into a mobile source of electrical power in case of a power outage or natural disaster.

Nissan Van NV400 — *The EV Ambulance is adapted from Nissan’s NV400 light commercial vehicle.*

The Nissan EV Ambulance, which can carry up to 7 persons (including crew), is a cost-efficient solution from a cost-of-charging and maintenance point of view. It is based on the company’s NV400 model sold in various markets.

The 5.548-metre long bodywork was customised by Autoworks Kyoto to be compliant with Japanese regulations and designed to meet customer needs. Additionally, Nissan called on by Gruau, a major European emergency vehicle bodywork company, to assist in its development.

The NV400 EV Ambulance is a continuation of Nissan’s electrification of its light commercial vehicle models. In some European markets, Nissan also offers an electrically-powered van – the e-NV200 – for last-mile deliveries. Its quietness and emission-free operation is appreciated in urban areas.

Nissan E-NV200 — The e-NV200 electrically-powered van available in Europe.

The Nissan NV200 is available in Malaysia as a light commercial vehicle. To know more, visit www.nissan.com.my.

Entire Nissan sales and aftersales network now open for business

The authorised Nissan showroom and service centre network in Malaysia is now fully operational, following closure due to the earlier Movement Control Order. With the revision to the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), many businesses, including those in the auto industry have been allowed to resume their operations.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) says that while all their outlets have reopened, there are revised operating hours. The hours of operation for each outlet can be found at www.nissan.com.my or www.tceas.com (for service outlets).

SOPs at outlets
In line with the CMCO standard operating procedures (SOPs), the outlets will conduct temperature checks for all staff and customers and require social distancing as well. All staff will wear face masks, and customers can also obtain face masks, gloves and hand sanitizers at no charge while they are on the premises.

Frequent disinfecting will be carried out at the showrooms and service centres throughout the day covering every touchpoint including display and test drive vehicles. Customers are also assured that their vehicles will be disinfected before and after service. During this period, ETCM encourages contactless payments to be used.

Additionally, all vehicle registrations and deliveries will resume progressively as JPJ has started providing the necessary services since yesterday.

New Nissan Online Showroom
Those who are unable to visit Nissan showrooms can also get comprehensive information at the Nissan Online Showroom, also at www.nissan.com.my. The website enables interested customers to submit an online form for sales enquiries and to request appointments for testdrives at their home or office.

For those who are planning to buy a new Nissan vehicle for Hari Raya, the company has various money-saving promotions. Monthly instalments start from RM800 for models like the Almera while selected models come free scheduled maintenance for the first two years (terms and conditions apply).

*If you buy a Nissan Almera 1.5L E Auto Black Series before June 30, 2020, you can get a free accessories package as a Raya bonus.*

Additionally, customers who purchase the X-Trail or Serena S-Hybrid before June 30, 2020, will receive a complimentary 1-year FWD Protect Direct Family Takaful protection plan (up to a family of 4 parents and 2 children) with a sum insured of RM100,000.

Currently, ETCM is running the ‘Nissan Buy & Win’ contest and 20 lucky winners will stand a chance to win CUCKOO Healthy Home Appliances worth up to RM128,888. The contest is on until June 30, 2020.

Use the new Nissan Online Showroom to start your purchase process today

Nissan owners can now go to 10 TCEAS outlets for service

Nissan owners who require maintenance service or other work done on their vehicles can now visit their nearest Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis (TCEAS) outlet. According to Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), 10 of the authorised Nissan service centres have received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and relevant local councils to resume operations.

The company stresses that appointments must be made beforehand. Once an appointment is confirmed, owners can drop off their vehicle at the service centre. They are not allowed to wait at the service centre.

Appointments can be made using the Nissan DriveOn mobile app, TCEAS website, Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838, or directly calling the service centres listed below. Owners are also advised to select the nearest service centre to them abide by the travelling regulations of the Movement Control Order.

The following are the TCEAS outlets which are now operating:

As a health and safety precaution, TCEAS will practise temperature checking and social distancing for all service centre staff as well as customers. Face masks and gloves and hand sanitizers will also be freely available to customers. Frequent disinfecting will be carried out at the service centres and all vehicles will undergo disinfecting before and after service. Contactless payments are encouraged.

ETCM says that TCEAS service centres in other locations will resume operations in stages. Owners can find the latest information at www.tceas.com.my or by calling 1800-88-3838.

Use the new Nissan Online Showroom to start your purchase process today

#DrawDrawDraw – and you might attract the attention of Nissan’s designers (w/VIDEO)

It all starts with a single line.

That is the message from Nissan’s global design team as it looks to connect a worldwide community of artists through the new #DrawDrawDraw social project. The carmaker is offering 23 newly created, downloadable colouring pages featuring Nissan’s classic and current models, futuristic concepts and even some ‘cult classic’ ones such as the Figaro and ChoiMobi.

Nissan designers from around the world created the pages over the last few weeks, a time during which many people have been staying home because of the global coronavirus pandemic.

“To draw, draw, draw, in our world, is one of the best ways to close the gap between wonderful creative impulses in your head and making it a reality – especially as we face this global pandemic together,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s Senior Vice-President for Global Design. “Our team of designers, worldwide, are using this time to breathe, to draw, to dream creatively. I know that some of their best work will come from the challenges that we’re facing now. So we thought: ‘Why not give everyone a chance to express themselves creatively and share it with those who will appreciate it?'”

Click here to download the sketches

Albaisa is launching this effort with a video from his home and, with input from his two young sons, showing what he is currently drawing and why. Designers from his team will post additional videos in coming weeks to talk about their design inspirations, what they are drawing, how they became car designers, and tips for those looking to break into the business.

“Our inspiration for this project came from Nissan designer Giovanny Arroba, the creative mind behind the recently unveiled Ariya Concept car,” said Albaisa. “Gio was asked for advice on becoming a car designer. He said, simply and beautifully: ‘Draw like crazy. Draw, draw, draw.'”

Nissan asks individuals to hashtag their drawings – from sidewalk art to napkin sketches to the downloaded colouring book pictures – with #drawdrawdraw. The drawings can be posted on their social media platforms.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating passion and creativity,” said Albaisa. “Don’t be surprised if you see a Nissan designer comment on your drawings and artwork!”

This Lego Nissan GT-R Nismo is what you’ll want in 2020

Why Nissan designers didn’t put a tablet display in the Ariya Concept

When digital graphic displays were available for use in cars, they were inserted in the dashboard, usually in the middle section. Before long, interior designers began to bring the display ‘out’, giving it the form of a tablet like an iPad slotted onto the dashboard. Perhaps this made installation easier and users would also have appreciated the familiar tablet shape.

However, Nissan designers who work on next-generation vehicles consider other aspects as they attempt to balance design, technology and utility. For the Ariya Concept, they chose a different path when developing the display.

This prioritized design and vision over the latest trends. Instead of a tablet, the all-electric crossover has a curved, two-screen display reminiscent of a wave. It adds to the sense of a ‘horizon’ throughout the car, from elements in the door all the way to the rear of the cabin.

The layout reflects Nissan’s new ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’ design language, also expressed in the Ariya Concept’s unique frontal ‘shield’. But the horizontal design wasn’t chosen for its good looks alone. In addition to conveying information better for the human eye, the layout does so from a safer location — in the line of sight, closer to the road.

By matching the cabin’s horizon aesthetic, it becomes a seamless part of the dashboard. Nissan’s design team calls this engawa – the undefined space between where you are, and where you are going.

“The human eye naturally looks from side to side when driving,” explained Tomomichi Uekuri, Senior Manager of the engineering team involved in HMI (Human-Machine Interface). “People can see and absorb more information if it’s laid out horizontally. Peripheral vision works this way as well.”

The Ariya Concept’s display keeps driving information in an instrument cluster location similar to that of a traditional car, while displaying entertainment information, comfort controls and system status in the centre screen. Both are wrapped together in a sleek panel that flows seamlessly between driver and passenger.

Even though there are two screens, information can move or be swiped between them to create the feeling of a single display. For example, if you want your route directions and map in front of the steering wheel, they can appear there. They can also move to the centre, or disappear when no longer needed.

“The display’s wave construction is innovative and utilizes an ergonomic layout for both the meter display and the centre display, not only for visibility, but also allows the driver to easily reach the touch screen,” Uekuri said.

It took the design team many tries to arrive at the innovative display. The team built similar displays into a large black ‘box’ that they affectionately named ‘the Monolith’, a nod to the movie ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’. They chipped away, figuratively speaking, at the housing until it became what’s seen in the final concept car.

As a result, the sleek, seamless display looks like a natural, integrated part of the interior design – not a slab out of time and place.

Nissan Ariya Concept unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show 2019 (w/VIDEO)

Edaran Tan Chong Motor offers warranty extension for Nissan vehicles

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn. Bhd. (ETCM) today announced that the warranty of all Nissan vehicles distributed and sold by the company will have an extension of 30 days from the last day of the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, if the warranty expiry date falls within the period that the MCO is on.

The existing warranties will remain valid, even if the preventive maintenance service schedule intervals cannot be performed during this MCO period.

Customers are encouraged to reschedule service appointments within 30 days after MCO is lifted in order to keep their vehicle warranty active. Appointment rescheduling can be done via the DriveOn mobile app, Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn. Bhd. (TCEAS) website, Call Centre or direct booking with TCEAS Service Centres (after the MCO expires).

To cater to the anticipated surge of service appointments after the MCO period, TCEAS will extend its business operation hours from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am up to 8.00 pm. In Kelantan and Terengganu, the operating days will be from Sunday to Thursday.

ETCM had also earlier informed its customers that while all its sales and aftersales outlets will remain closed in accordance with the MCO, Roadside Assistance and Towing services will still be available to assist in an emergency. However, if the vehicle is towed to a service centre, it will have the remain there as repair work cannot be undertaken during the MCO period.

For more information, roadside assistance or towing services, members of the public may call 1800-88-3838, or visit www.nissan.com.my.

Save almost RM48,000 with the Nissan Subscription Plan

This has been a decade of change in the motoring landscape, for the carmakers, the industry as a whole and also motorists. Concerns about the environment and safety have forced the manufacturers to be serious about ‘electrification’ of their products to drastically reduce emissions, and add more safety systems. At the same time, pressures from an increasingly competitive market mean that costs have to keep going down to stay competitive.

For motorists, competition in the market is good, of course, as it means that they have more choices, better deals and more affordable prices. However, times have changed too and priorities are different because of uncertainties of the future. Saving to buy a home is still important to many but the second most expensive purchase – a car – is no longer that important.

Nevertheless, while the public transport system continues to improve, having a car is still a necessity for many people but they don’t necessarily need outright ownership of it. In fact, a recent study has found that to be the case, with 51% of Malaysians (who participated in the survey) saying that they did not need outright car ownership and would be fine with long-term ‘rental’ of vehicles for personal transport.

A new mobility solution
Renting vehicles in its traditional form is expensive but what if there is some way where a company can offer a ‘subscription’ to use the car over a long period. It’s a different approach to car ‘ownership’ and now it’s available to Malaysian consumers as a new mobility solution.

Known as the Nissan Subscription Program (NSP) and offered by Edaran Tan Chong Motor, this new approach can prove to be more advantageous than the traditional hire-purchase (H-P) way of buying and owning a new car. It removes the long-term commitments (up to 7 years these days) of having to pay instalments and being stuck with the same old car over a long period. With new models coming out all the time, having the flexibility to change more frequently would be more desirable for today’s consumers.

Beyond just removing the commitment, the NSP also has other advantages, one of them being no requirement to provide a hefty downpayment at the start. There is the full factory warranty, of course, and all maintenance costs are also covered by the NSP. Sounds great, doesn’t it? And when you work out the costs between a conventional H-P loan and the NSP, there are meaningful savings so your hard-earned money can be used for more important things in life.

Savings of almost RM48,000
Taking the latest Nissan X-Trail HYBRID as an example, the savings can be almost RM48,000 when compared to all the costs involved in a 5-year H-P loan and a 3-year Nissan Subscription Plan (the chart below shows the detailed costing). More importantly, for those who have had concerns about replacement of the battery pack, this too is covered under the maintenance provision, so it won’t be a cost to worry about at any time.

The NSP is also available for the all-electric Nissan LEAF and just as with the X-Trail HYBRID, all maintenance costs are covered over the entire 3-year period of the subscription. Besides saving RM6,800 over 3 years, compared to the costs for a 5-year H-P loan, there’s also no worry about the costs relating to the battery pack.

There are some terms and conditions to the NSP but generally, the main thing is that consumers now have an easier way to maintain personal mobility. At the end of the subscription period, the car can be returned to ETCM or purchased at an agreed price. For those who dislike the hassle of having to sell off their car, the NSP takes that hassle away.

Change every three years
And for those who like to have the latest cars in their driveway or porch, this approach allows them to change their car every 3 years… certainly more frequent than most Malaysians! That’s usually the interval when manufacturers will introduce either the next generation of a model or an updated version.

The NSP is available for periods of 2 or 3 years, with monthly rates starting from RM1,800 for a Nissan X-Trail HYBRID. There are also plans customized for non-Malaysian citizens who may be working in the country and require a car. The NSP can be a more convenient way for them and when they are ready to leave, ETCM can offer them a hassle-free and quick process.

Interested in using the Nissan Subscription Plan for your next car purchase? All you need to do is visit any authorized Nissan dealership and make an application. Within 7 days, when the status of the application is known, payment of the security deposit (refundable), first month’s subscription and insurance premium can be made. Thereafter, depending on vehicle availability and the necessary registration processes, delivery should be within 2 weeks.

For more information on the Nissan Subscription Plan or to locate an authorized Nissan dealership, visit www.nissan.com.my.

Free family protection plan for new Nissan X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid buyers

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), as one of the original Malaysian car companies, has always cared about its customers in Malaysia. While much of its customer care has been centered around ownership of Nissan vehicles, it has also looked for other ways it can offer value-added services and benefits to being a Nissan owner.

The latest initiative is FWD Protect Direct, a new collaboration with FWD Takaful Berhad (formerly known as HSBC Amanah Takaful (Malaysia) Berhad) which provides Direct family takaful protection plan with a total coverage of RM100,000 – at no extra charge.

Since plan for entire family
Available with new Nissan X-Trail and Serena S-Hybrid models, the 1-year complimentary scheme is an online takaful plan that offers pure protection for the entire family in a single plan. There are options for individual, couple, family (up to two children) and single parent (up to two children) plans to suit different family needs. With only one certificate, it saves the customer from having to manage multiple takaful certificates for the whole family.

Customers who purchase and register a new X-Trail or Serena S-Hybrid from by April 30, 2020 will receive a FWD Takaful promo card with a unique code and details on how to redeem their complimentary 1-year takaful coverage online. Redemption has to be done before May 30, 2020.

Instalments from RM749
Additionally, ETCM offers attractive monthly instalment plans for Nissan models from as low as RM749 for the Almera, RM958 for a Navara, RM1,275 for the X-Trail and RM1,295 for a Serena S-Hybrid.

10 lucky customers may also stand a chance to win CUCKOO Healthy Home Appliances worth up to RM60,000 when they purchase and register any Nissan model during the month of February 2020.

Experience the various Nissan models at the Nissan Test Drive Carnival over the 2 weekends (February 15/16 and 22/23) at selected ETCM showrooms across the nation. At each showroom, there will be special deals, fun-filled activities and a chance to win attractive prizes too. The chart below shows where the event will be during the two weekends.

For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or call the Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1-800 88 3838.

Additional choices in Nissan X-Trail range from Edaran Tan Chong Motor

The best car to film the 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO in action (w/VIDEO)

The Nissan GT-R is the flagship of Nissan’s high-performance range and the GT-R NISMO can be considered as the ‘pinnacle’ of the iconic nameplate which has a 50-year history. Constantly pushing the performance envelope, NISMO engineers have upgraded the 2020 model’s engine with aerodynamics further enhanced and weight-savings through the meticulous use of exotic materials.

Then came the time to show the sportscar in action and these days, video is a must. There was just one problem – how to film a super sportscar like the GT-R NISMO? It would have been easy to shoot from a helicopter or drone but to have more impact, the view should be as close as possible at ground level.

Enter Mauro Calo, a professional precision driver and automotive video expert known for his work on big-budget blockbuster movies and automotive TV shows. He knew the perfect car to chase and film the 2020 GT-R NISMO – another GT-R.

While Nissan helped locate a suitable GT-R to be transformed into a purpose-built camera car, Calo was already working on the design. Once the car arrived, he and his team fitted a bespoke tubular structure that was welded to the chassis and able to hold the weight of the professional carbonfibre gimbal camera mounting system.

The ultimate high-speed camera car
Until Calo realized his ambition of developing the ultimate high-speed camera car, the vehicle of choice for this type of filming would be a high-performance SUV. However, SUVs lack the speed or agility to follow the world’s fastest performance cars on track.

Thanks to its low centre of gravity, adjustable sports suspension and 4-seat configuration, the GT-R is the perfect base car to accommodate a camera rig of this type. And with the performance of the twin-turbo 3.8 V6 plus its advanced all-wheel drive system, it’s easy to see why Calo chose it.

“When I started to think about developing a high-performance camera car, I quickly realized that the Nissan GT-R was the only car that would meet my criteria,” said Calo. “It has supercar performance, with outstanding all-wheel drive handling and stability. It’s famously reliable, and it can seat the team I need to operate the camera system. There were no other contenders.”

Fabulous footage with high definition
Not many GT-R customers regularly use all four seats, but a typical shoot requires a full camera crew. With Calo at the wheel, a gimbal operator, a focus puller and a director can be in the car at the same time – ensuring fabulous high-definition footage of the world’s fastest cars at high speed (with all safety precautions taken, on a closed circuit, of course).

“I knew already, from driving it on photo and video shoots, what a great car the Nissan GT-R is,” Calo said. “But since I adapted my Nissan GT-R to be a high-speed camera car and have been using it to film some of the world’s fastest cars on track, my respect and appreciation of its performance, reliability and stability has only increased. It amazes me and the teams I work with every time we use it.”

With careful choreography planned in advance and coordinated via walkie-talkie, the two GT-Rs chased each other around the Lausitzring racetrack in Brandenburg, Germany, as part of the GT-R NISMO’s media preview event. The recorded footage has been viewed millions of times on YouTube and other social media platforms.