Nissan Reverses Course For Chicago

It can really be difficult to be in the automotive selling business these days, especially if you operate a dealership. Sales are down for the year, profit margins have been greatly reduced, and in the case of Chrysler and GM dealers, you have to wonder if the automakers will end up scrooging you this Christmas season.

News that Nissan/Infiniti would not have a significant presence at either the Detroit or Chicago auto shows has been difficult for some people to swallow, especially dealers who count on show floor exposure (and automaker support) to sell cars. Upon receiving the bitter news, dealers in the Chicago area howled and Nissan has reversed course, agreeing to show up in Chicago this February after all.

“After a careful review of this decision with our North Central Region management and our Chicago dealers, we have found a way to maintain a presence at the Chicago show through our dealers, while still demonstrating the fiscal responsibility required by these challenging times,” the company said in a statement Thursday.

Though Nissan has agreed to appear in Chicago, the automaker maintains that they will continue with its plans to not appear in Detroit, one of seven automakers staying away from the Motor City (Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Land Rover, and Porsche are the others). Nissan originally said that not having new products to introduce in either market was one of the reasons for curtailing its involvement, having just introduced three new vehicles at last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

But, it looks like the power of friendly dealer persuasion has caused Nissan to reverse course when it comes to the Windy City, a move that will help bolster the morale of area dealers.

In addition to unveiling the 2009 Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, and Infiniti G37, the automaker has also rolled out a $9990 model, the 2009 Nissan Versa 1.6, a car that was recently undercut in price by the Hyundai Accent by just twenty dollars.

(Source: Chicago Tribune)

You’ll Never Look At A Cube The Same Way Again!

Nissan has done more for math lately than any other automaker. What I’m talking about is the new (to North America) Nissan Cube, a vehicle that won’t be confused with any other, particularly at close range.

If you like shapes, Nissan went cube crazy with the Cube, giving to us a boxy exterior, rectangular windows — including a rear window that wraps around on only one side — and a cabin ceiling with an amazing design of concentric circles. Oh, before I forget, that wrap around dashboard is da bomb!

Some people will find the Cube to be repulsive, but I won’t count myself among them. True, I wouldn’t buy one, but lots of people will, especially young drivers who are looking for a statement-making vehicle (think Scion xB, think Kia Soul). Why be ordinary when you don’t have to be? The Nissan Cube takes self expression to the highest level.

Technical Specifications

For those of you who are interested in the technical side of the Cube, I will give to you the following:

• Passenger space is plentiful with seating for up to five. Nissan wants buyers to consider the cabin area to be “social space” where you hang with your friends and enjoy the theater-style rear seat.

• Powered by a 122 horsepower 1.8L DOHC I4 engine paired to an Xtronic CVT or 6-speed manual transmission, the Cube has very good fuel economy, topping 30 mpg highway.

• Nissan designed the Cube to be a living room on wheels with Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Rockford Fosgate subwoofter with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio and Interface System for iPod. Lots of techno stuff to match what Nissan calls the car — Cube mobile device.

• The Cube comes in three models, all well equipped: Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8S and Cube 1.8SL. You can personalize your ride with sought after accessories through Nissan. I also believe that the Cube will be popular with aftermarket parts manufacturers who will take some of the popular ideas from Cube buyers and mass produce them.

Like I said, the Cube isn’t for everyone and that is central to its appeal. I can see the comparisons with Scion and the all new Kia Soul, but the Cube does its best to stand apart from the growing crowd of boxy people mover segment which also includes the Honda Element. BTW, the Nissan Cube isn’t available just yet, you’ll have to wait until the Spring when the car rolls out at a Nissan dealership near you.

(Source: Nissan North America, Inc.)