NEW DELHI, India (March 23rd 2015) – Customers have experienced Nissan ‘innovation and excitement’ first-hand at a unique product-focused event to mark the company’s 10th year of operation in India.The product and technology showpiece, called ‘Nissan Carnival’, was a special two-day celebration held at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida.Visitors to the event had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of Nissan’s entire current Indian model range – including Micra, Sunny and Terrano – as well as experience the mighty Patrol SUV on a purpose-built off-road course. The world’s best-selling 100% electric vehicle (EV) Nissan LEAF was also there to give Indian customers a hands-on experience of revolutionary zero emission transport.As well as demonstrating Nissan’s rich global heritage and cutting-edge technology, the event highlighted the company’s success in its first decade of operation in India. In that time, Nissan has increased sales every year, established a world-class manufacturing plant and R&D facility in Chennai and created an extensive, country-wide retail network.
Guillaume Sicard, President, Nissan India Operations, said: “The Carnival is our way of thanking India for ten great years, and allowing customers to experience our full Indian range, as well as class-leading, innovative products like Patrol and LEAF from our global line-up.
“Although we are still at the start of the Nissan journey in India, we have already accomplished a great deal.
“Our seven locally-produced models are growing in popularity and we are rapidly expanding our retail network and presence in what is a key growth market.
“There is a lot more to come from Nissan in India as we continue to grow our brand and further evolve our product portfolio to meet and exceed the expectation of our customers here.”
In many markets Patrol is known as the ‘Hero of All-Terrain’ thanks to the power of its 5.8 V8 400 bhp engine and raft of features including All-Mode 4×4 drivetrain with Multi Surface Selection and Hydraulic Body Motion Control Suspension System.
Visitors to the Carnival took full advantage of the opportunity to put the legendary SUV through its paces in a specially-built off-road zone which allowed Patrol to demonstrate why it has established such respect in the 64 years since the nameplate was launched.
A driving course was also created to show off the dynamic capabilities and sheer comfort of the LEAF hatchback EV, which has already sold more than 160,000 units worldwide.
LEAF’s 80Kw AC electric motor delivers 254Nm of torque, all of which is available from 0rpm, which guaranteed Carnival visitors an engaging, whisper-quiet drive and with ‘zero’ tailpipe emissions.
As well as the host of products, the Carnival also gave customers an opportunity to discover a raft of Nissan technologies including the company’s Xtronic transmission, which is based but improves upon conventional Continuous Variable Transmission; the Pure Drive range of low-emission powerplants; and Around View Monitor, which gives the driver a virtual 360-degree bird’s eye view of the entire vehicle.
Other fun activities included the chance for visitors to experience the thrill of high speed stunt-driving as a passenger in a professionally-driven Nissan, as well as put their artistic skills to work on an urban graffiti-inspired ‘art car’ displayed during the event.