Classic Cars Nissan Dealer Blog

Nissan Motors and other Japanese automakers, such as Honda and Toyota, have in many ways led the charge when it comes to technology that is environmentally friendly, as well as factory automation. Up to this point, however, these car manufacturers have been slow to venture into emerging markets. In recent years, however, these three companies have expanded into new and uncharted territory in emerging markets, including the former Soviet Union, southern India, and even the Saharan region of Africa.

These moves come, at least in part, as an attempt to avoid what happened a decade ago in China. General Motors and Volkswagen entered that emerging market early, and have had a long string of success over the Japanese manufacturers who entered later on.

India, in particular, is an area of interest for the Japanese Big Three. India is a nation with more than one billion people, and it is just entering an automotive revolution age. After China, India may be the next big megamarket in the world. According to some studies, it is estimated that vehicle sales in India and other developing regions may increase by as many as 10 million units during the next six years. Emerging markets are no longer an afterthought, but becoming essential to the future of automotive companies.

A good example of this is Nissan. During the previous seven year period, Nissan’s sales have grown substantially in developing nations. Out of the 3.7 million vehicles Nissan sold last year, around 1 million of them were in developing nations. Clearly, these new markets represent the future of many of these automotive companies who strive to overcome economic weakness in the West and in Japan.

Drive on down to our local Nissan Dealer today and see just what it is that makes our Nissan cars some of the most popular vehicles in the world.

For 15 years, the Nissan Altima has been a practical family sedan that also features excellent handling and performance that the car enthusiast enjoys. The newest generation of the Altima was introduced in 2007, and has the features, power and finesse you’ve come to expect from Nissan cars .

There is plenty of competition in the area of family sedans, yet the Nissan Altima has managed to distinguish itself. The optional V6 and sporty handling, combined with its ample power, is certainly a part of the reason behind the Altima’s success. Add to that the interior which is far and above the previous versions of the Nissan Altima, and you’ve got a major contender. The Nissan Altima now comes in a coupe, as well, which makes it even more competitive.

Strong styling has always been one of the characteristics of Nissan cars. The Altima, with its svelte look, is no exception to this rule. The CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) is one of the best of it’s kind, and keeps your Altima humming right along.

The Nissan Altima with the V6 engine can go from zero to 60 in only 6.6 seconds, which is an amazing rate for a family sedan. That rate is using the CVT, as well, proving the sheer power of that component.

There is enough room inside the Nissan Altima sedan for four 6-foot adults to travel with a reasonable degree of comfort. The interior layout is much better than previous generations of Altimas, as well.

Why not come down to your local New Jersey Nissan dealer today and check out the Altima sedan or coupe for yourself? Take a test drive and see why this vehicle is at the top of its class.

The 2009 Nissan GT-R, will be delivered to Nissan dealers on July 7, 2008. This is the fifth generation of the Nissan "supercar." These 480 horsepower premium vehicles are only available through select certified dealers, and prices start at right around $70,000.

The Nissan GT-R has set records, becoming one of the fastest production vehicles ever. The Engine is a 480 horsepower, twin turbo 3.8 liter V6. The GT-R features a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, and offers 430 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the Nissan GT-R features the use of a world’s very first independent rear transaxle ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. This system places the final drive, transfer case and transmission at the rear of the vehicle. THis optimizes the distribution of weight and increases handling.

Performance isn’t the only feature of the GT-R, however. The body is solid, made of steel, carbon fiber and die-cast aluminum. The sloping roofline and the four-ring taillights mark the look of the GT-R. Inside the vehicle, you can find sculpted performance bucket seats, which allow you to set your own optimal driving position. The instrument panel features a multi-function display as well as a tachometer. There is even an on-board driving recorder.

More than 1,700 of the 2009 GT-Rs produced were sold prior to being released to the market. That works out to right around 70 percent of the first year’s production of this vehicle. The Nissan GT-R promises to be in demand, both in 2009 and beyond.

If you want to find out more about the Nissan supercars or the 2008 Nissan GT-R in particular, come see us. We’re your local Nissan dealer , and we want to help you get the car that you want, and that best suits your automotive needs.

Many Nissan cars and cars of other makes utilize CVT technology. CVT is short for continuous variable transmission. While each manufacturer may have their own take on the CVT, the way the CVT works is essentially the same.

The concept of the CVT transmission is this: the CVT changes the diameter of the two primary pulleys that are used in the transmission system on an ongoing basis, allowing the engine to run in a more efficient manner.

A CVT transmission has pulleys. Those pulleys have grooves shaped like a “V.” A connecting belt sits in these grooves. A hydraulic cylinder can move one side of the pulley, while the other side is fixed. When the CVT actuates, the cylinder is reduces or increases the space between each side of the pulley. Thus, the belt can ride low or high on the pulley walls, which in turn changes the ration of the gears. It does this with a near-infinite variety of ratios, and doesn’t therefore have any steps in between the ratios. A traditional transmission will have four or five steps, depending on how many gears it has. The lack of steps allows the engine to stay optimized, in terms of power. This makes the engine much more efficient.

More and more manufacturers will look to CVT technology as a solution the high price of gas. While the CVT transmission doesn’t solve the problem of gas consumption completely, it is one step along the way to finding a good solution. When used along with hybrid technology, CVT can make a significant difference in fuel efficiency.

If you’re interested in test-driving a Nissan car with a CVT transmission, come on in to our Nissan dealer today and see what we’ve got in the way of fuel-efficient CVT vehicles. Nissan has been at the forefront of CVT technology, and over one million CVT vehicles are sold at Nissan dealers every year.

One of the hallmarks of some of the Nissan cars , from the perspective of technology, is the CVT, or continuously variable transmission. The CVT has been used for more than half a century, but wasn’t in wide use in the U.S. until the 1990s.

What is the CVT? Essentially, the CVT is a transmission that does what a regular transmission does, but it accomplishes this task with fewer moving parts and more fuel economy. It differs from a traditional transmission in that there aren’t a set number of gears. A conventional transmission usually has a set of gears, and only powers those gears based on the gear ratio. A CVT, instead, uses pulleys and belts to create an almost limitless number of gear ratios. This means that the transmission will constantly adjust, using the right ratio for the needs of the engine at that particular time. Because of the way the CVT interacts with the engine, a car equipped with the CVT will use less gas than a car with a traditional transmission.

One of the most noticeable differences between a traditional transmission and the CVT is that you can feel it in the vehicle when a traditional transmission changes gears. There will be a bit of a lurch during acceleration, and the engine will change note. The CVT provides a constant engine note, on the other hand, and you can’t feel it change gears.

The CVT is best used with a front wheel drive vehicle with low or moderate horsepower. Many Nissan cars use the CVT, while Nissan trucks will continue to use traditional transmissions.

Why not come out to our New Jersey Nissan dealer today and test drive one of our CVT-equipped cars. Feel the difference that this technology makes.

It was bound to happen eventually.

We all knew that, when you raise gas prices high enough, people will start to drive less. Environmental activists have even encouraged this. According to a report from AAA cited at CNN, this past Memorial Day holiday proves just that.

The average price of gas around the nation has risen more than $.70 in the past year alone. There are some experts that suggest this increase is just the start of things, and that gasoline will rise to $6 per gallon before the end of this summer.

Without a doubt, these high gas prices are dramatically affecting how much people drive. In some parts of the country, the tourism industry is suffering because people just don’t want to have to shell out $100 or more to fill their tank.

There are other consequences, as well. Not only are people driving less, but public transportation rates are at an all-time high. Some metropolitan areas are struggling to keep up with the demand for public transportation. In fact, public transportation rates are the highest they’ve been in the past 50 years.

It turns out that high gas prices may also prompt people to drive slower. Driving slower uses less gas, down to a certain point. Instead of driving 70 MPH on the Interstates, some drivers are driving as slow as 55 MPH, which is causing traffic difficulties in some areas. On the upside, this may help to reduce high-speed accidents.

Unfortunately, many folks just can’t afford to change their driving habits. They might have a long commute to work for example, or they may have to travel for work. For these folks, a more fuel efficient vehicle is an absolute necessity.

Our local Nissan Dealer , located on Route 38 in Hainesport, NJ, can help you find the vehicle that is most economical for your particular needs. Come and see us today!

Biodiesel is a type of alternative fuel that is made from renewable resources. It is easy to use, biodegradable, free of sulfur and scent, and nontoxic. It does not contain petroleum, but it may be mixed with diesel fuel made from petroleum to form a biodiesel blend. Biodiesel can be used in most diesel engines without having to make much in the way of modifications to the engine.

Manufacturers make biodiesel using a process known as “transesterification.” This process separates glycerin from vegetable oil or fat. When that happens, there are two elements left. One is the glycerin, which can be sold to soap makers and other companies, and the other is methyl esters. Methyl esters is the chemical title for biodiesel.

Biodiesel is produced in line with very specific requirements. Of all the fuel options available today, Biodiesel is the only one that meets the health effects test requirements put forth in the Clean Air Act of 1990. It is registered with the EPA as a legal motor fuel.

Advocates of biodiesel suggest that the fuel is better for the environment on several levels. First of all, it is made from renewable resources rather than fossil fuels. Petroleum based fuels aren’t renewable. Biodiesel is also nontoxic, and it biodegrades quickly. Use of biodiesel helps to decrease dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Biodiesel is not yet widely available in the United States. Today, you can get biodiesel from producers and marketers. You can often get biodiesel from distributors of petroleum, as well. As biodiesel becomes more and more popular, you will see public fuel stations that feature biodiesel.

If you’re concerned about the carbon footprint you’re leaving on your world, why not come see us, your local Nissan dealer , right here in Hainesport, New Jersey. Check out our selection of Nissan Cars to find one that meets your needs today!

The Nissan Maxima has always been extremely sporty for a sedan. Certainly it’s always been the most sporty among the Nissan cars with 4 doors. In fact, the vice president and general manager of the Nissan Division of Nissan North America, Al Castignetti, describes it this way: “Maxima has always enjoyed a certain ‘duality’ - a unique fusion of sedan practicality with the soul of a sports car.”

Over the last several years, however, the Maxima hasn’t stood out when it comes to the sporty side of things. There has been plenty of competition from other automakers to put out a sporty sedan to compete with the Maxima.

The 2009 version of the Nissan Maxima may just help restore that image. According to Castignetti, the 2009 model goes about “creating a silky, stimulating sports sedan like no other on the road today.”

An aggressively curvy hind end, a low and squared off grill, combined with swept-back split headlamps contribute to the sporty feel of this model year. It features an interior design that’s been inspired by the Infiniti M35 and M45 sedans, and even includes a round control knob mounted up high on the dash. There are subtle chrome touches outside and inside the vehicle, following other current Infiniti and Nissan trends. The innovative sunroof design already present in the Maxima is carried over into the new version, as well.

The new Maxima sports a 290-horsepower V6 engine which is a 35 horsepower increase over previous models. In spite of this, Nissan claims that the 2009 model will get right around the same amout of miles per gallon as the 2008 version of the Maxima.

If you want to find out more about how you can get into the sportiest sedan on the market, come see us, your local Nissan dealer today.

When you think about the possible threats posed by cars, you rarely think about tire noise. However, there is legislation in Europe now that, if passed, would regulate how much noise a tire could make.

Why is it that anyone is worried about how much noise care tires make? One report says that there is a health risk to noisy tires. It suggests that noise coming from rail and road transport contributes to 50,000 heart attacks a year, and adds to 200,000 cases of cardiovascular disease, in Europe alone. The report doesn’t distinguish between rail and road causes, however, and some experts have called the report into question.

In addition to tire noise, the legislation will require a variety of other safety and environmental specifications be met by tire manufacturers. For example, the legislation would require that, by 2012, all tires for passenger cars would have systems to monitor their tire pressure. In addition, tires would be required to have lower rolling resistance and an increased amount of wet grip.

There are other proposed regulations that have nothing to do with tires, too. The legislation requires that all new cars have electronic stability control systems by 2012. Heavy-duty vehicles would have to have advanced emergency brake systems and lane-departure warning systems, both of which are still in the early stages of development and fairly untested, by 2013. Electronic stability control is already set to be mandatory in the United States in 2012, and it is expected that Canada and Australia will follow suit soon.

Nissan cars have some of the most advanced safety and control features avaialble from any automaker.
Come to our Nissan Dealer today and check out what we’ve got to offer you.

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last several years, you’ve most certainly heard of online dating sites. Now, the same technology that matches people with similar interests in hopes of making a love connection is being used to match women with their perfect car.

Yes, you read that correctly. CarTango is a new website that claims to be able to match a woman with the car that most fits her lifestyle, taste and desire. It is a place where, according to CarTango, “your car soulmate is just a few clicks away” and where “Girl meets car.” Images at the site show the outline of a woman meeting her perfect car, much like other sites show a woman and a man.

CarTango relies on a four-step process to match woman and car. First, CarTango uses a series of questions to understand the woman’s personality, needs and style. From there, CarTango searches through dealer inventory listings. They then communicate with those car dealers about the vehicles they’ve got for sale. Finally, they invite dealerships to compete for the woman’s business. Up to three car dealers can compete for each woman’s business.

CarTango appeals to some women in that it removes some of the barriers women have typically faced when it comes to car buying. Some of the most frutsrating processes are eliminated. For example, many women dislike the process of price negotiation. CarTango takes this process and turns it around. Dealers now have to compete for the woman’s purchase, and that competition helps to force prices down. The woman, then, doesn’t have to worry about trying to negotiate. In addition, CarTago provides technical information about vehicles in a readable and clear manner, helping those who aren’t familiar with automotive terms to better understand what they’ll be getting in a car.

It is this exact point that has some people becoming critical of CarTango, however. Critics claim that CarTango plays on the fears of women, and that it actually perpetuates the kind of behavior that it claims to be avoiding. In addition, it makes all sorts of assumptions about what women do or don’t know about cars, or what they are or aren’t looking for based on a very few relatively superficial questions.

If you’ve checked out a Honda car on CarTango but would like to see it in person, come by our local Nissan Dealer and take a look or a test drive today.