Classic Cars Nissan

One of the main criticisms of electric cars is that they are too quiet. If pedestrians cannot hear the cars coming, they may try to cross the street without even looking both ways! While this is unlikely, a car noise is safer for blind people who often cross streets by listening for oncoming cars. That’s why Nissan has announced the new noise for the 2010 Leaf model.

Nissan’s sound engineers said they are adding a “beautiful and futuristic” sound to the Leaf that will sound like they are straight out of the movie “Blade Runner.” This Ridley Scott science fiction thriller takes place in 2019 in Los Angeles. The cars in the movie are flying cars, called “spinners,” and they emit a certain buzz that Nissan has captured for the 2010 Leaf.

“We decided that if we’re going to do this, if we have to make a sound, then we’re going to make it beautiful and futuristic,” explained Toshiyuki Tabata, the noise and vibration expert for Nissan. “We wanted something a bit different, something closer to the world of art.”

Currently, Congress is considering The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2008 which would require electric cars to emit a minimum sound for the safety of pedestrians. Nissan has already responded to those concerns before the government has required it.

In an effort to calm customer fears about the high cost of batteries for electric cars, Nissan is considering a leasing program for batteries to make them more affordable.

The battery in an electric car is one of the most expensive components. It may also be one of the aspects that is keeping electric cars from becoming as popular as they could be in the mainstream auto industry. Consumers are concerned about the high bill of replacing the battery if it becomes damaged, stolen or if it simply wears out.

But with the 2010 Nissan Leaf on its way to auto dealers across the nation in the next couple years, Nissan-Renault wants to assure buyers that they are in store for an affordable car. At $30,000, it’s a great deal as long as consumers do not get stuck with the cost of replacing a battery for whatever reason. The reason Nissan can price the Leaf so low, however, is because the automaker may separate the price of the vehicle from the price of the battery.

Leasing batteries makes perfect sense. It gives the consumer more options when purchasing their vehicle and makes the battery aspect more affordable. But plans are not finalized as some officials are concerned that consumers want only one payment instead of two or three when buying a car.

We will keep an eye on this developing story in the months to come in case Nissan reaches a final decision on the matter.

How many of you have ever wanted a 4×4? If you’re like many other drivers, you have probably had that desire when it comes to buying a new SUV or truck. Many people have probably also looked at you like you don’t need a 4×4 because they are bad for the environment or because you will never use the 4×4 capabilities.

But Nissan knows your needs and is asking, “Which 4×4 are you?” The new website caters to 4×4 owners and those who want one and Nissan is validating that desire.

The website uses a number of films and tests to show just how tough and functional 4×4 vehicles really are. Through these films, viewers can see how much 4×4 vehicles are really needed. In addition to that, the website also points out that not all 4×4 vehicles are not created equally.

The main purpose of the website is to help consumers determine which Nissan 4×4 fits their needs the best. There is a section of the website where visitors can learn more about towing weight, number of seats, type of use and load capacity in various Nissan 4×4s, including the X-TRAIL, the Pathfinder and the Navara. You can also see Nissan’s 4×4s compete in challenges against its competitors to show how Nissan comes out better than the rest.

Check out the website here or visit your Philadelphia area Nissan dealer for more information today!

If you were in the Atlanta area during Labor Day Weekend, you had a chance of winning a brand new Nissan vehicle that Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris was giving away. The “Stars for Cars-LudaDay Giveaway” was an exciting event made possible by the Ludacris Foundation in conjunction with Nissan South in Atlanta, Georgia.

Weeks before the giveaway, the rap star asked people in the area to write an essay about why they should get a new car. He chose 20 responses, one of which touched his heart more than others. It was about a refugee from the Sudan who had fled their country after his entire family was killed. After fleeing to Atlanta, the man’s son was killed by a drunk driver.

The only “catch” to the giveaway was that the winners must be able to pay the taxes and other fees associated with registering a car. Other than that, they were free to drive away as they also received 30 days of free gas. Talk about a great Labor Day!

You may not have won a new car this weekend, but you can visit your Philadelphia area Nissan dealer and feel like a winner by getting a great deal on a new or certified used vehicle. Check one out today!