Nissan has emphasised a growth strategy for Europe based on product strength in crossovers and electric powertrain as well as the introduction of advanced autonomous drive technologies.
The company also said that it wants to hold its position as the top-selling Asian brand in Europe as well as be seen as the “most desirable Asian car manufacturer by 2020”.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Nissan says it sets the mark in the crossover segment in Europe with new versions of the Nissan Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail.
Nissan’s European sales total 501,150 units in the first eight months of 2015, 9% ahead of the same period of last year. The company says its successful performance in Europe reflects a focus on new segments and high-growth markets, alongside localised production and investment that allow Nissan to “respond quickly and capitalise on market opportunities across the region”.
At the Frankfurt Show, Nissan unveiled a new compact Crossover concept, the Nissan Gripz Concept. The company says the Gripz Concept offers something new from Nissan – a “fresh perspective that blends the ability and practicality of a compact Crossover with the excitement and performance of a sports car”.
Paul Willcox, Chairman of Nissan Europe said: “Nissan’s commitment to bold design, great quality, and accessible technology is demonstrated here today with the release of the stunning new Gripz Concept that will re-invent the compact Crossover segment.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“In recent years, we’ve completely re-defined what Nissan means for our customers. We have a track record of bringing the ‘best to the most’ – first.”
Nissan also today unveiled the latest version of its Leaf electric vehicle.
Paul Willcox said: “This year we are proud to be celebrating the 5th birthday of the Nissan Leaf and the new Leaf 30kWh offers customers even more flexibility. The Nissan Leaf has sold 185,000 units globally and with over 92 percent customer satisfaction rate, the Leaf remains the best-selling electric car. We couldn’t have achieved this remarkable success without the support of our employees, customers, dealers, partners and suppliers so this really is a historic moment for everyone connected to the Nissan business.”
The Nissan Gripz Concept is seen by Nissan as a design statement rather than a replacement for an existing model, although it does feature cues from Nissan’s new ‘emotionalgeometry’ design language.
The Crossover concept incorporates four key design elements first seen in Europe on the Nissan Sway, one of the stars of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. As with Sway, Gripz features a V-motion grille, boomerang lamps front and rear, a floating roof and a kicked-up C pillar.
However, the similarities end there. While Sway hinted at a possible direction for a compact hatchback, the Nissan Gripz Concept is quite the different proposition.
“Nissan pioneered the idea of the compact crossover, and this is reflected in the enormous popularity of Qashqai and Juke and the resulting growth of the market segment as other manufacturers play catch-up.”
“While the Nissan Gripz Concept is not seen as a direct replacement for either of those two iconic vehicles, it does show the extremes to which the compact crossover can be pushed,” said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer.
Created through collaboration between Nissan Design Europe in London and Nissan Global Design Center in Japan, the exterior of the Nissan Gripz Concept is guided by the ‘emotional geometry’ body sculpting concept which depicts strong contrasts through the dynamic, tensional, yet edgy surface.
