Nissan NV200 scoops

Nissan's all-new NV200 van range has scooped the International Van of the Year 2010 award.

The new van, launched earlier this year, fought off a strong challenge from Iveco's new Ecodaily and the revised Volkswagen Transporter to take the top van crown. It amassed a total of 107 votes from a maximum possible 161.

The jury, made up of leading commercial vehicle journalists from Europe, was particularly impressed by the fact Nissan has created a compact light commercial vehicle that sets new standards in a number of important areas - for instance, internal load space, driver comfort and, especially, its low interior noise levels at high speed. Build quality, attention to detail, and all-round driver visibility were other reasons cited by the jury for the NV200's elevation.

When it comes to earning potential and productivity, the NV200's cargo space, at 4.2m³, is between 20%-25% larger than many of its direct competitors, and, in some cases, larger rivals. In addition, initial fuel economy results look promising.

"The NV200 is a very well-designed, compact, 'quality' van with good economy," says UK jury member Andy Salter. "It more than fulfils the most important criterion of the 2010 International Van of the Year award - a significant contribution to the safe and efficient transport of goods by road."

Nissan new commercial vans

Another longtime profit bastion for domestic automakers is about to see a serious run from a foreign automaker. Nissan just unveiled its first production commercial vehicle for the U.S., which will go on sale later this year.

The van comes with a tall roof or a short one. Either way, it could spell trouble for Ford E Series.

CAPTION

By Nissan

It will be called the Nissan NV -- for "Nissan Van." And the thing is about as sexy as its name -- a plain-Jane, framed truck that only plumbers will love. It comes in high-top and low-top versions.

For a generation, Ford has dominated the commercial van market with its E Series, formerly called the Econoline. General Motors has its Chevrolet Express van. Now Nissan is serious about getting in on the action.

"As the first non-domestic nameplate to design, manufacture and sell (commercial vans) in the United States, we bring a more than seven-decade tradition of durability, quality and reliability to our products," said Joe Castelli, vice president for commercial vehicles for Nissan North America

He goes on to say:

"We've taken a fresh look at every aspect of the ... business – including styling, powertrain, interiors, cost of operation and ownership, dealership sales and service operations and, most importantly, real world customer needs."

The new vans will comes with 4-liter V-6 and 5.6-liter V-8 engines and in two body styles, standard roof like the E Series or high roof, like Daimler's Sprinter van. The high roof offers the ability to walk in without banging your head.

"It's been too many years since any manufacturer in this segment has taken a 'clean sheet' look at the needs of owners and operators in the (van) segment," said Castelli.