Nissan Plans Huge Presence at '99 Detroit Auto Show
23 December 1998
Nissan Plans Huge Presence at '99 Detroit Auto Show; A Worldwide Intro, Two Concept Cars and a Jazz Legend DETROIT, Dec. 22 -- Nissan North America, Inc. is gearing up
to play a huge role in the 1999 North American International Auto Show with
the worldwide debut of the Nissan Xterra sport-utility vehicle and the
unveilings of two eye-catching concept vehicles.
The introductions will come in the shadow of what may well be the biggest
backpack ever displayed. In addition, the Dave Brubeck quartet will provide
the first live entertainment at any NAIAS Charity Preview with performances at
the Infiniti display during the show's annual black-tie gala fund-raiser.
"We have never had this much activity at any auto show in North America,"
said Jason Vines, Nissan's vice president for corporate communications. "And
it fits that we introduce the Xterra, Nissan's first truly North American
product, in the birthplace of the U.S. auto industry."
The 2000 model year Xterra, designed in California, engineered in
Michigan, proven in Arizona and built in Tennessee, will be introduced to the
worldwide media on Jan. 4 during the auto show's press preview days. The
Xterra was designed as a "tough, mobile place for stuff," and is aimed
primarily at young, active consumers who spend their free time outdoors and
who appreciate authenticity.
In addition to Xterra, Nissan will display two other striking concept
vehicles -- the Sport-Utility Truck (SUT(TM)) and the Nissan Z sports car.
"The Nissan SUT(TM) is an interesting blend of a compact pickup truck with
a sport-utility vehicle," Vines said. "The concept Z could be the next
generation of one of the best-recognized cars in America.
"We're very proud of these concepts from Nissan Design International in
San Diego," Vines added. "We're taking the wraps off them to give show-goers
a peek at some of the future thinking that's going on in our company right
now."
For years, Nissan operations in the United States, including NNA and
Nissan Research and Development, Inc. in Farmington Hills, Mich., have
supported the NAIAS Charity Preview, which has raised millions of dollars for
10 Detroit-area charities.
To enhance that support in 1999, Infiniti Division, Nissan's luxury-car
marketer, will host the Dave Brubeck quartet at the brand new Infiniti display
during the Charity Preview on Jan. 8. The quartet has been associated with
Infiniti Division for years.
"This renowned group has helped define jazz," said Rod Alberts, executive
director of the 1999 NAIAS. "The Detroit Auto Dealers Association thanks
Nissan and Infiniti Division, specifically, for bringing this jazz great to
the Charity Preview."
Nissan's 1999 auto-show activities extend beyond the NAIAS in Detroit. At
the Chicago Auto Show in early February, Nissan will unveil an all-new Nissan
Maxima sedan and show off another concept car -- the NCS, or New Concept
Sedan. In early April, the all-new Infiniti I30 luxury sedan will bow at the
New York Auto Show.
"People attending the 1999 auto shows will know, without a doubt, that
Nissan and Infiniti are back in a really big way," Vines said.
In North America, Nissan's operations include styling, engineering,
manufacturing, sales, consumer and corporate financing, and industrial and
textile equipment. Nissan in North America employs more than 20,000 people in
the United States, Canada and Mexico, and generates more than 70,000 jobs
through more than 1,500 Nissan and Infiniti dealerships across the continent.
More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan
and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at http://www.nissan-na.com.
(Or visit the Nissan Online News Bureau at http://www.nissannews.com)
