Petaling Jaya, 5 November 2008 - Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) today announced the introduction of its all-new Premium Sports Utility Truck, the Nissan Navara.

Since its launch, the Nissan Navara has continued to sell beyond expectations with over 480,000 units sold in more than 140 markets to date throughout Europe, North America, Central America, South America, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East and Asia.

“The Navara is highly rated for its toughness, off-road capabilities and comfort across the world”, said Thierry Viadieu, President of Siam Nissan Automobile and Corporate Vice President of Nissan Motor Co.,Ltd. “The Navara has also garnered several prestigious awards including 2006 Consumer Digest’s Best Buy in the US, Off-Road Award 2007 (Pick-Up of the Year) in Germany, Lifestyle Pick-Up of The Year 2007/2008 in UK, Pick-Up of the Year 2008 in Spain and Grand Prix Group’s Best Pick-Up 4WD 2008 under 2500cc in Thailand.”

"The Navara’s engine is undoubtedly the best in its segment as it offers the highest power and torque amongst all mid size pick-up trucks in Malaysia.  Being recognized as the “Mother of all Trucks”, it also comes with the highest level of standard specifications and features. We are very confident that the all-new Navara will be very popular in Malaysia. The Navara shifts towards more upscale and higher profile customers who seek more modernity and comfort with the Nissan DNA fun-to-drive spirit.” said Dato’ Dr Ang Bon Beng, Executive Director of ETCM during the official launch.

“Automatic pick-up truck volume grew by 25% in 2008 compared to 2007,” highlighted Dato’.

The all-new Nissan Navara delivers a compelling combination of powerful performance, bold styling and new levels of innovation to the pick-up truck market and offers innovative features designed to enhance its flexible utility – whether for work or leisure. 

On the inside, the Navara combines the comfort and command seating of an SUV with technology more associated with a luxury sedan. With the longest wheelbase in the segment (3200mm), it offers the flexibility of a genuine five-seater with heaps of interior space. It also features an appealing comfortable leather interior with exceptional quietness, ride feel and handling.

The Navara is only available with a five-speed automatic transmission and is mated to the powerful YD25DDTi common-rail direct injection diesel engine. This engine delivers an industry-leading 174ps and maximum torque of 403Nm by adopting a variable nozzle turbocharger with intercooler.  Additionally, an engine balancer shaft system is employed for superior Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH) suppression performance.

The Navara features “Shift-on-the-Fly” 4WD system which is electronically-controlled and a Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This system enables shifting between 2WD and 4WD with the use of a dial without having to stop the vehicle as long as the vehicle is travelling at less than 100km/h. The LSD optimizes the torque balance between the left and right wheels which improves drivability and stability during cornering and on slippery terrains. It also features the same durable concept frame as the US’s Nissan Titan, full-size truck.

With safety in mind, the Navara is always prepared for the unexpected. The Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) balances the braking effort between the front and the rear for maximum braking efficiency. At the same time, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optimises braking performance by electronically preventing wheel lock-up to enable the driver to maintain directional control even in emergency braking situations. The Zone Body construction and SRS dual front airbags protect the driver and passengers in the event of collision. In addition, the Navara is the only pick-up truck to offer Xenon headlamps (JPJ compliant) to ensure the best possible driving vision in the dark hours.

Nissan’s all new Navara is fully imported as a completely built-up unit from Thailand.  three metallic colour options are offered: Supreme Black, Tungsten Silver & Twilight Gray. The on-the-road price (inclusive of insurance, road tax, registration fee and ownership claim fee) valid for Peninsular Malaysia will start from RM103,721.90 and comes with a 3-year or 100,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty.

Prior to the Navara launch, the Nissan Technology Square jointly organized by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd (Nissan) and Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, kicked off today at One Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya. The public will be able to view the exhibition from 6th to 9th November 2008.

At Nissan Technology Square, Nissan will be showcasing it’s technologies with a focus on addressing environment and road safety concerns. Visitors will also experience examples of Nissan's technological innovations and the future of automobiles through the exhibition, interactive displays and demonstrations.

Nissan Technology Square is part of Nissan’s commitment to support education by providing Malaysian students with an opportunity to interact with Nissan’s senior management represented by Itaru Nishikawa, President of Nissan Technical Centre South East Asia Co., Ltd., and Kazuhiro Doi, General Manager of Nissan’s Technology Development Division. They will present Nissan’s technical development activities and have a dialogue with the students about the latest automotive technologies.