NissanNews: REVIEW: @AboutCars calls the 2012 Niss...

NissanNews: REVIEW: @AboutCars calls the 2012 Nissan Versa "one of the best family-car bargains on the market." - Read why at: http://bit.ly/rpy2Ri
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Nissan Leaf production to start in Smyrna by late 2012

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Bill Krueger, head of Nissan's manufacturing and supply chain management, tells Automotive News that the March 11 quake in Japan disrupted construction of the automaker's Nissan Leaf production complex in Smyrna, TN, but says there's no need to worry because his team is working 'round the clock to stick to the automaker's open-by-late-2012 timetable.

Says Krueger:

We're still targeting to launch on time. It's too early to give up on meeting our original timing. We have just shy of a year and a half to make it up. We had people over there training when the lights went out. Production didn't happen for a month. That drove the training curve back. We're looking at work-arounds to try to accelerate the schedule now.

This means that, if Nissan can get back on track, the first U.S.-built Leafs will roll down the assembly line in Smyrna, TN in late 2012. Nissan says up to 150,000 Leafs will be built at Smyrna annually.

Nissan Leaf production to start in Smyrna by late 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/11/nissan-leaf-production-to-start-in-smyrna-by-late-2012/

2012 Nissan Versa priced from $10,990

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Nissan

2012 Nissan Versa - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 model year marks the end of the sub-$10,000 new car here in the United States, but Nissan is still committed to offering a bargain price for shoppers looking for purely basic transportation. The 2012 Versa subcompact has officially been priced, and the base 1.6 S 5MT model will only set you back a cool $10,990. And unlike the sub-$10K Versa that came before it, the new 2012 model comes standard with both air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD/AUX stereo.

Of course, more lavishly appointed Versa models are available, starting with the 1.6 S CVT at $12,760, the 1.6 SV CVT at $14,560 and the 1.8 SL CVT at $15,560. Nissan offers a host of optional equipment throughout the Versa range, including Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, a touch-screen navigation system and USB input for iPod/MP3 devices. Hit the jump for Nissan's official release.

Continue reading 2012 Nissan Versa priced from $10,990

2012 Nissan Versa priced from $10,990 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan bringing back Datsun name for emerging markets?

Filed under: Budget, Nissan

Word on the web is that Nissan is mulling the notion of bringing back the Datsun name. According to The Truth About Cars, reports are emerging that the Japanese automaker will employ its old moniker in emerging markets for new, inexpensive models. Specifically, the cars are slated to cost no more than $5,000. That kind of coin likely won't fetch buyers much more than an engine and a couple of doors, but that's just fine by our reckoning. Unfortunately, the news means that American buyers won't be able to sink their teeth into a resurrected 510 anytime soon.

The reports haven't said exactly where the Datsun name will show up. In fact, the plan seems to still be awaiting the go-ahead from the suits at Nissan. Still, if approved, there's a chance that your next overseas rental will wear a Datsun badge on the hood.

Nissan bringing back Datsun name for emerging markets? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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