NISSAN CANADA – After doubling sales of Pathfinder since the October 2012 introduction of an all-new fourth-generation design, Nissan's iconic SUV took another major step forward on March 27 with the world debut of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid at a press conference at the New York International Auto Show.
2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
The Pathfinder Hybrid, the first of several upcoming Nissan hybrid models, is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers in Canada in late summer. Featuring a supercharged 2.5-litre gasoline engine, 15 kW electric motor and advanced Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch hybrid control system, it will be priced at around $3,000 above the standard 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine-powered Pathfinder models.
Also making its New York debut was the wheelchair accessible version of the Nissan NV200 Taxi, which will become available as part of Nissan's NV200 "Taxi of Tomorrow" program that rolls out this coming fall. Converted by Indiana-based BraunAbility, the NV200 Mobility Taxi features a rear ramp and an industry-first integrated restraint system that provides safe and quick securing of wheelchairs. The rear ramp access eliminates the need for wheelchair users to cross traffic to enter or exit – an important feature for New York City's network of one-way streets. The Nissan Mobility Taxi looks and functions like a standard NV200 Taxi until the mobility function is needed.
Said Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Executive Vice President Andy Palmer: "Our mindset at Nissan is to lead the way with innovative solutions to the challenges of modern, sustainable mobility. That means creating cleaner, greener vehicles like the Pathfinder Hybrid that serve people on the move, and vehicles like the NV200 Mobility Taxi that offer expanded functionality while keeping a small environmental footprint."
Both vehicles will be on display throughout the New York International Auto Show's consumer days – until April 7th – at Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.
Palmer also announced that the next generation Nissan Murano, scheduled for the 2015 model year, will be based on the recently introduced Resonance Concept and will include a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.
Among the other Nissan vehicles featured at the show is the Nissan NV200 "Gibson Repair & Restoration Van," a custom designed mobile version of the fabled Gibson Guitars' Repair & Restoration shop in Nashville, Tenn.
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Road test previously done on AutoOpinion.ca (in French)
Nissan Pathfinder 2008
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