Insider: Nissan Qazan Compact Crossover Concept to Premiere in Geneva

Carscoop has learned that Nissan will take the wraps off a new compact-sized crossover concept at the Geneva Motorshow in March. Our sources told us that the concept car will be called Qazan and in effect, it will preview Nissan's new compact car that will arrive in European showrooms in 2010. The Japanese automaker disclosed its plans to expand its crossover portfolio beyond the Qashqai, Qashqai+2 and the Murano in June 2008, when it released the teaser sketch of the compact car that you see above.

The new compact crossover will be built at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the U.K. where it will take up the manufacturing capacity created when production of the current Micra ends in 2010. The Japanese firm's next-generation supermini will be shifted to a new plant in Chennai, India that is currently being built by the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Nissan to Present Cube Rider Performance and Cube Drive Shot Concepts at Tokyo Salon

Among the fifteen modified Nissan models that will make their debut at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon 2009, are two concept versions of the all-new 2009 Cube dubbed "Drive Shot" and "Rider High Performance Spec". The most interesting concept of the two is the "Cube Rider High Performance Spec" developed by Autech. Aside from the full bodykit that includes a three-bar chrome grille, new front and rear bumpers, a roof spoiler and decorative decals, the customized Cube also gets different alloy wheels as well as a sport suspension and engine modifications (Nissan did not reveal any details).

The second Cube study, called "Drive Shot Concept", incorporates the dealer-option "Aero Outer" package, featuring a subtle bodykit and new alloys. The concept car is also equipped with what Nissan calls a "Drive Shot" option, that gives the driver the ability to capture images of passing scenery and upload it into the navigation system, with the simple "click" of a button. Talk about useless gadgets...

Nissan NV2500 LCV Concept Revealed in the Flesh

Due to its decision to pull out of the Detroit auto show in January 2009, Nissan decided to take the wraps off the NV2500 light commercial concept vehicle today, at a media event at its Nissan Technical Center North America's (NTCNA) Michigan headquarters. Billed as one of the largest concept vehicles that the company has ever produced, the NV2500 Concept's role is to provide a preview of Nissan's entry into the CV market in North America.

In this particular configuration, the NV2500 Concept is designed for construction use. The light commercial vehicle's highlights include a "wall-less" mobile office/workspace design with a computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table.

Built on a modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup all-steel, fully boxed ladder frame, the NV2500 Concept has a 147.6-inch (12.3-foot)) wheelbase and measures a full 19.5 feet bumper-to-bumper. It stands 8 feet tall and is 6.6 feet wide. Inside, from the front of the passenger compartment to rear door, there is room to carry objects up to 10.5 feet long with the passenger seat moved out of the way.

Nissan will enter the CV business in the United States in 2010 with a product lineup that will incorporate three new products being developed specifically for the North American market. All of these products will be built at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss. where the company is investing $118 million to expand the plant's production capability.