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Nissan starts building e-NV200 in Spain [w/video]

It doesn't look all that much like a Nissan Leaf, but the new e-NV200 that started production in Barcelona, Spain today shares its powertrain and lithium-ion battery with the world's most popular electric vehicle. The production version of the electric cargo van was unveiled late last year and today's manufacturing start is right on time with the company's previously announced timeline. The first exports will take place in June. The e-NV200 is Nissan's second all-electric vehicle, and the company says that powertrain line-up is "expanding." The vehicle itself will be available in a number of configurations in Europe: a light commercial van, a passenger vehicle and and electric taxi. Nissan has said in the past it is working on installing a fast-charging network of CHAdeMO stations in Barcelona, where the e-NV200 will be used as a cab. The e-NV200 will also be used as an electric taxi in Amsterdam. The zero-tailpipe-emission van is also being tested in Washington, DC with FedEx, but there is no confirmation that it will ever be commercially available in the US. There are a few more details, and a video, on the e-NV200 production start below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. NISSAN'S SECOND 100% ELECTRIC VEHICLE, THE e-NV200, STARTS GLOBAL PRODUCTION IN BARCELONA 05/05/14 Nissan e-NV200 is the second model in Nissan's expanding range of electric vehicles Barcelona plant starts production of Nissan's first electric van as part of ˆ431 million investment New electric van provides a zero-emission solution for urban cargo delivery and taxi companies Barcelona is the only Nissan plant to produce the e-NV200, which will be exported globally e-NV200 shares drivetrain technology with the world's best-selling electric vehicle - the Nissan LEAF BARCELONA – Nissan has started the production of its second all-electric vehicle, the e-NV200, which will soon be available in Europe as both a passenger vehicle and light commercial van. The ceremony was attended by Spanish Ministry of Industry, Jose Manuel Soria, Catalan President, Artur Mas; and the Mayor of Barcelona, Xavier Trias, who were welcomed by Nissan's Chief Planning Officer, Andy Palmer. The Nissan plant in Barcelona will be the global production site for this ground breaking zero-emission vehicle, which will be available as a light commercial van, passenger vehicle and electric taxi in the European market.

Chinese-designed Nissan Lannia Concept debuts in Beijing

Nissan showed off a stylish new concept car to the assembled crowds of media at the Beijing Motor Show. The Lannia Concept is... well, it's not that easy to describe. It's kind of a sedan, only it looks a bit like a fastback from the rear. But for a twist, it has an ever-so-small rear deck. Regardless of how we'd classify it, it's a seriously sharp piece of styling, thanks to its unique shape and flowing character lines.
If the Lannia's styling appears familiar, it's because we've sort of seen it before. There's more than a little bit of inspiration from the Friend-Me Concept. The Lannia's overall shape is similar to the Friend-Me, while both the front and rear clips look decidedly more production ready. Considering this evolution, we shouldn't rule out a production Lannia in the next few years. And if Nissan's product boss, Andy Palmer is any indication, the new model might not be limited to China.
"It was designed by Chinese, built by Chinese for the Chinese people, and ultimately, for the world," Palmer said in a statement. If Nissan can keep this sharp styling, this could prove a compelling buy in a number of markets.

US-built Infiniti Q50 engines to go into Euro-only cars

Back in March, Infiniti announced that it would be adding a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder to its Q50 line for European and Chinese buyers. Now, we know where that engine will be built.
Nissan's Decherd, TN facility will receive the $319-million investment, which will see a separate, dedicated line for the Infiniti engines. According to Automotive News, this is more than a line running alongside the Nissan operations - the Infiniti facility will sport its own unique architecture and interior lighting, in a bid to distinguish the premium line from its mass-market parent company.
The logistics of all this do seem, on the surface, quite screwy. Building a new engine on one continent for a car built on another that will eventually go on sale on a third doesn't seem too bright, although there is a catch here. The new engine will also find its way into the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which will kick off production in Vance, AL later this year.