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Spitballs flying between Nissan and Fiat

At the 2012 LA Auto Show, Fiat brand chief and recently crowned marketing genius, Olivier François, attempted to distance the Fiat 500e from other electric vehicles, asking rhetorically, "Isn't ugliness the worst kind of pollution?" Nissan has apparently taken issue with these comments, feeling slighted for what it considers digs at the Leaf's styling. In a recent interview with Automotive News, Nissan's marketing chief Simon Sproule shot back, "Let's face it, Fiat has not shied away from controversial styling themselves," he continued, "many would describe many of their products as visual pollution." Ouch.
Sproule says that while the 500e is a "me-too" product, made only to appease US emissions regulations, the Leaf is a serious effort at producing an EV. The Nissan marketing boss points out that the Japanese automaker has invested billions in EV development and production facilities, while Fiat will lose $10,000 on every 500e sold.
However sales of the Leaf in the US are down five percent. Nissan sold just 8,330 Leaf's so far this year, but Sproule contends that it has less to do with styling, and more with the charging infrastructure. Sproule also thinks that Nissan hit a balance between styling and practicality with the Leaf: "It's still very recognizable as a five-seat hatchback, fully functioning, absolutely competitive with the packaging of the Golf of any other mainstream vehicle." For a segment where efficiency is king, isn't that what matters most?

The Nissan Patrol may become America's next Armada

Plausible rumors are swirling that the Nissan Patrol, the Land Cruiser rival sold outside of North America, might come to the US as a replacement for the unrelated Nissan Armada. That large SUV's future was left ambiguous after the news of the Xterra's discontinuation, as Nissan's press release ominously promised information on the Armada "at a later date" without further elaboration. That left us scratching our heads and thinking that, perhaps, it would be quietly killed off in the future. If the rumors are true, it will be. And then it will be reborn. It'll join its old platform-mate, the Infiniti QX80, on the Patrol platform. The QX abandoned its Titan-based platform in 2011, becoming the Patrol-based QX80. So you can think of the Armada as catching up, a few years late. The QX80 was refreshed last year, a mainly cosmetic nip-and-tuck. The Infiniti utilizes the 5.6-liter, 400-hp V8 and a 7-speed auto, so it's a safe bet that this powertrain will make it into the Armada version. Less likely, but plausible, would be the availability of the new powertrains intended for the Titan XD and upcoming lower-grade Titans. The massive SUV market tends to be a bit conservative, so the Cummins diesel V8 that's the sole engine in the Titan XD right now seems unlikely. The forums are abuzz with a photo of what's purported to be a leaked marketing image of the new Armada, so head to this TitanXDForum thread if you'd like to see what that's about. (Spoiler: it looks a lot like the Patrol above, minus some of the Nismo flair.) Related Video:

Nissan introduces new seven-seat e-NV200 electric minivan

Intrigued by the prospect of an electric van like the Nissan e-NV200, but need to transport more people? The Japanese automaker may have just the solution. Nissan has announced the expansion of its battery-powered people-hauler with the new seven-seater e-NV200. Billed as the "world's first all-electric seven-seat MPV," the new model is being rolled out (in certain markets anyway) in response to popular demand, and packs an extra set of full-size seats in the back. The seven-seater joins the e-NV200 range alongside the existing panel van and five-seat versions. At the same time, Nissan has also announced the addition of a new premium Evalia trim for both five- and seven-seat versions. Previewed in concept form a few months ago, the e-NV200 Evalia is ideally suited for transporting VIPs in quiet luxury. NISSAN LAUNCHES SEVEN-SEAT E-NV200 - Seven-seat e-NV200 goes on sale in July - Model is world's first all-electric seven-seat MPV - Introduction of full-trim Evalia to e-NV200 line-up - Model launched in response to high demand Nissan will broaden the appeal of its award-winning all-electric e-NV200 this summer with the UK launch of a versatile and practical seven seat version. The new model – the world's first pure electric seven seater – is being introduced in response to huge interest from fleet operators and larger families keen to capitalise on the market-leading e-NV200's low running and maintenance costs and zero emissions performance. Prices start at GBP19,895 (incorporating the Government Plug-In Car Grant) for those choosing the convenience of the Nissan Flex battery leasing option*, and from GBP23,400 (inc PiCG) for those purchasing outright. At the same time, the e-NV200 line-up will be further strengthened with the addition of a new 'Evalia' version available in five and seven-seat form – offering a 'full trim' option for the ultimate combination of technology, style, sophistication and comfort. The developments mean the e-NV200 will be available as a panel van, five or seven-seat Combi, or five or seven-seat Evalia – giving customers the freedom to specify a vehicle that best suits their lifestyle or business requirements. Launched in response to demand The launch of the seven-seat version fills a gap in the market for an electric vehicle (EV) capable of accommodating larger groups of people. Private hire companies and shuttle services in particular have been keen to see its introduction since the e-NV200 was launched last year.