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Nissan Xterra's fate hangs in the balance

The Nissan Xterra might not be long for this world, according to a report from Edmunds. The rugged SUV, which has always been a bit more of a hardcore, purpose-built vehicle than the rest of the Nissan SUV range. But it has also suffered from slowing sales, low fuel economy relative to the competition and general neglect, as Nissan has focused on other offerings in its range.
"There are plans to replace it, there are always plans, (but) I am not sure it will happen. I would say in the next six months to a year," Pierre Loing, vice president of product planning for Nissan Americas told Edmunds. Part of the problem, he added, was that the Xterra is a US-only vehicle, which makes it a hard sell in a world where automakers are increasingly depending on global cars.
Besides the economic forces working against the Xterra, it's just a vehicle that hasn't been a huge sales success of late. Customers are more conscious of fuel economy and a body-on-frame SUV that only nets 16 miles per gallon just isn't good enough; arguably why Nissan barely sold 17,000 units last year. We can hold out hope, as the Xterra remains a fun off-roader that we'd hate to see go, but unless Nissan finds a business case or some global partners, this is a vehicle that is on its last leg.

2014 Nissan Altima gets updated equipment, prices

The fifth-generation Nissan Altima is heading into its second year, and to mark the occasion, it's getting updated pricing, some visual and tactile enhancements and new option packages. First up are the physical changes: All 2014 Altima models will have chrome exhaust tips, revised seat cloth (when not fitted with leather) and better noise isolation. Check the option box for the new Sport Value Package, and the Altima also will come equipped with 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and remote engine start.
But those aren't the most important updates for 2014. Nissan is showcasing the expanded functionality of its NissanConnect system, which works with Android and iPhone handsets. Applications will be introduced in the fall and launch with Google search and Facebook, later to be joined by iHeartRadio and Pandora. NissanConnect with navigation system (separate from NissanConnect applications) will be capable of running SiriusXM Travel Link for data including weather, fuel prices and movie times. In addition, there are changes to other option groups, including a revised Technology Package and a new Display Audio Package, the specifics of which can be found in the official release.
As for pricing, the changes are pretty minimal, with the base 2.5 CVT starting at $21,860 and the full-boat 3.5 SL CVT topping out at $30,660 before options and a $790 destination fee. You can compare those figures with 2013 pricing here, and see the full rundown of all the trim level prices by scrolling below.

Nissan to unveil next-gen Qashqai on Nov. 7

Never heard of the Nissan Qashqai? That's alright, because Nissan has a big crossover lineup, and this one is only sold overseas. But in the markets where it's available, it's been an unbridled success and the cash-cow its name suggests. It was introduced in 2007, and by the end of that year, Nissan had already sold 100,000 of them in Europe alone. By 2011 it had made a million of them, and to date has sold over two million worldwide. And now it's preparing to launch an all-new model to replace it.
Spied while undergoing development a few months ago, Nissan has now announced that it will reveal the new Qashqai on November 7th. But to keep us on our toes, the Japanese automaker has released this teaser image.
Cloaked and looking like something out of Tron, the new Qashqai promises to borrow heavily from the Resonance concept shown earlier this year in Detroit (a bit ironic since the Qashqai isn't sold here) and follow the lead of the new Rogue (or X-Trail as its known in markets where it shares showroom floorspace with the Qashqai).