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Nissan Rogue Detour uses Google Maps to go create virtual test drive from your doorstep

The best way to evaluate a new car before you buy it is to test drive it. All of the specs and reviews in the world cannot communicate how a car suits you as well as a few minutes behind the wheel. Interesting, then, that according to Nissan, the average buyer spends twice as much time researching new cars online than they do at dealers. To market its new 2014 Rogue, Nissan has launched an online marketing experience aimed at bridging that gap. Called The Detour, it combines Google Street View and Google Maps to give you a custom-tailored virtual test drive. The neat, uniquely interactive part about Detour is that it allows you to specify a starting and ending location. Thus, you can use the microsite to 'show' the Rogue on your commute, or your favorite stretch of tarmac. To spice things up, Nissan has added some digital effects and set the experience to a song by British rapper M.I.A. Detour seems to work better on shorter journeys, because it snips out some portions of the route in order to keep the experience from running too long. If you're going to try it out, we suggest using a crosstown journey rather than going cross country. Scroll down to get all of the details on the Rogue's latest marketing campaign, or click here to try it out for yourself. Nissan Takes 2014 Rogue Shoppers on Cinematic "Detour" with New Google Maps-Based Virtual Test Drive Feb. 4, 2014 – New Online Campaign Shows How Nissan Rogue Makes Every Drive More Exciting – NASHVILLE – Nissan today launched "The Detour," an exciting virtual driving adventure in support of the ongoing rollout of the all-new 2014 Nissan Rogue compact SUV. Available now at nissanusa.com/the-detour, The Detour utilizes Google® Street View, Google® Maps and Google® Satellite API – along with Hollywood-style digital effects and a soundtrack from recording artist M.I.A. – to create a custom test drive experience starting from anywhere around the world. "Recent studies show that new car buyers today spend nearly twice as much time researching their purchases online than at dealerships – more clicking than kicking the tires, so to speak. So why not bring the two together with an informative and enjoyable test drive in buyers' own neighborhoods?" said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Nissan Marketing Communications & Media, Nissan North America, Inc.

Infiniti puts EV plans on hold again

Think of it as the green-automotive industry's version of Groundhog Day. Nissan's Infiniti division is putting plans for its first mass-production electric vehicle on hold. Again. The Infiniti LE, whose concept version was unveiled 2012's New York Auto Show, is again being put up on the proverbial blocks, USA Today says, citing a presentation by Infiniti executive Michael Bartsch at a recent company event in Detroit. Essentially, the Nissan division has bigger fish to fry, in the form of boosting overall Infiniti sales, and doesn't yet want to put the effort into introducing the Infiniti LE. The Infiniti EV plans were first postponed by then-Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen during the summer of 2013, as de Nysschen wasn't quite buying into Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn's ambitious electric vehicle sales projections. De Nysschen resigned last summer to join General Motors' Cadillac division. One issue may be the fact that the Infiniti wouldn't be all that different from the Nissan Leaf. Despite the fact that US sales of that EV surged 34 percent last year compared to 2013, to 30,200 vehicles, an Infiniti version was apparently not enough of a selling point within the company. While the Infiniti is sportier looking than the Leaf and would boast inductive, wireless charging, it would have a similar power output and single-charge range as the Leaf.

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.