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Renault's push for more affordable EVs has global implications

The Renault K-ZE is a small electric car that signals a big change in how the French automaker plans on bringing electric vehicles to the masses. Set to go on sale in China beginning in 2019, the K-ZE is meant to have the design of a sport-utility vehicle, but it's on a supermini-sized frame. While it's set to arrive in Europe by 2021, this petite EV could eventually impact electric sales here in the U.S., too. That's because Nissan, maker of the Leaf EV, is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, a three-pronged automaker with a huge global presence. In China, however, the Renault brand has been absent from the country's booming market for electric vehicles — driven in large part by government mandates to combat air pollution by promoting cleaner, zero-emission cars and trucks in cities. Speaking ahead of the K-ZE's debut this week at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, Carlos Ghosn, the chairman and CEO of Group Renault, stated the company "was a pioneer and is the European leader in electric vehicles." To this, he added the K-ZE is meant to have global reach and bring costs down for the consumer. "We are introducing Renault K-ZE, an affordable, urban, SUV-inspired electric model combining the best of Groupe Renault: our leadership in EV, our expertise in affordable vehicles and in forging strong partnerships," said Ghosn. In China, the K-ZE will be manufactured as part of a joint partnership in cooperation with Renault, Nissan and the Chinese automobile firm Dongfeng Motor Group. The range of the K-ZE is expected to be about 150 miles per charge, or roughly the current range in the 2018 Leaf EV. Except the K-ZE is almost three feet shorter than the Leaf, which means Renault is getting a lot more range from a smaller and lighter amount of batteries. While a car this size would be too small for the U.S. market, the technology beneath this teeny hatchback/SUV is certain to make an appearance here in the years ahead. At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Nissan provided a hint of its future European EV plans, courtesy of the IMx Kuro Concept. This edgy-looking electric crossover is a good indication as to the design direction of Nissan's next range of electric crossovers and SUVs over the next 3-5 years — look for the design and tech to similarly migrate stateside.

DIY fix to lost reverse gear is cheaper than a new transmission

Sometimes in life money gets tight, and the funds just aren't there to make a repair on your vehicle. What proves someone's mettle is how that person deals with it, and this guy deserves a medal for his ingenuity. According to the YouTube description, the man's Nissan Pathfinder lost reverse gear, and this system of chains and rollers has been his fix until he can really get it repaired. Trying this stunt in a crowded parking lot could get a little scary, but for leaving home, this might be all you would need. Also, we have to applaud the father/son bonding on display in this clip. The driver's kid acts as lookout to tell dad when the SUV gets on the rollers. That little boy now has a story to impress his friends for years to come. News Source: hexdude24 via YouTube Auto News Nissan Auto Repair Maintenance SUV Videos viral video nissan pathfinder gearbox reverse

Nissan bringing rolling social media box to Tokyo

Nissan has quite a diverse lineup ready for the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show this year. There are a few familiar faces in tow like the Gripz concept and updated Leaf. However, the true debut among this group is the quirky Teatro for Dayz concept (pictured above) that imagines the ultimate vehicle for young people. According to Nissan, the Teatro for Dayz is designed for the so-called digital native generation – basically those with the Internet widely available from birth. On the outside, the EV concept actually evokes a modernized take on the Cube with its boxy, angular shape. The oddly named concept wears some of the brand's current styling cues, though, like the V-shaped grille and LEDs slashing through the headlights. The squared-off rear features taillights running all the way across and lower lights that echo the ones in front. The interior is just a simple expanse of white with front and rear bench seats, but layout meant to allow social-media-obsessed occupants to express themselves through digital displays. Meanwhile, the Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo goes on display in Tokyo with a few tweaks. This GT-R of the digital future now wears a coat of Fire Knight red paint and gets a more prominent V-shaped grille in front. The original version debuted at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Overview: Nissan Exhibit at 2015 Tokyo Motor Show Yokohama (October 5, 2015) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today released an overview of its exhibit at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight and open to the public from October 30 through November 8. Among the exhibits will be Teatro for Dayz, an innovative concept that signals a new direction in mobile technology. Designed especially for the digital native generation, this vision of near-future vehicles departs from convention and marks a shift in perception. Major Nissan exhibit components include: Nissan Gripz Concept, making its Japan debut following its unveiling at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show last month Upgraded Nissan Leaf with increased battery capacity, resulting in significantly longer driving range Leading-edge autonomous drive and safety technologies Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo A total of 20 vehicles will be on display, including the X-Trail Hybrid Mode Premier and Juke 16GT Four Personalization models; and special-feature models, including the Skyline 350GT Hybrid Type-SP Cool Exclusive, Fuga 370GT Type-S Cool Exclusive and Serena Highway Star V Selection.