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Infiniti readies Juke-based ESQ crossover specifically for China

When most luxury automakers started getting into SUVs and crossovers, they started at with the largest models, but have gradually been getting smaller. Think Lexus and the LX, Audi and the Q7, or BMW and the X5, and you'll see what we mean, because each of them has been steadily downsizing its crossovers ever since. But Infiniti is going even smaller. At least, in China, anyway.
That's where the luxury marque from Nissan will soon be offering the new Infiniti ESQ. The smallest of Infiniti crossovers has been developed in China, exclusively for the Chinese market to meet Chinese tastes. It shares its underpinnings with the Nissan Juke, but instead of starting with the base model, Infiniti China has started with the more potent Juke Nismo - complete with 1.6-liter turbo four producing 197 horsepower - and added on premium accoutrements. The exterior that appears to be differentiated by a new grille and wheels, featuring the ESQ logo instead of Infiniti's, but the same quirky styling that sets the Juke apart. Though all we can of the interior is the steering wheel, you can bet that Infiniti gave the ESQ a more luxurious cabin space, too.
Infiniti's global communications manager Stefan Wienmann told Autoblog that the company is "expanding [its] portfolio not only globally but also specifically in China," adding the ESQ to a market-specific lineup that includes long-wheelbase versions of the Q50 sedan and QX50 crossover. "We see specific sales opportunities in this segment," explains Wienmann, adding that a targeted project like the ESQ "also enables us to gain experience in positioning a new premium model to the 'new millennials', a customer group that is very important to us."

Nissan details 326k-vehicle Takata recall for US and Canada

Nissan is recalling 326,000 vehicles in the US and Canada as an expansion of its Takata inflator campaign. Of those, 263,692 are in the US. Nissan's broadened campaign in the US covers 250,967 examples of the 2004-2006 Sentra and 12,725 units of the 2004 Pathfinder to replace their passenger side airbag inflators. The 2005-2006 X-Trail is also included in Canada. Customers should receive official notification of this recall by mail in June. Nissan and Toyota announced a 6.5-million vehicle global expansion of their Takata recalls recently. At that time, Nissan was still working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the details of what models were affected. This latest release outlines those figures. Related Video: Nissan Statement "Nissan Group today notified The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada that it will be recalling 2004 to 2006 Sentra, 2004 Pathfinder and 2005 and 2006 X-Trail vehicles throughout the United States and Canada to replace Takata SPI Passenger Air Bag inflators. This recall expansion is intended to address vehicles equipped with SPI inflators that are not already subject to previously announced recalls. More specifically, this includes vehicles located outside the high absolute humidity areas manufactured between early 2004 and end of production. Customer notification will begin in June." Vehicles Affected Approximately 326,000 in U.S. and Canada Market Model Model Year(s) Population Total USA Sentra 2004-2006 250,967 USA Pathfinder 2004 12,725

Recharge Wrap-up: Nissan UK battery plant, Hyundai EV/FCEV station

Hyundai has opened a joint hydrogen fueling/EV charging station in South Korea. Called a "Fusion" station, it allows customers to take advantage of both types of alternative energy Hyundai uses for its vehicles. The station in Gwangju began as a hydrogen station, and EV charging capability was added recently. While users will have in common the use of green energy to power their vehicles, it will be interesting to see if spontaneous debates erupt between drivers over the merits of the two alternative powertrains. Hyundai will now use the hydrogen fueling part of the station to study fuel usage. Read more at Inside EVs. EV charging company EverCharge is teaming up with Schneider Electric to provide charging infrastructure to multi-tenant buildings. Because of the limited electricity for buildings like apartments, condominiums and offices – as well as the fact that multiple occupants often share power – installing charging at such locations has been challenging. EverCharge's SmartPower technology senses excess or limited power supply, and uses it to charge multiple vehicles accordingly. The groups will use this technology along with Schneider Electric's EVlink Home EV Charger to provide charging services at these otherwise difficult locations. Read more at Green Car Congress, or at the EverCharge blog. Nissan will build fourth-generation lithium-ion batteries for the Leaf at its plant in Sunderland, England. The announcement comes amidst rumors of the automaker outsourcing battery production. The decision means that Nissan's $37.5 million investment will preserve 300 jobs at the plant. The factory currently manufactures second-generation, 24-kW Leaf and e-NV200 batteries, and imports the third-generation, 30-kW Leaf battery from Nissan's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. "Today's announcement reflects Nissan's intention to remain EV leaders for many years to come, with our European operations at the heart of our future innovations," says Nissan Europe Chairman Paul Willcox. Read more at Automotive News Europe, and in the press release below.