Dubai - United Arab Emirates 20 January, 2008: Motoring editors from Russia to South Africa have named the Nissan Navara in their 2007 honours list, bestowing awards from 'Car of the Year' to 'Top Pick-up'.

Almost 50 years after Nissan pioneering in the compact pick-up truck, the all new Navara sets the standards around the world.

In South Africa, Bakkie and Truck Action magazine designated the Navara as 'Best Bakkie 2007', following its 'Double Cab of the Year' title awarded by Caravan and Outdoor Life Magazine in 2006.

In Europe, the Navara was named 2007 'Car of the Year' by Russia's Autopanomara magazine, 'Best Pick-up of the Year' by Formula Todo Terreno in Spain, 'Pick-up of the Year' by the UK's 4x4 magazine and 'Top Pick-up' by the 'Professional Juries' panel in Russia - representing editors -in-chief and leading journalists from the automotive media.

In France, the Navara was chosen as best 'Sort Style' at the 4x4 Motor Show and 'Best-Selling Pick-up in Europe' by Turkey's Hurriyet Otoyasam Gazetesi auto magazine.

Having been launched in the Middle East this year, the Navara's latest international awards underline its distinguished pedigree. Now the Navara is part of the region's biggest Nissan SUV line-up. Along with all Nissan SUVs, the Navara - has undergone extensive testing to make sure it more than matches the rigours and extreme temperatures of the desert environment.

Double-cab Navara, is available in a 4WD & 2WD models in Nissan showrooms. The 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-valve petrol engine turns out 162 hp at 5,200 rpm and 41 kg-m torque at 2,000 rpm, while the turbo diesel equivalent produces 171 hp at 4,000 rpm and the same torque output.

Navara is equipped with either a 5-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual. Some of the key features include power door locks, front fog lamps, 6-speaker audio system with CD player, power windows, keyless entry, guard frame protector, dual airbags, anti-lock braking, and Xenon headlamps.

One-time luxuries for pick-ups, such as cruise control, premium trim and upholstery, are standard equipment on the Navara. The double cab seats five while still providing ample storage space in the rear load bay.

Inside, comfort complements the exterior ruggedness, with superior fittings and finishes having overtaken the Navara's early commercial origins.

"The Navara is a consistent award-winner, and the latest honours add to a long list of accolades," said Abdul Ilah Wazni, SUV Brand Manager at Nissan Middle East.  "Middle East owners are now discovering why this vehicle is so enduringly popular and we are confident that by the end of 2008 it will also be an award-winner here."

The all-new 2008 model makes another award-winning addition to Nissan's SUV line-up in the region, which with eight different nameplates is already the largest offered by any manufacturer.

The Navara - along with fellow newcomers Qashqai and Xterra - has joined the five established members of the Nissan SUV stable: the Armada, Murano, Pathfinder, Patrol and X-Trail.

-Ends-

For more information you can visit the Nissan Media Channel through www.nissan-me.com or contact:
Monal Zeidan
General Manager
Marketing and Corporate Communications Department
Nissan Middle East FZE
Tel: +971 4 881 7500
Fax: +971 4 881 9747

Vivian Hawat
TBWA/RAAD Middle East
Tel: + 971 4 425 8800 ext. 8976
E-mail: vivian.hawat@tbwaraad.com 

© Press Release 2008