TFL DEC
17
FREIGHT & LOGISTICS
ROAD TRANSPORT
What’s in a
name…
Nissan has invited key
stakeholders from taxi
organisations in South Africa to
discuss the forthcoming Nissan
NV350 Minibus Taxi and play a
part in its introduction.
THE NEW MODEL
is Nissan’s successor to the E20 minibus – a vehicle that holds a strong
sense of nostalgia in South Africa and which sees many of the 71 000 units sold between
1973 and 1996 still in operation today.
The Nissan NV350 Minibus Taxi has been developed to meet local regulations and market
needs and arrives in early 2014, as the return of a legend. It will form strong ties with the
South African taxi industry and the 15-million people it transports every day.
In line with the company’s innovative approach, Nissan has invited key stakeholders from taxi
organisations to take part in naming the new Nissan NV350 Minibus Taxi.
Says Freddie Louw, Chief Marketing Manager of Light Commercial Vehicles at Nissan South
Africa: “After the legendary Nissan E20 formed such strong bonds with the South African taxi
industry – which played a large role in making the E20 what it is today – it is only appropriate
that we involve customers in the very core of our product planning. Never before has a South
African vehicle manufacturer allowed customers, who will be buying their product and using
it on a daily basis, to give it the name of their choice.
“We are looking for a name that adds extra value to what will be a formidable competitor in
the local taxi industry – something distinctly African that will encourage and inspire drivers
and which will impart the strength and reliability they can expect from their Nissan NV350
Minibus Taxi.”
Powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine and featuring a practical 16-seater passenger capacity,
the Nissan NV350 Minibus Taxi reiterates the strong values of spaciousness and fuel economy
that made the E20 so popular for over 20 years.
“We are doing the necessary background work right now, ahead of the 2014 launch, to
ensure that the taxi is suited to the South African taxi industry – and so far the response has
been decidedly positive,” he adds.
The Nissan NV350 ‘Name to Fame Game’ is currently in its third round which sees the provincial
taxi organisations submitting its top five names as received by the regional, metropolitan and
district associations, to their respective organisational bodies and finally to Nissan. The winner
gets their suggested name applied to the new model as well as R50 000 towards his/her new
Nissan NV350 Taxi.Further to the involvement of the taxi industry, Nissan is strengthening the
brand’s ties to the 2013 National Arrive Alive campaign. In full support of safer roads and a
reduction in fatal road accidents over the busiest driving seasons in South Africa, Nissan will
sponsor ten brand-new vehicles to the campaign for the 2013 festive season.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Japan’s second-largest
automotive company, is headquartered in
Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-
Nissan Alliance. Operating with approximately
236 000 employees globally, Nissan sold
more than 4.9-million vehicles and generated
revenue of $116.16-billion in fiscal 2012.
Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of
over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti
brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan
LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission
mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market,
pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now
the best-selling EV in history.
About Nissan in South Africa
Nissan South Africa is the operational hub
for Regional Business Unit South, serving
Nissan’s key South Africa market and 42 other
countries in Sub Saharan Africa, including:
Angola; Ghana; Kenya and Nigeria. The
company offers a range of locally-produced
and imported vehicles in these markets.
Employing nearly 2000 people, its Rosslyn
plant manufactures light commercial vehicles
which include the NP200 half-ton pickup and
NP300 one-ton Hardbody. It also produces
the Livina and Sandero passenger vehicles,
the latter for Alliance partner Renault.
Nissan South Africa is one of the top three
automotive companies in South Africa. In
fiscal 2012 the company sold 50 542 vehicles.
