I once taught a ‘history’ lesson about car manufacturing that progressed into pure geography as we elicited the takeovers and downfalls of marques; BMW’s purchase of Rover and subsequent sale to exclude the jewel in the crown of the Mini brand, for example. The results of the 2009 JD Power survey are based on consumer questionaires with vehicle appeal weighted as the most important factor followed by vehicle quality and reliability, ownership costs and service satisfaction. By considering the majority of manufacturer’s countries of origin; Japan, Germany and France appear prominently in descending rank order. The Gauls fall below the industry average, although an improvement over Italians, Fiat who finished last. Of course, this is a simple way to categorise although becomes increasingly blurred as makers collaborate to reduce costs.

Firstly, motoview contributor, Miranda Wilson describes the trials and tribulations of her Renault Clio, compared to its predecessor, the Ford Ka. Miranda writes; “I owned a used Ford Ka for about four years before deciding to trade it in for a newer car. My Ka was reliable, cheap to run, quirky, nippy, fun to drive and was used for typical journeys such as commuting to and from work without experiencing any problems. It also served me well at university by transporting my belongings which were crammed several times a year into its admittedly limited space. In fact, I was so confident with my cute Ka that I didn’t even bother getting breakdown cover. Living in the southeast was when I decided to upgrade to a newer car. I often needed to drive long distances to visit friends and family and was starting to feel nervous in the Ka. It felt flimsy alongside bigger vehicles, was susceptible to being buffeted in strong winds and lacked overtaking power because of the small engine. During sweltering hot summers, my black Ka was like a heat trap, having no sunroof or air-con with only two front windows which fully wound down.

Something sturdier with more power and space was required and having researched several makes of cars, I settled on buying a 2002 five door Renault Expression from a local dealership. It had everything such as more space, a bigger engine and improved safety as well as central locking, electric windows, air-con and steering wheel controls for the audio system. The car had only 6262 miles on the clock with full service history so was promoted to me as being nearly-new.I was pleased with the practicalities of my new Clio however problems started after 13 months of ownership. One day it sounded very clattery and the engine warning light came on at 14,751 miles, resulting in the car being off the road for several days whilst one of the coils was replaced at £125.94. A month later, the same problem reoccurred although this time, the three remaining coils were changed at £165.31.

A service that year showed the nearside ball joint needed replacing costing £204.70 and a loose handbrake needed tightening setting me back another £25.00 (I’m not heavy-handed with it!). In July of this year, the car wouldn’t start at all so was towed to the nearest garage to have a new starter motor fitted at a further £242.86. The car had covered 25,681 miles in comparison to my Ka which managed three times this mileage on its factory starter motor.I’m no car expert, but given the reliability of my previous Ka and the pittance it cost me in repairs and new parts, I really considered the quality of my Clio to be seriously flawed. A letter of complaint was sent to Renault who refunded me £291.25 for the cost of replacing the coils, apparently a known fault in some of their cars. Although the reimbursement and excellent service received from their Customer Relations Manager has restored some of my trust in Renault, the unpleasant experience of being towed, and inconvenience having to find alternative transport on three occasions in just over two and a half years has left me reluctant to ever own a Renault again. I shall trade this one in which will hopefully be sooner rather than later!”

Miranda’s case dispels the assumption that reliability increases the newer the car although to their credit, Renault has acknowledged ignition coil and bonnet release problems. I also owned a Clio, a monstrously oversized 1.9 diesel that vibrated so much that it loosened engine mountings on a trip from London. Terminally, a bearing seized and snapped the timing belt. Game over.

Case studies aside, French manufacturers could be accused of style over substance as the ’shaking that ass’ commercial for the previous big-bottomed Megane testified. Technology with practical design should complement each other, inversely proportional when it comes to changing a Megane front bulb as Fifth Gear discovered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXCZ2v-nIF4

When it comes to electrics, my man in the trade reminds me that Japanese car owners enter his shop to buy bulbs and fuses, unlike German and French cars which tend to require a trip to their dealership to be charged a diagnosis fee, a precursor to an often larger one. Strange then, to notice that Nissan which came ahead of the French manufacturers in the JD Power survey, have an alliance with Renault. Shared platforms and common parts that are not visible to the customer such as gearboxes or air-conditioning systems, are used to make economies of scale to reduce development and production costs. This could be viewed as a clear-rip off when you realise that your Nissan or Renault is not 100% pure. The recently-launched Koleos has been designed by Renault but developed by Nissan using advanced 4×4 technology, with the Nissan 3.5-litre petrol engine used in the Laguna and Renault’s 1.5-litre diesel found in the Nissan Qashqai. To capitalise on the powertrain expertise of both partners (Renault for diesel and Nissan for petrol), the partnership co-developed common engines and gearboxes, including a six-speed manual gearbox and a new V6 diesel engine. The common B platforms, notably Nissan Versa and Renault Clio with C platforms, notably Renault Mégane/Scénic and Nissan Qashqai, represented more than 50% of the vehicles sold by Renault and Nissan globally in 2008.

I can only assume that some of Renault’s slide down JD Power results (from 22 in 2008 to 25 in 2009) is attributable to their own parts. Despite this, Renault has twelve models that have scored a maximum of 5 stars in EuroNcap crash results as well as the proven 1.5 dCi 106 that boasts the lowest CO₂ emissions of any seven-seat compact MPV, at 135g/km in the New Grand Scenic. Citroen, which is part of the Peugeot group (PSA) has expanded their Picasso range of MPV to include Citroën Grand C4, Citroën Xsara and Citroën C4, coming first, second and fourth respectively in the JD Power MPV sector. Moreover, the new C3 Picasso includes two petrol engines that have been developed in cooperation with BMW, yes BMW! Citroen is also the strongest of the trio, ranked 19 compared to Peugeot (24) and Renault (25). Citroen’s C5 advert makes plain its intention to replicate Audi supported by their Exterior Supervisor, Domagoj Dukec, who once worked for Volkswagen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMQnPWjK5pE

My forecast is that the ‘French’ will gingerly climb up the quality and reliability ladder as collaborations, alliances and partnerships inevitably spin their webs between each other because of that ultimate business goal, profit. This has happened with Peugeot’s 107, which ranked second highest in the city car sector, between the winning Toyota Aygo and sixth-placed Citroen C1.  It’s no wonder then, that some manufacturers have not been taken to task on trade descriptions when attaching one badge to their bonnet, which makes that lesson far more complex to teach nowadays.

September 2009

For launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan LEAF ushers in a new era of mobility – the zero-emission era.  The car is the embodiment of Nissan’s radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research. 

“Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn.  “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality. The unveiling of a real-world car that has zero, not simply reduced  emissions.  It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”

Key characteristics of the LEAF include:

1)     Zero-emission power train and platform     2)    Affordable pricing     3)    Distinctive design    4)     Real-world range autonomy – 160km (100 miles)                      5)     Connected Mobility: Advanced intelligent transportation (IT) system

The “LEAF” name is a significant statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan LEAF purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped C-segment vehicle.  Additionally, Nissan LEAF is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world.  As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan LEAF is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY

Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm.  This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles.

Unlike internal-combustion engine (ICE) equipped vehicles, Nissan LEAF’s power train has no tail pipe, and thus no emission of CO₂ or other greenhouse gases.  A combination of Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160km (100 miles) on one full charge*.  (*US LA4 mode)

Extensive consumer research demonstrates that this range satisfies the daily driving requirements of more than 70% of the world’s consumers who drive cars.

And, Nissan’s approach makes charging easy and convenient.  Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours – ample time to enable an overnight refresh for consumer and car alike.

REAL-WORLD CAR

The engineers and designers behind Nissan LEAF worked to create a competitively priced real-world car that would enable Nissan to lead mobility into the zero-emission era.  To ensure comfort, spaciousness and cargo capacity, Nissan LEAF employs a completely new chassis and body layout.

”Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-size, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility,” said Masato INOUE, Product Chief Designer.

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

Even the smallest details can yield tremendous effect.

Nissan LEAF’s frontal styling is characterised by a sharp, upright V-shaped design featuring long, up-slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that employ a blue internal reflective design that announces, “This car is special”. But the headlights do more than make a statement.  They are also designed to cleverly split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, thus reducing wind noise and drag.  And, the headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10 percent of the electricity of conventional lamps, which helps Nissan LEAF to achieve its world-class range autonomy.

Through bright trim colours inside, Nissan LEAF creates a pleasing and stylish cabin environment.  An environmentally friendly “blue earth” colour theme originates from the Aqua Globe body colour of Nissan LEAF’s introductory model.  This theme is carried into the interior through blue dashboard highlights and instrument illumination.

CONNECTED MOBILITY IT SYSTEM

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system.  Connected to a global data centre, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.  

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power – or “reachable area” – in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down.  An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

“The IT system is a critical advantage,” says Tooru ABE, Chief Product Specialist. “We wanted this vehicle to be a partner for the driver and an enhancement for the passengers.  We also wanted this vehicle to help create a zero-emission community, and these IT features will help make that possible.”

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY AND ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATION

Nissan LEAF is a critical first step in establishing the era of zero-emission mobility; however, Nissan recognises that internal-combustion engine (ICE) technologies will play a vital role in global transportation for decades to come.  Because of this, Nissan is implementing its zero-emission vision through a holistic approach, which provides consumers with a comprehensive range of eco-friendly technologies from which to choose.

For some consumers, Nissan LEAF will be the perfect match, and the only car they will ever need.  For others, Nissan LEAF will be a logical addition to the family fleet – the optimal choice for the daily commute, for example.

While zero-emission is the ultimate goal, the company is committed to ongoing innovation in eco-friendly technologies that increase efficiency and reduce emissions. 

As a result, Nissan offers a comprehensive suite of automotive technologies, including CVT, Idle Stop, HEV, Clean Diesel, and ongoing research and investment in FCV technology.

WORLDWIDE PARTNERS

Zero-emission mobility programmes under the banner of the Renault-Nissan Alliance include partnerships with countries such as the UK and Portugal, local governments in Japan and the USA, and other sectors, for a total of nearly 30 partnerships worldwide.

In these partnerships major efforts focus on three areas: 

    1) Development of a comprehensive charging infrastructure through public and private investment,

    2) Incentives and subsidies from local, regional, and national governments, and

    3) Public education on the individual and societal benefits of zero-emissions mobility.

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE PRODUCTION

Nissan LEAF is the first in the company’s forthcoming line of EVs and is a major milestone in the realisation of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s vision for zero-emission mobility.  The first of Nissan’s EVs will be manufactured at Oppama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for Smyrna, Tennessee, USA.  Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Zama, Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world.

This is an edited and abbreviated version of Nissan’s Press release. Images are copyright of Nissan Press Office.

2nd August 2009

MOTOVIEW’S EDITORIAL

Motoview commends Nissan’s foresight with the Leaf and its commitment to and implementation of environmentally-friendly technologies however there are key issues that need to be addressed, at least to the UK market. Motoview predicts the Leaf will be on the market for around £15000 which would be a coup as it would be affordable and within reach of the general public. We also expect the vehicle to be duty exempt because of zero carbon emissions but Motoview can’t see how the UK government will encourage sales as their encouragement for green technologies does lag behind the majority of Western Europe. Furthermore, the onus will be on the government to liase with privatised energy companies who will provide electricity for the Leaf as well as charging points. Motoview suspects that the rhetoric will be different to the reality.

4th August 2009

Sotiris Vassiliou