Nissan Commercial Vehicles' new cargo van will be unique to North America with a high-volume, body-on-frame configuration powered by proven gasoline engines and a 5-speed automatic transmission, executives said after unveiling a mock-up at the National Truck Equipment Association's
Work Truck Show in St. Louis last week. Called NV for Nissan Van, the truck will be offered in 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-ton versions with two roof heights, large side and rear doors, a comfortable cab, and a large engine compartment forward of the driver-passenger area.

The new vans are a "clean-sheet" approach based on extensive research with trucks users in eight major U.S. cities and other areas, said Joe Castelli, Nissan North America's vice president, commercial vehicles and fleet. Users indicated that most existing van products are old designs and that fresh ideas are needed. All NVs will have rugged steel bodies on ladder-type frames for maximum payloads and trailer towing ability.

"We've invested more than five years researching the comfort, style and smart functionality demands that will enable business owners to accomplish more throughout their day," said Castelli, a former executive at Ford Motor's commercial truck group, whose long-running E-series is by far the most popular van in the market. "We plan on coming out of the box with segment-busting vehicles, so customer input was essential."

Scheduled to reach the market late this year, the American-made 2011-model vans are designated NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD, and will be available with 4-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 engines from Nissan's pickups, and in two body styles: Standard Roof (all models) and High Roof (NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD). Standard-height bodies will fit in most garages and car washes and easy to maneuver in drive-through lanes of fast-food restaurants - something that work-van drivers frequent, Castelli said.

Cargo Area Specs

Cargo areas in High Roof models have 76.5 inches of stand-up and walk-through room, while the Standard Roof is 55.4 inches high inside. Both roof versions have floors that are 70.3 inches wide, with wheel wells spaced wide enough apart to carry 4-foot-wide pallets and panels. Floor length in both models is 120.7 inches. Cargo tie-down rings and lighting are standard. Roofs have mounting points outside for popular ladder racks and other equipment that can be installed without drilling into sheet metal, eliminating possible leaks and rusting.

Full-length cargo-area inner panels absorb dents and dings and protect outer walls, and there are multiple weld-nut attachment points for shelving and racks - again requiring no sheet metal drilling. In addition, the NV's nearly vertical sidewalls maximize the usable cargo space, accommodating common aftermarket storage systems, as well as a bulkhead behind the driver. Upfitters are expected to prepare many cabinet and shelving arrangements for the Nissan Vans.

Inside the Cab

NV cabs have pickup truck-like room with no intruding engine cover because the engine and transmission are located ahead of the firewall/A-pillar. This not only frees up space under the instrument panel and between the seats, it also provides easy under-hood access to the entire engine for routine service and maintenance, Castelli said.

"From the seats forward the NV looks, acts and feels like a pickup," he said. "You don't have to take apart the interior to access the engine and you don't have to worry about tucking your work boots into a cramped footwell."

Wide front doors allow easy ingress and egress; supportive bucket seating has extensive adjustability, with large armrests and a truck-like driving position with ample legroom and foot room. An optional center console is removable, and while in place provides a range of integrated storage features, including room for files and a laptop computer with a charging port. A fold-down passenger seat adds work-table functionality and enhances the cab's feeling of openness.

NVs will offer an array of smart functionality features, including storage pockets, spaces and compartments designed to provide secure access to typical commercial customers' everyday use objects. An under seat-drawer accommodates small tools, stationary or first aid kits, while the deep door pockets can carry flashlights, legal-size binders and clipboards. High Roof models have an available overhead console designed to hold work gloves, legal size binders, safety glasses and system books.

Additional information regarding standard features, trim levels and optional equipment will be provided later. The new Nissan NVs will be manufactured at Canton, Miss., and available through a select network of authorized Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide. Updates and more information are at www.nissancommercialvehicles.com.


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Tom Berg

Tom Berg

Former Senior Contributing Editor

Journalist since 1965, truck writer and editor since 1978.

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