Nissan is about to launch its first entry into the U.S. commercial vehicle market. When they arrive on Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealer lots in the spring of 2011, the Nissan Vans (NV) will be titled as 2012 models.

Nissan's Canton, Miss. plant will build the trucks using North American components, while leaning on 75 years of Nissan's worldwide commercial vehicle experience for its design and production, the company said. The Nissan Van will be priced between $24,590 and $29,790.

Models include the NV1500 with standard 4-liter V6 engine, the NV2500 HD with a choice of 4.0-liter V6 or 5.6-liter V8, and the NV3500 HD with standard 5.6-liter V8. All have a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The NV lineup claims durable body-on-frame construction, engine-forward design so the cab is as roomy as a pickup's, a choice of standard roof or high-roof configurations, and S and SV trim levels.

About the 2012 Nissan NV

NV cabs are roomy and comfortable with wide, supportive seating and an expansive instrument panel, Nissan said. The passenger seat folds down to form a convenient worktable. Aside from the center console, other storage spaces are in a wide overhead console (available with High Roof models), underseat storage drawers (NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD models) and large door pockets.

The NV's cargo floor is long and wide, wheel-well housings are square-topped, and sidewalls are nearly vertical. Along with maximizing cargo space, the sidewalls accommodate aftermarket storage systems with little modification. On SV-trimmed vans, the cargo area has full-length inner panels to prevent cargo from denting the vehicle's outer skin. There are also multiple integrated reinforced mounting points for durable installation of cargo customization equipment, claims Nissan.

Engine ratings for the rear-wheel drive Nissan NV are 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque for the 4-liter V6, and 317 hp and 385 lb-ft for the 5.6-liter V8. Both use the 5-speed automatic transmission from the Titan pickup.

Features of the NV

* Full access rear doors with a maximum opening angle of 243 degrees
* Reinforced integrated cargo area mounting points for durability and easy installation of cargo management systems
* Vertical cargo-area side walls to maximize usable space
* Water repellant cloth seating surfaces with "durability patches" built into the front seat bolsters
* Lockable center console with space to hang files and store a laptop

NV Pricing

MSRP (USD) for the 2012 Nissan NV Standard Roof models include:
Model/Roof/Engine
NV 1500 Standard Roof S V6 $24,590
NV 1500 Standard Roof SV V6 $26,190
NV 2500 Standard Roof S V6 $25,590
NV 2500 Standard Roof SV V6 $27,190
NV 2500 Standard Roof S V8 $26,490
NV 2500 Standard Roof SV V8 $28,090
NV 3500 Standard Roof S V8 $28,190
NV 3500 Standard Roof SV V8 $29,790

MSRP (USD) for the 2012 Nissan NV High Roof models include:
Model/Roof/Engine
NV 2500 High Roof S V6 $27,990
NV 2500 High Roof SV V6 $29,590
NV 2500 High Roof S V8 $28,890
NV 2500 High Roof SV V8 $30,490
NV 3500 High Roof S V8 $30,590
NV 3500 High Roof SV V8 $32,190

More info: Nissan USA.