Nissan North America officially launched production of its all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van with Job One ceremonies at its expanded Canton, Miss., assembly facility.

The Canton facility, originally opened in 2003, underwent a two-year, $118 million expansion to accommodate production of the new Nissan NV, including:

* A 14,499-square-foot Body Assembly Shop expansion

* Modification of 79,200 square feet of existing Body Assembly Shop

* Modifications to 59,000 square feet of existing Paint Shop plus the addition of 49,000 square feet

* A new assembly line in the existing Trim and Chassis Shop

"Today's Job One ceremony not only commemorates a new era for the Canton plant and launch of the innovative Nissan NV commercial van, it also represents growth for Nissan in North America and affirmation of our dedication to building the highest quality products for customers in every major product segment," said Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares. "Nissan has been a leading innovator in commercial vehicles around the world for more than 75 years. It's with great pride that Nissan now enters the commercial vehicle market in the United States and Canada with the dynamic lineup of innovative, high quality Nissan NV vans built right here in Mississippi."

About the 2012 Nissan NV

Scheduled to launch in spring 2011, the Nissan NV is available in three models, NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD, and in two roof configurations - Standard Roof and High Roof. The NV is the first commercial van to offer rugged body-on-frame construction combined with a High Roof, according to the company, offering most users the ability to walk, stand and work in the cargo area.

The NV's rugged design combines a pickup truck-style full-length hood, providing generous access to the engine for service and maintenance and added driver compartment roominess and comfort, along with Nissan styling cues such as large headlights and vertical grille. The broad bodysides project a serious commercial vehicle appearance, says the company, and provide ample room for company logos and advertising messages. The tall, wide doors offer easy access to the cargo area.

Inside the cab is a roomy comfortable interior with wide, supportive seating and an expansive instrument panel. The passenger seat includes a segment-exclusive fold-down feature, providing a convenient worktable. An available large lockable center console (also segment-exclusive) offers innovative storage compartments and space to hold binders, hanging file folders and a laptop computer. Other convenient storage spaces include a wide overhead console (available with High Roof models), underseat storage drawers (NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD models) and large door pockets. Available 120V power outlets are located in the center console and rear of the cargo compartment.

The NV also has a long, wide cargo floor, square-top wheelwell housings and nearly vertical sidewalls. Along with maximizing cargo space, the sidewalls accommodate aftermarket storage systems without excessive modification.

The cargo area also features available 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.

Powering the rear-wheel drive Nissan NV is a choice of a 4-liter V-6 rated at 261 horsepower and 281 pounds-feet of torque, and a 5.6-liter V-8 rated at 317 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque. Both are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.

Watch video showing features of the Nissan NV High Roof:

More info: www.nissancommercialvehicles.com