Production
of the latest Nissan Micra has begun at Flins in France and, according to
Nissan, final checks have ensured the vehicles are finished to the “highest
quality”.
Deliveries to Nissan
retailers and customers will commence from mid-February in key European
markets, and from March in the remainder.
The start
of production (SOP) marks the beginning of a new chapter in a success story
which stretches back more than three decades.
First
launched in Europe in 1983, Micra is one of the world’s most recognisable model
names with global sales of more than seven million cars. This all-new version –
the fifth generation – sees it return to the heart of the European B-hatchback
segment.
The latest Micra
is manufactured at Flins, France, at a plant operated by Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault. It is the first Nissan passenger car to be
built in a Renault plant in Europe, and returns Micra production to Europe –
close to its key customer base – after a break of seven years. It is being
built on a modified version of Nissan’s V-platform.
Flins, to
the west of Paris, is a factory with experience in producing hatchbacks for the
European market. First opened in 1952, the 237-hectare site is the
longest-established car-producing plant in the Renault Group. It is currently
home to the Renault Clio and Renault Zoe models.
This ‘cross-production’ of vehicles is a major driver of manufacturing synergies
for the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and the alliance claims it brings several key
benefits to the business and to the customer.
It also
maximises the advantages of the Alliance Production Way, a manufacturing and
shop-floor management system common to Renault and Nissan.
As well as
allowing plants to make "better" use of their production capability,
this system takes benchmarks and best practice from both brands to ensure the
highest quality production standards are met and maintained.
Paul Willcox, chairman, Nissan Europe, commented: “The start of
production for the all-new Micra is a moment to be celebrated, embodying the
spirit of co-operation which exists throughout the Renault-Nissan Alliance.”
He added:
“We have taken the European compact car segment to a new level by focusing on
what customers really want today and expect tomorrow. The all-new Nissan Micra
is an exceptional car, characterised by its expressive design, uplifting
interior and confident drive.”
Nissan claims
Micra is “a revolution”. It says it is a radical progression from the model it
replaces, and from the trio of highly successful superminis which date back to
the Micra’s debut in Europe 34 years ago. Well, one would certainly hope so.
The vehicle
is longer, wider and lower than before. It has been conceived, designed and
engineered with European customers’ requirements at the top of the agenda.
Nissan says
that key to its appeal is the car’s “athletic and expressive exterior design”,
which moves the Micra name plate in a “daring new direction”. The contemporary
look and premium feel continues inside, with a high-quality cabin that boasts
two-tone soft-touch materials as standard across the range.
Nissan
marketing people see the Micra as a “technology leader”, with a number of
features which are not only new to the Micra but new to the segment. These
include Intelligent Lane Intervention, a safety system which gently corrects
the Micra back on to the right path should it be required.
Also unique
is the BOSE Personal audio system, which features speakers built into the
driver’s head rest for an exceptional 360° sound
experience. The new Micra is available with a wide range of personalisation
options, modifying the exterior and interior with premium components in a
variety of stylish and contemporary colours.
Nissan’s
marketing staff also see it as “the perfect balance between agility, excitement
and the secure feeling that comes with confident and predictable handling”.
Three engines
are available – two gasoline and a diesel.
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