by Chuck Capps on May 24, 2013
An annual market study conducted by Millward Brown’s BrandZ, has named the Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands, including 5 automotive brands. Last year BMW was on top but this year Toyota has surpassed and taken the number one spot with a brand value of $24.5 billion. BMW fell to second with a value of $24 billion, down just 2% from last year. Mercedes-Benz was up 11% taking the number three spot, with a value of $18 billion, Honda came in fourth with a decrease of 2% and a value of $12.4 billion, and Nissan rounded out the top five with an increase of 3% and $10.2 billion. Come check out the entire Nissan lineup including the newly redesigned Nissan Sentra at your 2013 Nissan Sentra Tacoma dealer. Also in the top 100 was Volkswagen who finished in 100th place. Audi made the largest gain, up 18% to $5.5 billion. The list was dominated by technology companies with Apple, Google and IBM taking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
by Chuck Capps on May 18, 2013
The Nissan Pathfinder and Altima were completely redesigned for 2013, and with those redesigns came a flood of awards. Now adding to the trophy case is the top spot in Kelley Blue Book‘s ten best family-friendly vehicles for the Pathfinder and the Altima was also named in the top ten. The list is compiled based on unique characteristics and situations. Come check out the award winning Nissan Pathfinder at your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Tacoma dealer. “The Pathfinder and Altima were both completely redesigned to enhance the driver and passenger experience with a bevy of technology and styling upgrades that satisfy the needs of the entire family,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. “The marketplace has embraced the new direction of these vehicles, and it’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by Kelley Blue Book for our achievements in making Pathfinder and Altima two of the most family-friendly vehicles on the road today.”
by Chuck Capps on May 3, 2013
Nissan North America Inc. has reported a sales increase of 23.2% from April 2012 to April 2013, with 87,847 units sold versus 71,329 units last April. Nissan Division sales were up 24.6% with 80,003 units and Infiniti sales were up 10% with 7,844 units. Some highlights for April included the Altima which was up 35.4% with 21,991 units sold, the Rogue set a new April record with 11,904 units sold, an increase of 39%, the Pathfinder sold 6,473 units up 214.7%, the all-electric Nissan LEAF sales rose to 1,937 423.%, due largely to the move of the vehicle assembly and battery assembly facilities, and the Nissan Sentra sales rose 44.9% with 10,734 units sold. Come check out the ever popular Nissan Pathfinder at your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Tacoma dealer. Jose Munoz, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing – Nissan Americas, said “In the first quarter of 2013, we improved our retail sales by more than 4 percent while reducing deliveries to fleet customers by more than 17 percent. We continued this trend in April with retail up 29 percent and fleet mix down over four percentage points from one year ago, which proves that our new products such as Altima, Sentra and Pathfinder are taking strong hold in the marketplace.”
by Chuck Capps on May 3, 2013
For 2014 Nissan is releasing just 150 limited edition GT-R Track Edition, and now they even have a price tag. A 2014 Nissan GT-R Track Edition will set you back $115,710. The Track Edition takes this already legendary super car to the next level, featuring specially tuned suspension, special brake cooling guides, front spoiler with carbon fiber air ducts and a lightweight quilted cloth mat where the rear seats usually reside. Come check out the Nissan GT-R at your 2014 Nissan GT-R Tacoma dealer. Also featured on the Track Edition are lightweight dry carbon fiber rear spoiler and special metallic black six-spoke RAYS® forged lightweight wheels mounted with Dunlop® SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT ultra high performance run-flat nitrogen-filled tires. The 2014 Nissan GT-R is on sale now at GT-R certified dealerships nationwide.
by Chuck Capps on April 27, 2013
Nissan is always striving to provide the best technologies and innovations in its vehicles. That’s why they have equipped their newly redesigned 2013 Altima, Pathfinder and Sentra with Smart Auto Headlights. Come check out the innovative Sentra at your 2013 Nissan Sentra Tacoma. Smart Auto Headlights respond to weather conditions by automatically turning on the vehicle’s headlights when the wipers are activated, or in low light conditions.
Check out this infographic to see what the state requirements are for headlights.

by Chuck Capps on April 26, 2013
Nissan is getting a jump on the 2014 model line up, they’ve already released the pricing and options for the 2014 Versa Sedan. Nissan has kept the pricing the same as from 2013, continuing the lowest MSRP of any new vehicle in America with a starting price of just $11,990. The features list is continuing to increase with new features such as “standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, tri-cot headliner, 4.3-inch display audio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) for Versa Sedan SL models; standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and key fob trunk release for Versa Sedan SV models; and tachometer and low rolling resistance tires for Versa Sedan S models. In addition, all models receive a suspension and steering tuning change, along with revised interior finishers. Versa Sedan SV and SL models also receive a new high-gloss black B-pillar treatment and improved seat comfort (bottom cushion and foam density). The optional SV Convenience Package and SL Tech Package also feature upgraded content, including NissanConnectSM with Navigation system with the SL Tech Package.” Come check out the Versa Sedan at your 2014 Nissan Versa Sedan Tacoma dealer. The pricing for the 2014 Nissan Versa Sedan are as follows:
| Model/Engine/Transmission |
|
| Versa Sedan S 5MT |
$11,990 USD |
| Versa Sedan S 4AT |
$12,990 USD |
| Versa Sedan S Plus CVT |
$13,790 USD |
| Versa Sedan SV CVT |
$15,240 USD |
| Versa Sedan SL CVT |
$16,890 USD |
by Chuck Capps on April 19, 2013
The 2013 Nissan LEAF received some upgrades to make it more efficient and more accessible, as well as customer-focused refinements and upgrades. All this has lead the LEAF to the top of Kelley Blue Book‘s KBB.com’s 10 Best Green Cars of 2013. KBB.com drove each significant “green” car and found that the Nissan LEAF has the best value, range, refinement, and value. Come check out the all-electric Nissan LEAF at your 2013 Nissan LEAF Seattle dealer. “The 2013 Nissan LEAF marks a turning point in the electric vehicle movement with increased content at a reduced price that makes the vehicle competitive with traditional cars in its segment. We’re seeing buyers diversify beyond early adopters, and, as the global leader in electric vehicles, Nissan is committed to providing affordable zero-emission options for the mass market,” said Erik Gottfried, Nissan director of electric vehicle sales and marketing.
by Chuck Capps on April 19, 2013
Honda has announced a recall that will affect 204,169 vehicles; including the 2012-13 Honda CR-V, Odyssey and 2013 Acura RDX. According to the NHTSA the recall is due to “the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal.” In other words the vehicle could potentially roll away. NHTSA also reported that this may only happen in sub-freezing temperatures. Come check out the comparable 2013 Nissan Rogue at your 2013 Nissan Rogue Tacoma dealer. The recall is expected to begin on May 13and Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge.
by Chuck Capps on April 16, 2013

2013 Nissan Pathfinder interior
With the automotive industry heating up, competitors are constantly looking for ways to stand out, one of which is the interiors. This is why WardsAuto sits in every new or redesigned vehicle, to decide which have the best interiors. For 2013 there are 10 winners, the judges look for everything including design and fit-and-finish to comfort, safety and technology. Come check out the great interior of the 2013 Pathfinder at your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Seattle dealer. The winners were (in alphabetical order):
- Acura RDX
- Cadillac XTS
- Chevrolet Spark
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- Kia Forte
- Lexus GS450h
- Mazda6
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn
- Toyota Avalon
by Chuck Capps on April 2, 2013
Nissan North America Inc. is reporting its best sales month for March 2013 with 137,726 units sold, up 1% from March 2012. Nissan Division sold 126,623 units, making it the highest volume month ever. Infiniti delivered 11,103 units, an increase of 9% from March 2012. Some sales highlights include the Nissan LEAF up 286.2% with 2,236 units, Pathfinder up 177.1% with 9,071 units, Altima sold 37,763 units, Versa up 2.1% with 15,917 units, and the NV had its best month with 1,290 units sold. Come check out the award winning 2013 Nissan LEAF Seattle at your Nissan dealership. Infiniti’s luxury crossover the JX, had a sales increase of 387%.