The 2012 Nissan NV (Nissan Van) marks Nissan's first entry into the commercial vehicle market in North America. Scheduled to launch in early 2011, the Nissan NV will be 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 high roof commercial van to offer body-on-frame construction, according to the company.

NV Designed for Practicality

The NV combines a full-length hood with access to the engine for service and maintenance, along with signature Nissan styling cues such as large headlights and vertical grille. Broad bodysides project a commercial vehicle appearance and provide ample room for company logos or advertising messages. Tall, wide doors offer easy access to the cab and cargo areas.

Standard roof models fit most garages, drive-through lanes, and car washes. High roof models provide easy cargo area ingress and egress, comfortable walk-through, and standing capability.

Roomy Interior Provides Ample Storage Space

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 center console offers storage compartments and space to hold binders and a laptop computer. Other convenient storage spaces include a wide overhead console (available with high roof models) and large door pockets. The interior is fitted with heavy-duty fabrics and materials, with water repellant fabric on main seating surfaces. In addition, there are multiple power outlets, including an available three-prong 120V outlet.

The Nissan NV includes a long, wide cargo floor, square-top wheelwell housings, and nearly vertical sidewalls that maximize cargo space and accommodate aftermarket storage systems without excessive modification. The cargo area also features a full-length inner panel to prevent cargo from denting the vehicle's outer skin. Multiple weld-nut attachment points can be used for mounting shelving and racks.

Engines Combine Power and Fuel Efficiency

Powering the rear-wheel drive Nissan NV will be a choice of two powerful, yet fuel-efficient engines - a 4.0L 24-valve V-6 and 5.6L 32-valve V-8. Both will be mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.

Other features include independent front suspension with stabilizer bar and solid rear axle with leaf springs and stabilizer bar. The hydraulic recirculating ball steering system is engine-speed sensitive. Heavy-duty four-wheel disc brakes feature 14.1-inch rotors and four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The vans are also equipped with 17-inch steel wheels and LT245/70R17 all-season tires.

The vans come standard with the Nissan advanced air bag system, which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors. Three-point front seat belts have pretensioners and load limiters. Supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags are also available.

The new Nissan NV will be manufactured at the automaker's Canton, Miss., assembly plant.