Rosslyn, South Africa – Nissan South Africa has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the agricultural sector following a highly successful display of its extensive pick-up and accessories range at this year's Nampo Show.
The all-new Nissan Navara was the main attraction at the show, which was held near Bothaville from 16 to 19 May 2017. Several Navara models were on display, including a number of highly accessorised models and a unique exposed model showing the Navara's ladder frame independent rear suspension.
"There is widespread interest in the new Navara and especially in the rear suspension," says Isa Giunta, Navara product manager. "Using the exposed model, we were able to demonstrate how the suspension can carry more than 1 tonne in the load bay, while offering significantly better road holding and ride comfort than traditional leaf sprung pick-ups."
While visitors to the Nissan display could interact with technical specialists, they were also invited to experience the Navara's off-road prowess on the Nampo 4x4 track, where two Navara models were available for test drives.
All three versions of the new Navara currently on sale are equipped with four-wheel drive systems, a low range transfer case that can be operated with a knob inside the cabin and off-road aids such as its active braking limited slip differential system (ABLS), which controls individual wheel traction.
An estimated 70 000 people attended this year's Nampo show, which is widely regarded as the largest agricultural show of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
"The Nissan NP300 Hardbody is still one of the best-selling pick-ups in South Africa, and a large number are sold to farmers and suppliers to the agricultural sector. We're confident that as the Navara range expands, it will also become a top selling model in this market, both as a workhorse and a leisure vehicle," says Xavier Gobille, Managing Director for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Nissan Group of Africa.
To continue its popularity and success in this sector, Nissan has added a range of agricultural-specific accessories to its catalogue. Among these are fitted cattle rails, a raised, heavy-duty suspension system and a replacement bumper with additional underbody protection. In total, there are 67 accessories that customers can fit to their Navaras at their Nissan dealership, without affecting their vehicle's mechanical warranty.
Nissan also showcased an accessorised NP300 and an NP200 model at its Nampo display stand.
"While already well-known in the market, both NP-models attracted a great deal of attention. The NP300 is very popular as an affordable, Japanese entry-level pick-up that is hardy, easy to maintain and extremely durable. The NP200 received renewed attention as it may soon be the only sub-one tonne pick-up available on the local market," said Freddie Louw, Senior Manager for Light Commercial Vehicles at Nissan South Africa.
Nissan South Africa will return to the Nampo Agricultural Show in 2018.
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