ROSSLYN, South Africa – When Nissan launches the new Navara pickup, which will be available to African consumers next year, it will be one of the few mass-market vehicles to be built in Africa for African motorists. That's according to Kabelo Rabotho, Country Director, Nissan South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa, who said the 2021 Navara would boast a bevy of features ideally suited to the rugged demands placed on light commercial vehicles (LCVs) operating on - and off - the continent's roads.
"For the first time in history, the full model line-up of the next generation Navara will be produced on home soil, made in Africa for Africans," Rabotho said. "I am immensely proud that we have overcome adversity and the effects of COVID-19 to reach this milestone and bring this amazing pickup to Africa," he added.
The new Navara will be manufactured at Nissan's plant in Rosslyn, South Africa and also assembled in Ghana in partnership with long-time Nissan distributor Japan Motors. Nigeria will be a key market, thanks to its established automotive industry and strong appetite for Nissan vehicles.
Rabotho said these factors and the company's 3-billion-rand ($195-million) investment in the Rosslyn plant demonstrated its commitment to actively pursuing the Nissan NEXT transformation plan in Africa.
"Africa is a critical region for Nissan. Africa is one of the fastest-growing territories for the company globally in terms of Total Industry Volume (TIV), therefore Nissan will continue to enhance its product offering through vehicles like the Navara as well as footprint throughout the region," he said.
Features for Africa
Among the most comprehensive list of specifications and features yet to grace a Navara, the 2021 model brings several that will be particularly attractive to African consumers who often contend with less than ideal conditions – both off and on the road – while pursuing their business or leisure activities.
The pickup's tough body-on-frame construction allows it to handle rugged terrain with aplomb. It now also comes with a more extroverted and athletic design, a quieter and more comfortable interior, as well as suspension tuning to enhance its on- and off-road dynamic driving performance giving drivers greater freedom to go anywhere with confidence, whether it's negotiating a dirt track to a weekend hideaway or making a delivery to a remote worksite.
Load capacity is a key consideration for pickup purchasers around the world and Africa is no exception. The Navara shines in this department, with the one-ton pickup now delivering top-class payload capacity.
And access to the load area is now easier than ever, thanks to a step built into the new rear bumper. This helps reduce fatigue caused by repeated loading and unloading. Additionally, the bed is equipped with a flap-type, tie-down hook to secure both large and small objects, from dirt bikes and ATVs to generators and jackhammers.
When in four-wheel-drive mode, the Navara activates its Active Brake Limited Slip Differential system (ABLS), which manages power delivery and wheel braking between the front and rear axles and between the left and right of the vehicle, depending on traction and speed.
Working with the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC) and ABS brakes, this system enables drivers to be more confident and feel secure when towing large payloads and driving through muddy terrain with less acceleration and brake operation.
The Trailer Sway Control system helps the vehicle to maintain stability on the road when towing a load, whether this be an avid angler hauling a boat to a favourite fishing spot or a contractor delivering a consignment of rainwater tanks to a rural school.
The pickup features a segment-first all-new, high-tech C-shaped quad-LED projector headlamps, increasing brightness for enhanced safety in dusty or dark conditions, as well as adding a level of sophistication to the rugged design. Seamless signature LED tail lamps with bright chrome detail in between bring the same twin benefits to the rear of the vehicle, making the new Navara the perfect companion for the farmer on a pre-dawn market run or family on a sunset game drive.
"The wealth of features perfectly suited to African conditions combined with Nissan's considerable investment in manufacturing capacity demonstrates our commitment to the African market. The new Navara marks a significant milestone in our journey towards making safe, smart, stylish and sustainable mobility available to more people in Africa," Rabotho said.
# # #
About Nissan in South Africa
Nissan South Africa is the operational hub for Regional Business Unit South, serving Nissan's key South Africa market and 45 other countries in Sub Saharan Africa, including Angola, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria as well as the key Southern African markets of Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. In South Africa, the company offers a range of 24 vehicles under the Nissan and Datsun brands, including the popular locally-produced Nissan light commercial vehicles - the NP200 half ton pickup and NP300 one-ton Hardbody - produced at the company's Rosslyn plant, north west of Pretoria. Nissan made history locally in 2013 with the introduction of Africa's first electric vehicle, Nissan's flagship Nissan LEAF. As well as boasting zero emissions leadership, Nissan is also a leader in the crossover segment. Among its product offerings are the all-new Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail, as well as Juke. The Datsun brand has re-established Nissan in the entry-level market where the tailor-made Datsun GO is breaking new ground in the 'riser' market segment. For more information visit our website at http://www.nissan.co.za
Media contact:
Veralda Schmidt
Media Relations Manager
Nissan Group of Africa
Tel: (012) 529 5680
