2012 Nissan NV Enters Production in the US

Nissan’s all-new commercial van has officially entered production today, also marking the launch of the company’s expanded Canton, Mississippi, assembly facility. The Canton facility, originally opened in 2003, underwent a two-year, $118 million expansion to accommodate production of the new Nissan NV.The Canton facility, which has no less that 3,300 employees, also produces the Nissan Altima sedan.

Nissan also announced the donation of a new 2012 Nissan NV to Habitat for Humanity of Metro Jackson, MS for their use in building new homes in the Canton - Jackson region.

Scheduled to launch this spring, with prices starting at $24,590, the 2012 Nissan NV is 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 commercial van to offer a body-on-frame construction combined with a High Roof, offering most users the ability to walk, stand and work in the cargo area.

Power comes from two engines, namely a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft (381 Nm) of torque, and a 5.6-liter V8 rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. Both units are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The NV is available in two equipment grades, S and SV.

"Nissan has been a leading innovator in commercial vehicles around the world for more than 75 years. It's with great pride that Nissan now enters the commercial vehicle market in the United States and Canada with the dynamic lineup of innovative, high quality Nissan NV vans built right here in Mississippi," Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares was quoted as saying in a statement for the press.