Nissan forecasts strong growth

Growing demand for pick-up trucks, amid a flurry of new model introductions, seems set to mean growth of at least 10% in this sector of the UK light commercial vehicle market this year, according to Nissan GB.

Anthony Jones, Nissan GB Product Manager, made the claim at a press demonstration for the new Nissan Navara range in North Yorkshire this week. Jones forecast that the total number of pick-up registrations in the UK this year will cross the 45,000 mark, compared to the 2015 total of around 40,600. The new Navara range went on sale in the UK in January, and its three-month sales target was exceeded within a month, according to Jones.

Among the new Navara’s notable features is a five-link rear suspension claimed to “represent a technological sea-change in the pick-up sector.” It employs a conventional beam rear axle but the leaf springs usually found on such axles are replaced with coil springs, at least on double-cab variants. Fore-and-aft location is controlled by radius rods. The new suspension is claimed to be 20kg lighter than the leaf-spring set-up of the old Navara and to set new standards of pick-up ride comfort.

James Oliver, Nissan GB Light Commercial Vehicle Manager, said, “We’re delighted with the results and believe it offers class-leading levels of comfort and refinement for driver and occupants, as well as exceptional all-round performance and capability.”

Mercedes-Benz dealers are among those taking a keen interest in the new Navara, not least because this is the vehicle on which the first Mercedes-Benz pick-up is to be based. It is expected to go on sale within the next two years.

Toyota’s all-new eighth-generation Hilux pick-up will make its European debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The new Fiat Fullback pick-up, based on the latest Mitsubishi L200, was unveiled at the Dubai show last November and is expected to go on sale in the UK this autumn.