Next Nissan Frontier? Look overseas

NASHVILLE -- Nissan’s Latin American and Southeast Asian marketing companies went public today with the NP300 Navara, their version of the restyled mid-sized pickup.It provides an advance look at Nissan’s future Frontier, expected in the U.S. next year. Officially, Nissan North America is not saying a word about the future Frontier.The next-generation Nissan Frontier pickup will receive larger and more accentuated front and rear lights, more contoured body styling and a V-shaped front grille to better match it with Nissan’s newest passenger car designs.And except for homologation and market-by-market differences under the hood, the trucks use same design as the Frontier.The images from Latin America and Thailand indicate a U.S. Frontier that will get more rounded front corners and headlights that sweep back further from the front end. The truck also receives a redesigned interior and center console with high-resolution color instrument panels.In a company statement intended for overseas consumers, Nissan’s global planning chief Andy Palmer said the new truck will offer “more comfort, convenience, and SUV-inspired features.”The makeover comes as Nissan’s pickup is stirring among U.S. consumers. The truck sold 30,221 units in the first five months of this year, up 26 percent from the first five months of 2013.Fred Diaz, Nissan’s senior vice president for U.S. sales and marketing and operations, has been fanning Frontier sales since Nissan recruited him from Chrysler last year.In February, Diaz began soliciting dealer feedback for a future Frontier equipped with a four-cylinder diesel engine.

Next Nissan Frontier? Look overseas

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