Qashqai/Rogue Sport (Nissan)

On April 24, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has expanded the availability of its next-generation NissanConnect services into Europe. Buyers of the refreshed Nissan Qashqai in Europe, can now experience an even more seamless and personalized experience, through the integration of services such as Google built-in.

Users can conveniently share connected features such as destination settings and remote air conditioning control through the app to their family’s account. In addition, an updated user-interface design enables more intuitive operation and information recognition, reducing stress while driving.

The system also offers a range of functions to support customers ownership. If they forget to close a window, or accidently leave a door open, the app will notify them of the vehicle status via a push notification.

Furthermore, for customers with EVs, NissanConnect Services can help identify economical charging times, taking into account remaining battery capacity and off-peak electricity hours.

The next-generation system features Google built-in, allowing drivers to utilize Google Maps and, once signed-in with a personal Google Account, access their favorite locations and points of interest. Over the air updates ensure the map information is always current.

The vehicle's onboard communication capabilities allow for the evolution of more personalized features and the addition of new services even after the vehicle is purchased. Compared to the previous generation NissanConnect, the number of vehicle functions that can be controlled via the next-generation NissanConnect Services app has doubled.

Based on Nissan’s press release

On April 17, Nissan unveiled the new Qashqai with heavily revised exterior design in Europe. The car is manufactured at the Sunderland plant in the UK, which is also the most manufactured model at the plant.

The front grille of the Qashqai has been comprehensively updated to create a more striking first impression. Inspired by the patterns of ancient Japanese armour scales, it now consists of dozens of high gloss, three dimensional comma-shaped elements painted in high gloss black paint which appear to float in the space between the lip of the bonnet and the numberplate holder. The new headlights bring a sense of purpose and presence, with an even sharper look.

The vehicle comes with an e-Power technology, powering the vehicle directly by the 140 kW electric motor with an advanced turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and the 1.8 kWh battery. It offers mild hybrid version as well.

The vehicle comes with a range of technological upgrades, including the upgraded Around View Monitor (AVM) system, and an updated suite of driver assistance systems. The updated Qashqai is the first vehicle in Nissan's European range with Google built-in as part of the Nissan Connect infotainment system.

Based on Nissan Europe press release

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on April 4, UK passenger car sales increased 10.4% to 317,786 units in March 2024. It was best March since 2019 and 20th consecutive month of growth. Year-to-date sales increased 10.4% with 545,548 cars registered in the first 3 months of 2024. 

March sales for VW increased 1.8% to 22,147 units (7.0% market share), Nissan sales increased 21% to 20,559 units (6.5% share) while BMW sales increased 38.7% to 20,065 units (6.3% share).
Mercedes-Benz sales increased 20.4% to 19,794 units (6.2% share), Kia sales decreased 6.2% to 18,478 units (5.8% share).

The best-selling cars in March 2023 were Nissan Qashqai (8,931 units), Ford Puma (8,318 units), Kia Sportage (7,445 units), Nissan Juke (7,346 units) and Audi A3 (6,010 units). 

Compared to last March , gasoline-engine car sales increased 9.2% to 177,019 units (55.7% share), EV increased 3.8% to 48,388 units (15.2% share), HEV increased 19.6% to 44,550 units (14.0% share), PHEV increased 36.7% to 24,517 units (7.7% share), and diesel-engine car sales decreased 2.7% to 23,312 units (7.3% share). The biggest percentage growth was recorded by PHEVs.

In March, private car sales decreased 7.7% to 128,472 units (40.4% share), fleet sales increased 29.6% to 181,399 units (57.1% share), and businesses sales decreased 8% to 7,915 units (2.5% share). Overall increase driven by fleet investment with weak confidence constraining private retail demand.

Sales of all vans to 3.5 tons increased 11.1% to 52,916 units, sales of trucks between 3.5 and 6.0 tons increased 46% to 946 units while sales of taxis decreased 18.5% to 256 units in March. 

(SMMT press releases from 4 April, 2024) 1 / 2