Nissan's plan for 2016, and beyond is to lose weight from each of it's models.

• Nissan gets in shape in 2016 with a resolution to significantly reduce the weight of passenger vehicles
• Company launches a prototype programme; the first step in creating revolutionary material applications that will be used for the vehicles of tomorrow
• Nissan will be undertaking this work in collaboration with a consortium of auto manufacturers and research bodies as part of the Lightweighting Excellence Programme

Many New Year’s resolutions will be distant memories already, but Nissan is sticking to its commitment – to shed the pounds on its passenger car range – for the whole of 2016 and beyond.

The company’s ‘Lightweighting Programme’ will produce a pioneering prototype material structure designed to be used in the floor of the vehicles of the future.

Working closely with the UK supply chain, Nissan will draw on the materials and techniques used in the motorsport and aerospace industries including the materials used in space travel.

David Moss, Vice President, Vehicle Design & Development, NTCE said: “The next 12 months promise to bring not resolutions, but revolutions, as the brand marches forward with yet more ‘Innovation That Excites’. This programme is another demonstration of our commitment to developing the cars of tomorrow, today.

He added: “We know the cars of the future will need to be lighter, stronger and more efficient, that is why we are launching our prototype programme in collaboration with research and industry bodies across the UK. This programme intends to produce a new manufacturing process that will revolutionise the industry.”

In addition to the ‘Lightweighting Programme’ Nissan is involved in an extensive mass reduction programme, which has resulted in a 90kg weight loss for the X-trail and 40kg for the new Qashqai. Under this existing programme, Nissan engineers use lighter stronger materials while still allowing for the extensive addition of extra equipment.

Nissan’s efforts in the ‘Lightweighting Programme’ will improve performance, fuel consumption and counteract the weight of the increasing amount of technology being built into vehicles. The prototype being produced will test the viability of the new part.

Nissan is undertaking this work as part of the LX consortium of auto manufacturers and research bodies led by Sigmatex and supported by Axillium Research, in partnership with Cranfield University, Engenuity, Expert Tooling & Automation, Granta Design, Group Rhodes, LMAT, Surface Generation and Tilsatec.  The consortium seeks to enhance the capability within the UK automotive supply chain to manufacture composite components.

The LX programme is funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative, set up by the UK Government to help existing UK supply chains grow and achieve world-class standards.

Nissan's LCV Range takes the Editors Choice award for it's five year warranty.

Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicle range rounded off a fantastic year after the manufacturer’s innovative five-year warranty landed a prestigious honour at the What Van? Awards in London today.

The What Van? Editor’s Choice award went to Nissan’s market-leading five-year, or 100,000 mile, Manufacturer Warranty for its range of petrol and diesel trucks and vans.

The warranty, introduced on new vehicles purchased from September 1^st 2015, covers a comprehensive array of component and chassis elements, from powertrain and battery through to paintwork, such is the confidence Nissan has in its LCV range.

It wasn’t the only success Nissan enjoyed at the awards today. The all-electric Nissan e-NV200, which costs just two pence per mile to run, was also Highly Commended in the What Van? Green Award.

““Nissan’s decision to push its standard warranty out to an impressive five years or 100,000 miles is a valuable extension that provides real value and confidence for light commercial vehicle operators,” said What Van? Editor Paul Barker. “It’s a move that illustrates the confidence Nissan has in the durability of its products and we’re delighted to highlight this industry-leading package.”

Nissan has one of the widest ranges of LCVs in Europe, including the all-new NP300 Nissan Navara, which recently won the International Pick-up of the Year. The range also includes the NV200 and NV400 vans and NT400 Cabstar truck.

Designed to suit a variety of uses, Nissan’s vans and pick-ups provide cleverly-designed cargo spaces and the latest technological features as options, including rear view camera and NissanConnect Navigation system. The LCVs provide for a wide range of applications, with impressive manoeuvrability, high levels of driver comfort and affordable cost of ownership from versatile and durable chassis and cabs.

Barry Beeston, Corporate Sales Director at Nissan Motor (GB) said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win the Editor’s Choice award. Receiving an honour like this from such a well-respected industry publication is further proof that Nissan sets the benchmark when it comes to innovation in the light commercial sector.”

What Van? is the UK’s premier title offering Light Commercial Vehicle buying and owning advice, and the awards are decided by its expert editorial panel comprising decades of experience in the industry.

The awards seek to reward the best products, companies and services in the industry for their ability to make life easier, cleaner, safer and more efficient for light commercial vehicle operators in the UK.