Nissan Friend-ME Concept Car Unveiled in China

Nissan has unveiled Friend-ME, its latest concept car, at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. The concept is designed primarily in China for the "Post 80s" generation of China and applicable globally, Friend-ME is the show-stopper of the Nissan's counter where Japanese auto-giant delivers innovation and excitement for everyone.

“Inside Friend-ME we've created a private but connected space in which friends can share adventures by connecting virtually in a car where all feel equal," said Andy Palmer, executive vice president of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Stressing that the concept is applicable globally, including the “Post 80s" Chinese youth who will emerge as the world's largest single market segment, he continued: “It's bold. It's dynamic. It definitely attracts attention – which is exactly what young people want."

Friend-ME is the results of Nissan's global and diversified alliance among design teams from Nissan Design China (NDC), which opened in Beijing in 2012, and Nissan Global Design Centre (NGDC). Friend-ME concept is one of the in-depth vehicle analysis, which tells about the Chinese customers need and aspire to drive. In addition to hosting the Friend-ME launch, Auto Shanghai 2013 is the first auto show in Asia to house the new, four-dimensional Nissan exhibit that engages guests' senses of sight, sound, touch and smell. The Innovation Wall, powered by Xbox Kinect™ technology, communicates the brand story and explains Nissan's “Pure Drive" technologies.

Chinese auto market is one of the largest automotive market in the world, and has been an important destination for the Nissan's global business strategy. Nissan's first vehicle in China was launched 40 years back, and now company sales around 1.1 million vehicles in China per year. The Japanese auto-giant held the global debut of the new Teana in Guangzhou this Feb, followed by the launch of the all-new Livina last week in Beijing.

“China is our largest market," said Palmer. “Here we sell a quarter of all vehicles sold worldwide. We are confident about our prospects here. We will grow with China." Nissan with 20 exciting products at Shanghai Auto Show 2013 and the new interactive exhibition, is ready to bring innovations and excitement among everyone in China.