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The ubiquitous commercial van has not changed more than its look -- grille and headlights -- for the better part of a generation. Manufactured by Ford and General Motors, the rolling rectangles are virtually indistinguishable from one another. And no one seemed to complain about it.
But Nissan was watching. "With the NV, Nissan's filling a void that Ford and GM have left open," says Bruce Bennett of Bruce Bennett Nissan in Wilton." Citing his competitions' tired design and lack of utilitarian function, he says, "Their vans are behind the times. But these are something else."
Bennett, who once owned a Chevy dealership, knows from whence he speaks. "I visited Japan two years ago and saw those commercial vans," he says, referring to the NV, which, until now was not available in the U.S. "They're streamlined and well designed and they handle beautifully. I think the time is right for this new van, and I know it's going to do very well in this market."
Anthony Thomas, sales manager at Bruce Bennett, concurs. "This is the kind of vehicle for people who need the versatility of a pickup truck but who want the convenience of interior room and function," he says.
The NV isn't alone in the commercial van market. The meteoric popularity of Mercedes' Sprinter, which rolled into the market a few years ago, caused some industry heads to turn, and Chevy and Ford hopped on the redesign train soon after. But Bennett and Thomas agree that Nissan's entry will get its share of attention.
The 2012 Nissan NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD will be available with a choice of 4.0-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 engines and in two body styles, Standard Roof (all models) and High Roof (NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD only). Merging shortly into the Bruce Bennett showroom, all the NVs feature an out-front engine design similar to that of a truck. This allows for more cabin room and greater driver comfort as well as easier serviceability under the hood. And the "high-roof" model has enough vertical feet to allow most people to stand up straight.
But it's the cargo area's flexibility that might turn the most heads. The NV's rear doors open 243 degrees, allowing for ease of access, while built-in magnets secure them in full open position. And the near-vertical sidewalls maximize walk-through storage space, which, by the way, can accommodate pallets and standard sheets of plywood or drywall.
The NV's list of features -- in safety, flexibility and convenience -- is extensive. One perk not on that list, however, is something particularly appealing. You'll be able to find your van fairly easily among the sea of old school rides. That is, until everyone starts buying them.
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