At the start of February, I was invited to get behind the wheel of the all-new 2012 Nissan NV (Nissan Van) out in Miami. The Nissan NV is the automaker's first commercial vehicle launched in the U.S., although it has a more than seven-decade history of producing commercial vehicles in the global market (starting in 1937 in Japan). I had the opportunity to drive the Standard and High Roof models, as well as test versions with the V-6 and V-8 engines.

Part of the event involved using the vans to pick up building materials from Lowes in downtown Miami and deliver them to Habitat for Humanity's Greater Miami donation center. Nissan donated $35,000 worth of building materials that will be used in the local Miami area.

I must admit, the van surprised and impressed me. At first, based on previous releases and images, I envisioned the new van as smaller, but it was much larger and will compete with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford E-Series vans.

It is available in two models: Standard Roof and High Roof, with two engines and two grades. For details check out the cover story of the March/April issue of Work Truck, in the mail and online soon.  

One feature great for fleets is the dedicated mounting points. From the roof to the interior are numerous mounting points for use in upfitting ladder racks, storage shelves, bins, etc. The main benefit of these dedicated mounting points: no drilling. Drilling into a vehicle weakens the metal and provides points for water to seep in, allowing rust to form on interior metal.

Also, these vehicles were built with fleet in mind. From the small plumbing company with a few vehicles to the large corporate contractors, Nissan took the time to ensure its first foray in the U.S. commercial vehicle market would fit the gap left in full-size van satisfaction. Some additional fleet-based features include the choice of a no-charge graphics package (through Original Wraps) or no-charge upfit package (through Adrian Steel). The near-vertical sidewalls allow the addition of storage racks and bins that won't encroach as much on the center walkway space of the cargo area.

The Nissan NV goes on sale in Spring 2011 with a base MSRP ranging from $24,590-$30,590 (plus $980 delivery and handling).

One concern noted by journalists at the vehicle launch was the height of the High Roof model versus other full-size vans. Nissan noted that one dealership installed taller garage doors to allow the vehicle to fit, but this may not be an option for fleets. The standard roof model (NV3500 HD) reaches 84.9 inches in height. The High Roof overall height is 106 inches (NV2500 HD). To put this in perspective, the standard drive-thru height is 9 feet (108 inches), allowing only 2 inches of additional room.

However, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter High Roof model hits 107.5 inches tall, and fleets have found a way to make it work.

Will the Nissan NV find a home in your fleet?

Let me know your thoughts!

Lauren Fletcher
Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com