Honey I shrunk the minivan! Future of mini-minivans in USA

2005 Toyota Wish (courtesy wikipedia user Mytho88)

When it comes to the current crop of American minivans, there is very little that is actually "mini" about them. In the land where the recliner is king, the workhorse people haulers have morphed into front wheel drive versions of the rear wheel drive mastodons they replaced. The 2011 model year will offer a clean slate of new offerings from the Japanese, but with the exception of perhaps the next Nissan Quest, Honda and Toyota vans will likely keep their current stout stature.

View this slideshow for some of the current crop of small people movers and a view towards the future.

Chrysler has abandoned the short wheelbase minivan segment, leaving the Dodge Journey to pickup the slack, but I have a feeling that may change when Fiat announces its future plans for its American offerings. I expect to see a smaller van/people hauler slot below the Chrysler Town and County and Dodge Grand Caravan based off of Fiat underpinnings.

Currently, if you want a smaller people shuttle, you have to look to the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo. That will be changing in the very near feature. Chevrolet will be replacing its HHR with the Orlando and Ford will be offering its Ford Grand C-Max. Honda has continually teased us with its Honda Stream and while Toyota has given no hints, how far off could the Toyota Wish be? General Motors will also be offering a Chevrolet Aveo (Gamma) based people mover as well. In speaking with a Buick designer at a recent event, the designer mentioned that the "Baby Enclave" Gamma-based vehicle is deceiving in that its exterior size is quite small but its interior dimensions are quite large.

Over the next few years, when it comes to people movers, small may be the new big!

For more info: Information for this report comes from Automotive News and previous articles written by this author.

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2010 Nissan Altima revealed thanks to a recall

2010 Nissan Altima (source: Nissan via Automotive News)

2009 Nissan Altima (source: Nissan)

2010 Nissan Altima teaser (Automotive News)

When the Automotive news story about the Nissan Altima and Nissan Maxima recall came through my inbox yesterday, my head tilted a bit to one side and I thought to myself, hmmm why is something a bit different looking? "Meh, must be different wheels" I told myself and moved on with my day.

Walk through the history of the Nissan Altima in this slideshow.

Now it comes to light that the image used in that Automotive News story was an embargoed 2010 Altima. Oops. You see, Nissan only wanted to show the teaser image you see to the right, saving the actual 2010 reveal for a later date.

According to one Altimas.org forum poster, dgreaser3045, some of the changes for 2010 will include,

A restyled hood, grille, front bumper and rear license plate finisher, new 16-inch and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs, standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), revised interior fabrics and finishers, two new exterior colors and revised option package content. In addition, the Altima 3.5 SE has been renamed the 3.5 SR.

According to that document, the embargo will be lifted on September 30, 2009 and the press will get a crack at the revised lineup in October.

Read my full coverage of Nissan's 2010 lineup by clicking here. I have also posted an article on Nissan's plans for beyond 2010.

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Nissan future cars and product plans: What is ahead for the brand?

2010 Nissan Rogue

I have already covered the future plans of Toyota, Scion, Honda, Buick, Ford and Lincoln. Now, let's take a look at what is up Nissan's sleeve for the next few years.

Click to view a gallery of current Nissans.

The 2010 Cube is a spunky new entry for Nissan and I was quite impressed with it at the LA Auto Show. To date I have only seen one Cube on the road, but it sure stood out!

The 2010 Nissan 370 is a beautiful, reasonably affordable sports coupe. If your looking for this type of a car, you won't be disappointed. For 2010 the 370Z gains standard heated outside mirrors and in-cabin microfilter and Black Cherry replaces Chican Yellow (pity, I really liked that yellow).

The 2010 Nissan Altima will get refinements for the 2010 model year which will include tweaks to the exterior, interior and option packages. We'll get more info when the refreshed model is launched.

The 2010 Nissan Sentra get a host of changes. The 2.0 S model loses its 6 speed manual, so you'll have to downgrade to the 2.0 or step up to the SE-R to skip the CVT. Stability control ( VDC) is now standard or available on all models. Revised instrument panel with new accent trims and new reddish orange illumination color (changed from orange), chrome accents added to HVAC knobs, new instrument panel coin holder. A new Sentra should show up in 2011 or 2012 for those curious about such things.

The 2010 Nissan Versa, which goes on sale in September, features a number of goodies, including a new grille design, new sport front and rear fascias, body side sills, fog lights and rear spoiler for Versa Hatchback SL models, new wheel treatments and revised interior fabrics and finishers. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is now standard for 1.8 S models, along with standard ABS and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) for 1.8 SL models. The current Versa should be swapped out for a fresh one in 2012.

For 2011 we get a new Quest (covered previously in greater detail) and the all-electric Nissan Leaf. Lots has been written about the Leaf, but many questions remain. How will Nissan handle the cost of the battery pack, will it be a monthly lease? Will the range truly be 100 miles, or only when part of the trip is downhill? Will buyers flock to a "reasonably priced" car that won't go anywhere until it sees an electrical outlet after its charge has run out? Still the Leaf promises to be an interesting car that could move us forward on the road to energy independence. Or, it could flop.

The Maxima was supposed to be getting a diesel engine, but when it comes to diesels everybody seems to be getting cold feet except the Germans. I've thought a lot about the current Maxima and I can't quite wrap my head around it. When I see it coming down the street, it catches my eye, but then I remember that it is FWD and has wicked torque steer. Pity. Opt for the Infiniti G for only a few dollars more, I think you'll be glad that you did or save a few dollars and go with the Altima.

The Nissan Rogue is stand pat with its current configuration and 2010 Nissan Rogue pricing was recently announced.. While I take exception with the grille, overall I like the spunky little crossover quite a bit. Some friends recently considered the Rogue, but opted for a Honda CR-V because the Rogue did not offer a navigation system or backup camera. Nissan has been quite generous with equipment, it it baffles me why it does not offer such features on high end models: This was a profitable sale that the company lost. Could it be a vehicle architecture limitation similar to the one the current Chevrolet Malibu has that prevents in-dash navigation?

After its successor was dumped by Chrysler, the Nissan Titan soldiers on with an uncertain future. Given the murky future for pickup sales in general, I'm beginning to be of the mind that Nissan should simply leave the segment. Between GM, Ford, Chrysler and Toyota it's a real knife fight for every sale and every scrap of profit. Why bother with it? If Nissan's expansion in the commercial truck field is successful, then Nissan might be well advised to leave large pickups alone.

The Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra and Nissan Frontier all soldier on until 2012 without major changes. The next generation Pathfinder will probably merge with the Nissan Patrol to keep development costs down. That's a great move in my opinion as the Patrol is one tough mother of a truck!

The Nissan GT-R and Nissan Murano will likely receive minor tweaks here and there but nothing major for the foreseeable future.

The Nissan Armada will soon be taken out behind the barn and shot. Good riddance!

Source: Information for this report comes from previous reports by this author and information from Automotive News.

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Honda, Toyota and Nissan to offer new models in 2011: 'Year of the Minivan'

Toyota F3R Concept (courtesy Toyota)

Minivans are much like the late, great Rodney Dangerfield: They get no respect. Commercials make fun of them and crossover buyers shun them.

Click to view this photo gallery of minivan goodness.

Automotive News writer, John Teahen, Jr. recently had this to say about minivans,

Minivans had their day, but that day is gone. Soccer moms loved them; they don't anymore. Chrysler and Dodge, the progenitors of the class, still sell a lot of minivans; so do Honda and Toyota.

For other brands, I suggest: If you're in it, get out. If you're not in it, stay out.

Manufacturers would probably be well advised to listen to those words. However, there are still well over 500,000 minivans to be sold annually and somebody has to make them. Honda and Toyota have recently elongated their refresh cycles on their minivans and Nissan is moving its minivan production from the USA back to Japan. All of this creates a perfect storm where three different manufacturers are releasing new models in the same model year, 2011.

I have already touched on the 2011 Toyota Sienna in a recent article about Toyota's future products. I won't repeat myself here, but I will add that some people believe that the 2011 Sienna will steal styling queues from the F3R Concept shown above. You can look at these spy photos of the 2011 Toyota Sienna and judge for yourself. There might be some influence in the front clip but overall it appears to be "steady as she goes" for Toyota. Look for techie toys like wide-view side monitor found on the 2010 Lexus RX and other active safety features. As anyone in the industry knows, minivan buyers eat up safety features like candy!

Less is known about the 2011 Honda Odyssey. It was going to have a diesel engine as an option but then Honda chickened out. The 2011 Odyssey will probably offer a hybrid system just like the next generation Sienna undoubtedly will. You can see some spy photos of the 2011 Honda Odyssey, but just like my prom night, you aren't going to see much. All manufacturers are headed towards six speed automatics. Better fuel economy to be sure, but not a thrill ride feature. Hopefully Honda does right by us and creates a shapely design. The current Honda Odyssey took on whale like styling that was a step backwards from the crisp lines of the previous generation Odyssey. I never grew to appreciate the blobby van and am looking forward to putting it behind us.

That brings us to the 2011 Nissan Quest, the biggest question mark out there in the minivan universe. Nissan swung for the fences with the current Quest and you could hear that whiff for miles. The Quest's centrally located instrument panel freaked out buyers and Nissan beat a hasty retreat. That was unfortunate because I gave big props to Nissan for taking a chance. Rather than leaving the game like Ford and General Motors, Nissan has decided to once again swing for the fences. Good for them! Nissan teased audiences with the Forum concept awhile ago and if that is anywhere near what the 2011 Nissan Quest is like, then I want in! The next Quest will be built in Japan and share mechanicals with the Japanese domestic market Elgrand. Hopefully the styling will be dramatically changed!

Source: Information for this report comes from previous reports by this author and information from Automotive News.

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Titan of a problem: Just who the heck is going to build the next Nissan Titan?

Nissan Titan might have to soldier on longer that org planned

There was a time when it all seemed like a brilliant idea. Nissan was looking for someone to partner with and Chrysler needed extra volume for its truck manufacturing plant in Mexico. The two star crossed lovers struck a pact: Nissan would build a small car for Chrysler in the USA (there was a separate pact for South America) and Nissan would place its own design on the Dodge Ram platform.

View this gallery for images of the current Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram and a few truck friends.

Well, just like my purchase of a new beer tonight, things don't always work out the way you'd hope. First Chrysler and Nissan dissolved their plan to sell small car in the USA and now Nissan may be out of luck with the Titan truck.

Not that long ago, Nissan crowed that the final design for the next generation Titan had been signed off and was still on track, but that was before the Fiat deal became final. Nothing is official, but Fiat has not signed off on the plan to make the next generation Nissan Titan.

I still think that the best case scenario for both companies is to continue with the truck deal. Truck sales are still down compared to 2008 levels and a strong rebound isn't in sight. Why would Fiat/Chrysler want to lose volume for its plants? It would be foolish to turn away Nissan's business.

However, the auto industry hasn't always made the best decisions before, so there is a chance that Nissan might be on its own once again. What are its options? Well, it could choose to refresh the Titan's design as a stopgap but that would take time and it would be doubtful that it could make a 2011 deadline. Nissan could also partner up with GM, Ford or Toyota. Although unlikely, the most logical candidate would be Toyota since it has found itself with a lot of extra capacity. It is an unfortunate position for Nissan, but hopefully Fiat and Chrysler will stand behind the original deal.

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2010 Nissan product line information

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster source: Nissan

Nissan has published information on its 2010 lineup.

The 2010 Nissan GT-R pickups up 5 extra horsepower and updates to the braking and suspension systems.

The 2010 Nissan 370Z gains tandard heated outside mirrors and in-cabin microfilter and Black Cherry replaces Chican Yellow.

2010 Nissan Maxima gains standard Bluetooth on the 3.5s and 3.5sv. A 7-inch color monitor, RearView Monitor, auxiliary audio/video input jack, iPod® net and 2GB Music Server added to new Monitor Package. Two new exterior colors added – Crimson Black and Ocean Gray

The 2010 Nissan Altima will get refinements for the 2010 model year which will include tweaks to the exterior, interior and option packages. We'll get more info when the refrshed model is launched.

The 2010 Nissan Sentra get a host of changes. The 2.0 S model loses its 6 speed manual, so you'll have to downgrade to the 2.0 or step up to the SE-R to skip the CVT. Stability control ( VDC) is now standard or available on all models. Revised instrument panel with new accent trims and new reddish orange illumination color (changed from orange), chrome accents added to HVAC knobs, new instrument panel coin holder.

The 2010 Nissan Versa, which goes on sale in September 2009, features a number of refinements, including a new grille design, new sport front and rear fascias, body side sills, fog lights and rear spoiler for Versa Hatchback SL models, new wheel treatments and revised interior fabrics and finishers. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is now standard for 1.8 S models, along with standard ABS and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) for 1.8 SL models.

The 2010 Nissan Murano receives minor updates. A Murano LE FWD model has been added. Leather Package and Moonroof Package availability widened on Murano SL FWD. Privacy glass added on Murano S (now standard on all models). Intelligent Key added as standard on Murano S and SL models. Vehicle Security System added as standard on Murano SL. Dual Panel Moonroof now standard on Murano LE

The 2010 Nissan Armada gets a revised model lineup, which now features three models: the Armada SE and two special editions, the Armada Titanium Edition and Armada Platinum Edition. Revised engine mounts and three new exterior colors: Lakeshore Slate, Tuscan Sun and Navy Blue.

The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four models: Pathfinder S V6, Pathfinder SE V6, Pathfinder LE V6 and Pathfinder LE V8 (4x4 only). It goes on sale in August 2009. Minor option tweaking and a new exterior color: Dark Slate.

The 2010 Xterra goes on sale in August 2009. Revisions for 2010 include: Xterra S model with manual transmission no longer available. Technology Package content standard on SE and OR models. Revised X Gear Package content, now standard on S and SE models.

The 2010 Nissan Rogue receives hardly any changes. Do range-wide standard chrome door handles even count?

The 2010 Nissan Titan scores side curtain air bags and Vehicle Dynamic Control now standard on all models. Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) added as standard for all models. Two new exterior colors: Blue Steel and Navy Blue

The 2010 Nissan Frontier gains standard side and curtain air bags on all models (4-cylinder and V6-equipped models). Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on all V6-equipped models 5-speed automatic transmission now available on Frontier XE models. 2-wheel or 4-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) added as standard for all SE and LE V6 models. Standard Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control now standard on all SE and LE 4WD automatic transmission-equipped models. One new exterior color: Night Armor

The 2010 Nissan Quest get a "no comment" from Nissan at this time. The Quest is moving from Stateside production to Japanese production, so until we get a brand new model the Nissan Quest will continue to be sold as a 2009 model throughout fall 2009.

For more info: Please note: There are more changes than listed above. For a complete rundown of Nissan 2010, consult this guide.

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Cha-Ching! Ford, Nissan and Tesla expected to receive advanced technology government loans

According to Associated Press sources, the Energy Department will announce on Tuesday that Ford, Nissan and Tesla will be receiving loans from a $25 billion fund setup to help the development of fuel-efficient vehicles. GM and Chrysler have been excluded from the first round of funding because of a stipulation that the loans only go to "financially viable" companies. Although the program is not limited to electric or hybrid technologies, all three companies have electric vehicles either in production or in the works.

The loan program was created in 2007 legislation but not funded until last fall. According to the official rules of the application process, the loans are intended to help with the costs of reequipping, expanding, and establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States to produce advanced technology vehicles, and components for such vehicles. These vehicles must provide meaningful improvements in fuel economy performance.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu is scheduled to make an official announcement on the loans in Dearborn, Michigan.

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WWPD? What would Penske do...If he bought Saturn?

Samsung eMX (SM3) concept

Now that GM has given its Saturn division walking papers, outside investors are trying to come up with creative ways to use the relatively well known and respected brand. One such investor is Roger Penske, a crafty creative retailer who brought the smart fortwo to the U.S. market. Penske has always been an intelligent businessman with his only real stumble being his failed alliance with Kmart to offer auto maintenance. Yeah, that didn't work so well.

Okay, so Penske is interested in Saturn. What would he do with it? Word on the street is that he'd sell Samsung cars and crossovers. It's not as outlandish as you might think. Samsung is largely owned by Renault -Nissan and uses corporate underpinnings for its vehicles. The corporate parts sharing should make the Samsung vehicles easily adaptable to US regulations. In the most basic sense, this would make these vehicles cut-rate Nissans. I say in the most basic sense because I'm sure there are those out there who would dig into the minutia and pick a fight with me on this analogy, but on the Internet you can find people to argue with you over just about anything. The pictured car (above) is essentially the 2010 SM3 with some auto show fluff on it. The 2010 SM3 is based on the Renault Mégane which was recently redesigned itself. Now of course I am only speculating that the SM3 would be one of the vehicles that Penske would offer here.

Another Samsung model that Penske might import would be the QM5. This crossover is related to the Renault Koleos, Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Rogue. While not a stunner, it's pleasant enough to look at and I'm sure it could sell in reasonable numbers at a the right price. There are two other Samsung models, the SM5 and SM7, both sedans based off the Nissan Teana.

Right now we're playing "what ifs" as nothing is finalized and there are other bidders for Saturn. However, out of all the interested parties that I know of, I'd trust Roger Penske and his team the most. Penske has a proven automotive retailing background with more hits than misses. If I were a Saturn dealer, I'd be rooting for Roger.

My only request of Mr. Penske? If you end up with the Saturn network, please give these vehicles a decent warranty and NOT a two year warranty like you currently offer on the smart. I doubt Mr. Penske would be foolish enough to undercut warranty coverage on mainstream cars like these, but I thought I'd throw it out there just in case anyone was getting ideas.

For more info: Visit Renault Samsung Motors website.

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Nissan: Diesel Maxima in "Holding pattern" Next Quest "Will look very different"

In a recent interview with Automotive News, Nissan North America's senior VP of sales and marketing, Brian Carolin, said that the current economic crisis has placed the diesel Maxima on hold. In addition the next Quest minivan will be a much changed product with a sharper focus on what the market wants. Infiniti is looking at less expensive models, but nothing firm at this point while on the upper end there is currently no plan for a new flagship to replace the extinct Q45. Nissan has signed off on the final design of the next Titan pickup, which will be assembled by Chrysler.

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Nissan: Chrysler Pickup Deal Too Good To Pass Up

As you might recall, Chrysler and Nissan had a bit of a "bromance" going on last year. Nissan was going to build a small car for Chrysler and in return Chrysler would manufacture the replacement for Nissan's slow selling Titan pickup.

Shortly thereafter, Chicken Little headed for his bomb shelter and the entire automotive universe began to slowly be devoured by a black hold so big, no one could escape its pull. Suddenly, the relationship was put on hold.

Now the small car alliance is probably toast for ever and ever. Why would Chrysler need any more small cars once Fiat enters the game? The truck side of things is completely different. Nissan is reconfiguring its plants and plans a big push into commercial light vehicles and let's face it Chrysler's facilities aren't running anywhere near capacity. So, it's looks like it will still be "Game on" for a Nissan badged, Chrysler made pickup truck.

According to Automotive News, Nissan is very much committed to the plan and has recently signed off on the design of the truck. That's pretty good news for everyone involved. The Ram is one of the few stars left in the sky for Chrysler and Nissan's current Titan never found its footing despite and tremendous round of applause from testers.

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Nissan Cube

Nothing much to report here, just another shot of the Nissan Cube. I first grabbed shots of the Cube back at the LA Auto Show. Now there are test drive impressions hitting various sites and Nissan is stepping up its consumer marketing.

I'm looking forward to seeing this puppy on the roads.

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Nissan: Keep Us Out of It

Methinks the brand doth protest too much. Nissan wants folks to know that it had nothing to do with this commercial (as if you couldn't have deduced that on your own). That doesn't change the fact that many of us have had our own encounters with smug Prius owners--this one just happens to end in violence :-)

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Nissan Continues Its EV Push

The Renault-Nissan Alliance today announced that Nissan and Pima Association of Governments (PAG), which represents the Tucson region, are forming a partnership to advance zero-emission mobility by promoting the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network. ECOtality Inc., a Scottsdale, Ariz., clean electric transportation and storage technologies company, also will participate in the partnership by working to facilitate the process of helping make the Tucson Metro Area EV-ready.

The Alliance has committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). Nissan will introduce ZEVs in the United States in 2010 and will mass market ZEVs globally two years later.

“This partnership represents a major step toward making zero emissions a reality in the Tucson Metro Area,” said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, administration and finance, Nissan North America. “The Tucson area long has been a leader in advanced technology and sustainability planning. We are looking forward to working with our partners in fostering the development and acceptance of electric vehicles as a smart, environmentally sound choice.”

source: nissan

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Silver Nissan 370z

In addition to the yellow Z, there was also a silver model. This car would be on the top of my shopping list for a sporty coupe that was south of $40K.

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Yellow Nissan 370z

I am really nuts about the current Z from Nissan and I have every reason to believe that I'll be more even more taken with the new model. If I had to carp, I'm not crazy about the headlights, but overall this is a beautiful, reasonably affordable sports coupe. Well done.

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Cube is a Hit

So far, out of all the vehicles I've seen here at the show, I've been most impressed with the Nissan Cube. The funky styling, roomy interior (for its size) and promised 30+ mpg (CVT equipped models) are all attributes that help make this little bugger a winner in my book.

To be sure, the vehicle is built to a price. The dash plastics are hard and there are times when designers might have tried a bit too hard to be stylish: but gosh darn it, you can't help but smile when you see this vehicle.

Given the small size, you can take comfort in the fact that you get six air bags (including front, side and curtain supplemental air bags), standard front-seat Active Head Restraints, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), along with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). It's a alphabet soup of features, but all very important in my book.

For your comparison, I've taken shots of both views to the rear of the car. When the driver looks back, he's got a window and when the passenger looks back, they'll see a solid panel. I would have hoped for a bit more visibility for the driver as the blacked out panels on the outside trick you into thinking there is more of a window than there really is.

Your either going to love or hate this one and firmly in the "love it" group. The Nissan Cube stays a small box, unlike the Scion xB which has simply gotten ridiculously large. Provided Nissan doesn't price this baby too dear, I think it should sell quite nicely.

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Nissan's Cube: Well Rounded

Now this is more like it. The Scion xB quickly got fat during its stay in America, leaving room once again for a small(er) box to invade our shores. Welcome the asymmetrical Nissan Cube. The whole idea between the different left and right pillars at the rear is that when the driver glances back, they'll get a better view of who is in the other lane. The funky look sits well with the Cube and I hope that its sensible dimensions and powerplant will yield excellent mileage.

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2010 Nissan 370z

We've seen so many teaser shots of this car that the official images are a bit anticlimactic. I have to see it in person before I pass final judgement on the redesign.

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Score a Nissan Cube T-Shirt for $5/Shipped

If you're a big fan of the Cube or nearly free t-shirts, then hop on over to this site to get a custom printed Nissan Cube shirt for the price of shipping (just use coupon code MyNissanCube). The shirt is pretty cool because there are a lot of phrases to customize it with such as "go tell it to your blog."

Normally a shirt like this would set you back around $20 shipped but Nissan is giving away the first 500 gratis. Do they really mean"First 500" or is this one of those "Be on of the first 100 callers and get the second bottle of Colon Blow for free" offers? I can't answer that, but why dilly-dally?

You can also check out the microsite that Nissan has setup for the Cube complete with a countdown to the reveal at the LA Auto Show.

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Next Nissan Van to Share Platform With JDM Elgrand?

The Quest is leaving the building, well at least in its current forum. Was it the wild and crazy center IP dash (eventually remedied) or the initial quality niggles at Nissan's Mississippi plant that doomed the van to a perennial "also ran" we'll never know. With the Mississippi plant being re-cast to build commercial trucks, the Quest will be getting the boot (probably after MY09). In its place with be a Japanese built van that will more than likely share a platform with Nissan's Elgrand van.

Will this attempt be the one to finally win over buyers? It's going to be a tough row to hoe. Minivan sales are slowing and with a barely a toe-hold in the existing market, it'll be a challenge to get buyer's attention. Nissan has tried the futuristic tack with little success, so it may have to try something else. Interestingly enough, the Forum concept that debuted during last year's auto show season was quite swoopy. I'm very curious to see how Nissan will position the styling of this next van. The market in this country is quite conservative when it comes to minivans, but if Nissan doesn't generate buzz it will probably never break out of its low volume status. One feature I wouldn't be surprised to see is the "missing B-Pillar on the driver's side." If Nissan can get this past safety tests, such a trick feature might wow some buyers. Another option is to really luxe up the van, creating a cocoon for buyers who are looking to impress more than ferry around 2-year-olds. Soft leathers, private jet inspired seating, and electronic tricks galore might call out to male buyers.

Hats off to Nissan for giving the minivan one more go.

picture source: Nissan Amenio concept van, Nissan Motors

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