ST. JOHN'S, NL/MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Nissan Canada's debut in Targa Newfoundland, one of the most famous rally events in Canada, will go down in the books as a success. The three pairs racing for Nissan Canada crossed the finish line without a scratch or incident after a 1,500 kilometre, week-long rally. The JUKE NISMO RS sport crossover made history as the first crossover to compete in Targa Newfoundland while the two all-new Nissan Micras were the first vehicles to compete with Canada's lowest starting M.S.R.P.
The JUKE NISMO RS finished the Targa Division in sixth place, while the two Micras crossed the finish line of the Grand Touring division in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Nissan Canada was proud to welcome automotive journalist and Targa Newfoundland co-founder, Jim Kenzie to its team. Jim, along with co-driver Brian Bourbonniere who is widely considered one of the greatest navigators in Canada, pushed the JUKE NISMO RS to its limits in virtually stock trim. The 215 horsepower, turbo-charged JUKE NISMO RS responded to its first rally challenge and took the Targa Newfoundland veterans through the event without incident.
Four automotive journalists comprised the other two pairs, each driving fully stock 2015 Nissan Micra SR M/T. Michel Crépault and Keri Potipcoe, Danny Bailey and Michael Vaughan, took on the twisting and challenging roads of Newfoundland with confidence and poise in Canada's newest subcompact vehicle. As the rally legs became increasingly difficult, Micra drivers and co-drivers finished numerous stages with perfect scores. All four drivers agree this is a testament to the Micra's agility and reliability, and that it is a vehicle which provides a "fun-to-drive" factor to its drivers, in or outside the city.
"In view of the NISMO brand's proven motorsport records and the launch of Micra, Nissan's value flagship, it was time for Nissan Canada to participate in a motorsport event. What better way to do this than competing in this well-received and entirely Canadian rally - Targa Newfoundland," says Christian Meunier, president of Nissan Canada Inc. "Congratulations to all six members on the Nissan Canada Team. Jim and Brian exhibited their high level of proficiency in rally racing behind the wheel of the JUKE NISMO RS. As first-time rally competitors, Danny, Keri, Michael and Michel were all very impressive in how well they drove the Micra and how quickly they learned to compete, rally-style."
"I am very proud of Team Nissan Canada's performance and impressed with how our drivers used their combination of skills and experience in motorsport to demonstrate that JUKE NISMO RS and the Nissan Micra can take on just about any challenge on the road," concluded Christian Meunier.
Information, images and B-Roll of Nissan's full lineup are available at www.media.nissan.ca or upon request.
About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 244,500 employees globally, Nissan sold almost 5.2 million vehicles and generated revenue of 10.5 trillion yen (USD 105 billion) in fiscal 2013. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.
For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
About Nissan Canada
Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. With offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC), NCI directly employs 250 full-time staff. There are 185 independent Nissan dealerships, 37 Infiniti retailers and 45 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers across Canada. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year and World Car of the Year awards.
More information about Nissan in Canada and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissan.ca and www.infiniti.ca.
Image with caption: "The Nissan JUKE NISMO RS sport crossover made history as the first crossover to compete in Targa Newfoundland while the two all-new Nissan Micras were the first vehicles to compete with Canada's lowest starting M.S.R.P. (CNW Group/Nissan Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140920_C9377_PHOTO_EN_42836.jpg
Image with caption: "The Nissan JUKE NISMO RS sport crossover made history as the first crossover to compete in Targa Newfoundland while the two all-new Nissan Micras were the first vehicles to compete with Canada's lowest starting M.S.R.P. (CNW Group/Nissan Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140920_C9377_PHOTO_EN_42837.jpg
Image with caption: "The Nissan JUKE NISMO RS sport crossover made history as the first crossover to compete in Targa Newfoundland while the two all-new Nissan Micras were the first vehicles to compete with Canada's lowest starting M.S.R.P. (CNW Group/Nissan Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140920_C9377_PHOTO_EN_42838.jpg
SOURCE: Nissan Canada Inc.
Media contacts:
Didier Marsaud
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Nissan Canada
Tel: 905-629-6400
Email: [email protected]
Jenn McCarthy
Cohn & Wolfe
Tel: 647-259-3305
Email: [email protected]
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