02-03-10 - Why Nissan Now? Technology.....

Recent developments concerning unwanted acceleration in some Toyota vehicles has prompted consumer questions about accelerator pedals, Intelligent Key Start/Stop buttons and floor mats in Nissan vehicles. To assist in answering these consumer questions, we have prepared a brief summary of how accelerator-pedal assemblies, Intelligent Key components and floor mats on Nissan vehicles differ from those being recalled.  Also included is a summary of the awards and accolades Nissan vehicles have earned on 2009/2010 models.  

Why Nissan Now? Technology…

 

Accelerator Pedal Assembly

 

• The Nissan accelerator pedal assembly used an enclosed housing which is not as susceptible to the effects of humidity.
• The friction pad in the Nissan accelerator pedal assembly, which generates pedal feedback, is made of a issue that has been mentioned in the media as apparently causing problems in the vehicles involved in the recall.
• Nissan vehicles also have an electronic throttle-control system that recognizes when the brake and accelerator are depressed at the same time and automatically reduces engine power under these circumstances.

 

Key Start / Stop Button:

 

• Nissan’s Intelligent-Key system can recognize when the driver intends to turn off the engine in conditions other than Park.
• In order to turn off a Nissan vehicle equipped with Intelligent-Key, drivers may either:
  • Push the Start/Stop button three times consecutively
  • Press and hold the Start/Stop button for more than two seconds.

Note: The engine may be turned off while the transmission in any position, however we don’t recommend turning off the engine while the vehicle is moving. If the engine is turned off, power assist for steering and braking will be lost and it will be more difficult to steer and slow the vehicle.

 

Floor mats:   Floor-mat design and retention methods help keep the mats in the proper place.

 

·          The design provides adequate clearance between the mat and the accelerator pedal.

·          Floor mats have nibs on the back which help prevent properly positioned floor mats from sliding on the vehicle’s carpet.

·          Floor mats are specifically designed for each vehicle model to help mitigate possible interference with the pedals.

 

Awards and Accolades 2009 / 2010 Models:

 

J.D. Power and Associates

 

2009 Altima: Highest Ranked Midsize car in Initial Quality

2009 370Z: Highest Ranked Compact Premium Sporty Care in Initial Quality

 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Highest Rating – 5 Stars

 

2009 Quest: Front and Side impact crash safety             

2010 Sentra: Front impact crash safety

2010 Maxima: Front and Side impact crash safety         

2010 Altima: Front impact crash safety

2010 Rogue: Side impact crash safety                                     

2010 Murano: Side impact crash safety

2010 Xterra: Side impact crash safety

 

Consumers Digest Best Buy Award

 

2009 Altima: Consumer Digest Best Buy Award Winner – Family Cars

2010 Versa: Consumer Digest Automotive Best Buy Award

2010 Rogue: Consumer Digest Automotive Best Buy Award

 

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

 

2009 Quest: Top Safety Pick by IIHS for Front and Side Impacts

2010 Versa: Top Safety Pick by IIHS for Side and Rear Impacts

2010 Cube: Top Safety Pick by IIHS for Front, Rear and Side Impacts

2010 Murano: Top Safety Picks by the IIHS