Nissan to Introduce Qashqai Crossover to North America
Nissan Qashqai
According to a anonymous sources talking to Automotive News, Nissan is rumored to be bringing a model from across the pond in Europe over to North America: the Qashqai.
The Qashqai is a crossover that is similar to the Rogue, except that it is slightly smaller and more fuel-efficient – it stands 10 inches shorter and has a little less trunk space, but a British car-buying website has estimated that the Qashqai delivers approximately 53 US mpg.
More Nissan Crossovers: Three Reasons You Will Want a Nissan Juke
Sadly, for the Qashqai to come in, something must go out, so Nissan is planning to discontinue production of the Rogue Select, the older generation Rogue that functioned as a lower-priced alternative to the redesigned Rogue.
2015 Nissan Rogue
The Qashqai is expected to do well in the exploding crossover market segment, following the example of the Rogue, a model whose sales were up 54% year-over-year in June and 36% year-over-year for the first six month of the year. The Rogue (and, possibly, the Qashqai) is expected to continue this trend.
Talking about the Rogue’s June performance, Fred Diaz, Nissan senior vice president for US sales and marketing and operations, said, “We haven’t hit the ceiling yet. We have more opportunity there if we can get our dealers more.”
Nissan will back up those confident words beginning next year, when it plans to tap Japan for 100,00 more Rogues per year.
More on the Rogue: Accessorize Your 2015 Nissan Rogue
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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