In the last two years, the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) business at Nissan has emerged as one of the principal drivers of the company's growth worldwide. With long term investments and business strategies in place, LCVs from Nissan will lead the company's expansion into new markets with new and enhanced products in the future as well.
The current prominence of the LCV business at Nissan can be traced to the company's early history. The very first Nissan vehicle that rolled out of the assembly line was an LCV, Datsun 13T in 1934. Later, Datsun trucks in 1958 were the first export model from Japan.
LCVs from Nissan have set trends in innovation since inception with features which have included for example, a semi cab over van and the adoption of a unitized body in the production of first generation Caravan in 1973
Among its more recent LCV launches are included the following:
CABSTAR
In July 2006, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the new Cabstar was built on the newly developed global platform for light duty trucks (LDT). In Europe the model went on sale in September of the same year. The new LDT platform and a platform for panel vans, will replace Nissan's 11 unique LCV platforms by 2010 in order to maximize efficiency. However, some LCVs will continue to be built on passenger vehicle platforms.
Innovation
The new Nissan LDT platform will support Cabstar's award-winning full cabin over engine (COE) configuration, building on the Cabstar's reputation for excellent balance between load-carrying capacity and in-town manoeuvrability.
Nissan engineers adopted a straight, light but strong ladder frame design. The combination of COE configuration and a light and durable frame enhances Cabstar's load performance both in length and weight. This gives the customer the choice between greater load capacity and shorter vehicle length. It also enhances manoeuvrability when driving in cities because it allows operators to carry the same load capacity on a shorter wheelbase.
Due to the Cabstar's new frame, it will be easier and quicker to operate on the engine during maintenance and repair. This operation is made even easier by the adoption of a tilting cabin configuration. Time off the road will be minimized, allowing maximum efficiency for the customer.
The Cabstar platform has been reinforced to ensure a car-like crash performance. Independent tests have demonstrated that in case of frontal impacts, Cabstar's safety level is as high as that of a passenger car. Safety was enhanced by reinforcing the front part of the frame and by enhancing the elasticity of the straight elements behind the cabin.
ATLAS F24
In June, 2007,Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of its fully redesigned Atlas F24 light-duty truck, which went on sale with immediate effect at Nissan dealers in Japan.
CLIPPER RIO
In June 2007, the company also announced the release of the all-new Clipper Rio one-box mini-wagon, which went on sale with immediate effect at Nissan dealers across Japan. The Clipper Rio is available in a wide range of model variations to meet diverse customer preferences, including a new Personal Chair Cab Ramp Type lifecare vehicle.
ATLAS H43 DIESEL HYBRID
In September 2007, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the addition of Diesel Hybrid and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) models to its Atlas H43 Diesel Hybrid line up of LCVs in Japan. Earlier in January 2007, Nissan had announced the launch of the Atlas light duty truck in three configurations. A new Atlas Semi-Wide series, which is 75mm wider than the previous Atlas High Cab, an Atlas Wide Cab and Atlas Standard Cab. Each offered significant enhancements to interior comfort and driver ergonomics, as well as new technologies designed to deliver improved environmental and energy-saving performance.
Exhibit NV200 in Tokyo Motor Show
At the Tokyo motor show in 2007, Nissan exhibited its NV200 model, a LCV for the new generation professionals of the future. The model was meant to showcase possible future directions for a vehicle in the light van category. 
