 The world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible will be available in dealerships this spring. According to Brian Carolin, Senior Vice President for Nissan Sales and Marketing, the CrossCabriolet combines the “sophistication of a sedan” with the “utility of a sport utility” and the fun factor of a convertible. Such a unique concept comes with some risk, Carolin said, “There’s a degree of bravery for us to bring out a car like that right now. It will surprise a lot of people.”
Nissan engineers stayed true to the popular Murano model, but made some changes in order to ensure stability with the roof. With the absence of B-pillars, the CrossCarbiolet’s A-pillars were reinforced and the length of the doors increased to keep the standard model profile. The canvas roof employs a glass window for longevity and the aerodynamic efficiency remains true to the original Murano at 0.39 Cd.
 The all-electric Nissan Leaf is certainly efficient, but is it safe? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Leaf is just as safe as it is efficient, which is why it was awarded a “Top Safety Pick” rating.
The Leaf achieved the Institute’s highest rating of “Good” in front, rear, and side impact protection. The rating also signifies that the vehicle is equipped with electronic stability control and earned a good rating in roof strength.
Latest accolade for zero-emission vehicle comes at New York International Auto Show
Today, at the New York International Auto Show, the 100-percent electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF was named 2011 World Car of the Year, edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. Today’s award is the latest in a string of accolades for the world’s first affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market, which was also named European Car of the Year.
 Purpose-Built Prototype Wraps Production Nissan LEAF Components and Technology in a Dramatic Ready-To-Go-Racing Carbon Fiber Body
The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAF™. The powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world’s first affordable mass market electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities between the production Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC end. As indicted by the “RC” – for Racing Competition – this new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th, is purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term “Racing Green.”
 ‘Choose Zero’ Curriculum Rolls Out to 2.5 Million Grade School Students
Recognizing that kids are often the most effective at creating change, Nissan North America, Inc. is launching an in-class and online educational outreach initiative called “Choose Zero” in elementary and middle schools this month. The curriculum, which features the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF, is designed to empower kids to make and advocate for changes that reduce carbon emissions in their homes, schools and communities. Developed in partnership with Kaleidoscope Youth Marketing, the initiative is rolling out to 2.5 million students in 7,500 schools across the United States.
“Nissan is committed to empowering people of all ages – including children – to make changes that reduce carbon emissions,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America. “We are excited to bring environmental advocacy into classrooms through valuable resources for teachers, parents and the students while also educating them on the Nissan LEAF technology and environmental benefits.”
 Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it would create a new resource on Safecar.gov that would collect information from automakers regarding which child restraints fit properly in their specific vehicles. And although details of NHTSA’s Vehicle-CRS Fit Program are still being finalized, Nissan North America is already on board. In fact, the company has been helping consumers learn which child-restraint systems properly fit in Nissan (and Infiniti) vehicles since 2002.
That’s when Nissan launched its industry-leading Snug Kids program, developed directly in response to consumer interest in this important information. But first, a Nissan team of certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians personally devoted thousands of hours to evaluating hundreds of child-safety seats for compatibility with Nissan (and Infiniti) vehicles.
 Which car is mas macho? The Porsche 911 is bought by men nine out of 10 times.
And how about for women? Women bought another German, the Volkswagen New Beetle, in six out of 10 cases. No wonder that the new version of the Beetle, being unveiled in two weeks, was teased on Oprah Winfrey's daily TV estrogen fest.
TrueCar.com, which decided which cars are most popular by gender, reaches the broad conclusion that "the study shows that women car buyers are more cost-conscious and purchased fuel-efficient vehicles while male buyers were completely the opposite, purchasing vehicles that were either big and brawny, like a large truck, or chose a high-priced, high-performance vehicle," said Jesse Toprak, a TrueCar vice president.
 Video Contest on Nissan Facebook Page Launches for Owners to Win Trip to New York International Auto Show
Win the chance to be a “reporter” at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Launched on the brand’s Facebook page, the contest asks interested owners to create a thirty second video reporting on what’s innovative about their own Nissan vehicle.
The winner and a guest will receive travel to New York with media access to US’s largest-attended auto show on press days. The winning “reporter” will get up-close with new Nissan vehicles, experience live world car reveals, meet Nissan representatives and report from the show through videos to be shared back with the Facebook community.
 Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of gas you use. If you are already following these tips, you are probably getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver.
Drive Sensibly
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
Observe the Speed Limit
While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.
Observing the speed limit is also safer.
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