Nissan Announces All-New Engine-Powered AGRES

and AGRES Compact Forklifts

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of its new, fully redesigned engine-powered AGRES and AGRES Compact forklifts, which go on sale September 18 at dealers in Japan. The AGRES and AGRES Compact lines are Nissan's principal strategic forklift series. AGRES forklifts are available in 1.0 - 3.5-ton models and AGRES Compact forklifts in 0.98 - 2.5-ton models. In addition to the new engine technology, the new AGRES and AGRES Compact forklifts offer improved devices for operator/worker safety and peace of mind.

Nissan also celebrates the 50th anniversary of its forklift business this month.

AGRES (2.5 ton model)

New Efficient, Environmentally Friendly Engines

Along with high quality and safe operation, the new engine-powered AGRES forklifts were developed to provide an optimum balance of low operating costs and environmental friendliness. Engine technology development was targeted at attaining among the world's cleanest exhaust emissions and lowest fuel consumption.

The 2-ton and 3-ton diesel AGRES forklifts feature Nissan's newly developed QD32 engine. By substantially reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, this engine complies with Japan's 2008 exhaust emission regulations for special motor vehicles one year ahead of the scheduled enforcement date. The QD32 diesel engine is also used on Nissan's Caravan, Atlas and other light commercial vehicles and has been specially modified for industrial machinery use.

The gasoline and LPG AGRES models are powered by new ECCS engines (K21, K25) and are fitted with a standard three-way catalyst muffler system, enabling them to achieve significantly cleaner exhaust emissions. These forklifts comply with Japan's 2007 exhaust emission regulations for special motor vehicles.

AGRES Compact forklifts are available in both gasoline and LPG models. The previous Electronic Concentrated Controlled System (ECCS) engines, fitted with a three-way catalyst muffler system, have been further improved and are now standard on both the gasoline and LPG models.

AGRES Overview

The full-size AGRES forklift lineup offers a number of advanced performance and safety systems. In addition to the available advanced diesel and gasoline engines' reduced emissions and fuel efficiency, the engines feature standard selectable Power and Economy operating modes on all models. The Economy mode prevents excessive engine revving in the high-speed range. This reduces fuel consumption by approximately 17% compared with the Power mode of 1.5 ton-model, while maintaining a practical level of performance. This also contributes to a substantial reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The gasoline and LPG models also feature a standard "creep home" mode to prevent the engine from overheating. This function monitors engine coolant temperature, oil pressure and transmission fluid temperature. When abnormal conditions are detected, the system reduces the engine speed or cuts off the fuel supply so as to avoid fatal damage to the engine or transmission.

The dustproof and waterproof performance of the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) has also been improved. The VCM features an IP65 level of protection, which prevents the incursion of water even if the truck is exposed to a steam shower.

AGRES models also offer a standard Safety Support System, which utilizes a seat sensor and mast lock mechanism that automatically stops lift and tilt operations when a sensor embedded in the seat detects that the operator is not in a normal operating position. The Safety Support System also includes a parking brake reminder buzzer, a seat belt reminder buzzer and a mechanism for automatically returning the automatic transmission to neutral (on torque converter models). These devices are designed to provide peace of mind and enhanced safety, not only of the operator but also other nearby workers.

A Roll Control System is continued from the previous AGRES models as standard safety equipment. This system uses the locking effect of the rear axle to enable firm contact with the ground at all four wheels, thereby stabilizing vehicle behavior in relation to the lateral acceleration applied to the forklift while turning.

AGRES instrument panels include a standard multifunction liquid crystal display (LCD) with excellent legibility. In addition to the coolant temperature gauge, fuel gauge and hour meter (cumulative engine operating time), it also displays the shift lever position, a calendar and a clock. A password entry function is a standard feature for enabling only an operator with an assigned password to start the engine.

A "service reminder" is provided as a standard function for indicating maintenance intervals. The self-diagnosis display shows the error code when a problem occurs. The forklift's diagnostic history, stored in memory, can be displayed to support quick and accurate repair work.

AGRES Compact Overview

The new AGRES Compact forklift lineup consists of four versions with load capacities of 0.98, 1.35, 1.6 and 2.5 tons, all of which have nimble maneuverability on a par with electric forklifts. Nissan is the only manufacturer in the Japanese market to offer a lineup of forklifts in the 0.98 to 1.6 ton range.

True to their name, AGRES Compact forklift models feature compact bodies for superior maneuverability. The 1.6-ton and 2.5-ton models are rated among the world's most agile forklifts, boasting a minimum turning radius of 1,950 millimeters and 2,030 millimeters, respectively. These turning radii are 100 to 200 millimeters smaller than those of other trucks in these forklift classes.

AGRES Compact models feature many of the standard features found on the AGRES lineup, including the selectable Power and Economy modes, the seat sensor-actuated Safety Support System, Roll Control System, multifunction LCD instrument panel and "creep home" mode function. The dustproof and waterproof performance of the VCM has also been enhanced.

The combined sales target for AGRES and AGRES Compact in Japan is 4,000 units/year. General overseas markets sales are targeted at 3,000 units/year.

Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices of Major AGRES Models (including consumption tax)

Nissan Forklift Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The first Nissan forklift rolled off the production line on August 25, 1957. Over the past 50 years, Nissan's forklift business has grown across the world, with cumulative sales totaling some 600,000 forklifts to date.

Nissan currently markets forklift trucks in 85 countries around the world and has forklift production facilities in three countries: Japan, the U.S. and Spain. Nissan forklifts have advanced in performance over the years and are trusted and evaluated highly by many customers all over the world. Nissan will continue to provide high-quality forklifts and targeted support services to meet the production and logistic needs of customers everywhere, as their comprehensive partner in physical distribution and material handling operations.