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Nissan's youth-friendly concept

SHANGHAI, China - Nissan has revealed its Friend-Me concept, a four-passenger sedan designed for a generation with a very different automotive outlook, at the 2013 auto show here.

The automaker describes it as having an assertive and imposing exterior with boldly flowing sculpted lines; "a confident creature of the night, meant to be seen in bright city lights".

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Its genesis was Nissan's research into customers in what will emerge as the world's largest single market segment: the "Balinghou" - Chinese born in the 1980's. Specifically, the concept addresses the social dynamics of Chinese men in their mid-20s.

STANDING OUT


François Bancon, division general manager of product strategy and advanced planning at Nissan, said: "Balinghou males are a huge part in the world's largest market and they're now reaching their prime. Clearly their tastes will shape automotive trends worldwide for decades to come.

"We believe it's important to listen and respond by putting dreams within their reach. That's why Friend-Me is our first proposition in an ongoing dialogue."

The automaker reckons its  exterior design addresses a fine balance that middle-class Balinghou youth must heed. Taiji Toyota, vice-president of Nissan Design China, said: "We call our solution Distilled Da Qi - casting an aura, standing out, but at the same time going with the flow, fitting in.

"It's a question of balance,and we've worked to refine it right down to the essence. The result adds an entirely new and youthful dimension to the sedan category."

SEPARATE SEATS

The concept has a low and wide stance with short front and rear overhangs giving, the automaker claims, a chunky, assertive and sporty impression. "The design flows from the V-shaped grille and streams through the bonnet and shoulder lines while the headlights and rear combination lights feature a boomerang-shaped lighting signature."

Each of the four seats is separate with the same high-tech style and status so each passenger shares the same information as the driver - speed, navigation and remaining fuel."

Each gets to use a centre console stretching from the dash to between the rear seats. Screens visible from each seat blend into the surface, only becoming apparent as they display content.

The car is powered by a PureDrive hybrid powertrain - "great for city driving".

Bancon added: "If there's one thing we want Nissan to be known for, it's uniquely powerful insight into what excites and delights customers across China. Friend-Me is just the beginning."
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