Confident Nissan PH president: Let the pickup truck wars begin

No less than Nissan Philippines president and managing director Antonio Zara warmly welcomed the motoring media at its thanksgiving dinner Monday night. His welcome speech was short and sweet, and announced nothing but exciting news for pickup truck shoppers, Nissan fans, and motorsports and driving enthusiasts.

As you probably know by now, a slew of all-new pickup models are entering our market this year. Is NPI shaken?

"Let the truck wars begin!" Zara declared, confident with his company's all-new NP300 Navara. He then announced that Nissan's new pickup truck will be unveiled on February 2 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Interested buyers can start placing orders by late February and enjoy their new ride by March when the units arrive.

Zara then shared with TopGear.com.ph the seven variants of the all-new Navara:

* 4x4 AT High
* 4x4 MT High
* 4x4 MT Mid
* 4x2 AT Mid
* 4x2 MT Mid
* 4x2 MT Mid Low
* 4x2 MT Low

All variants will be powered by Nissan's 2.5-liter YD25DDTi engine rated at 190hp and 450Nm.

Nissan Philippines is battle-ready, as Zara also revealed that the company is set to open 10 new dealerships this year in the following cities:

* Mandaluyong City
* Parañaque City
* Calamba, Laguna
* Batangas City
* Marilao, Bulacan
* Baliuag, Bulacan
* Cebu
* Dumaguete
* General Santos
* Zamboanga

The executive further hinted that Nissan will ink an important partnership this year. It's an agreement aimed at boosting tourism via land travel in the Philippines. We'll keep you posted.

As for the company's motorsport aspirations? That's worthy of another story. Stay tuned!