Japanese Engineering with Mexican Manufacturing

Nissan Mexico announced via a press release the launch of an engine conversion program available for the NP300, March, Urvan and V-drive cars. 

The program will be available for the 2020 and later models, allowing the converted vehicle to use natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), depending on the owner’s preference. Nissan Mexico states that this part of its commitment to creating mobility alternatives that offer variety to consumers in different segments. In Mexico, the company also created an alliance with Gazo Sistemas.

“At Nissan, we have learned that the way in which customers buy and mobilize is constantly evolving. This situation leaves us with the challenge of always having an eye towards innovation,” said Gerardo Fernández, Sales Director of Nissan Mexico. “For this reason, we are pioneers in this launch of ‘conversion to gas,’ a program that will allow owners to have a different mobility alternative, based on the performance that characterizes us. This is the result of years of tests and experience, which incorporate the best of Japanese engineering and Mexican manufacturing,” he concluded in the press release.

Nissan Mexico explains that the program will have two phases: Phase 1 will convert cars to natural gas vehicles (NGV) or LPG vehicles in Mexico City, State of Mexico and Puebla; while Phase 2 will incorporate the states of Tlaxcala and Guanajuato. These service options can also be used by companies’ mobility fleets as a sustainable solution. “Natural gas reduces CO2 emissions by 70 percent in comparison to diesel and is 50 percent cheaper per kilometer than traditional fuels,” said Luis Echavarría, Director General at Enco GNV, in an interview with MBN.

NGVs versus EVs?

While electric vehicles (EV) seem a more popular solution, there are many questions regarding viability. For example, Enco GNV suggests that EVs are not the only solution for Mexico because “the infrastructure, as well as the cars themselves, are too expensive. Similarly, lithium batteries, which cost almost half the price of the car itself, are highly pollutant when discarded,” said Echavarría.

Nissan Mexico also addresses the fact that NGV’s save more on fuel, particularly for those who their vehicle every day, a common practice in Mexico City. The company expects users will save up to 45 percent in comparison to regular gas. After half a year, Nissan Mexico expects that users will realize how cost efficient NGVs are, as they will feel it in their wallets after a few months.