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An anthropologist is someone who studies humankind and people. When you consider that fact, it seems counterintuitive to bring on a scientist from that field to assist in the making of an autonomous vehicle. But that’s exactly what Nissan has done.

“We are working at the heart, the guts of the core technology and bringing insights and the kind of understanding that we have about human practices and human experience right into the fundamental design of the system,” said Melissa Cefkin, principal scientist and design anthropologist at the Nissan Research Center in Silicon Valley.

One way her insight might prove helpful when you look at what happens at a four-way stop intersection. Typically people follow rules and motion for other drivers to make their move. A problem occurs when you take the person out of that situation.

“What happens at a four-way stop – it’s open to a lot of interpretation,” she explained. “Yeah, I’m supposed to stop, (but) once I’ve stopped it doesn’t tell me when to go again, so that’s up to me to figure out.”

Nissan believes that Cefkin and her studies can add valuable information about human driving patterns, behaviors, and interactions in order to ensure that their ProPILOT technology is a “good” driver and a model citizen behind the wheel. Clearly, Nissan has put a lot of foresight and preparedness into this technology.

“People Behind the ProPILOT: What Does an Anthropologist Bring to Autonomous Driving Design?” Nissan Online Newsroom. Nissan, 10 Aug. 2016. Web. 24 Aug. 2016.

The 2017 TITAN half-ton builds on the foundation of design innovation established by the original Titan full-size pickup, including bed and cab features that are now industry standard, and the rugged workhorse sensibility of the new TITAN XD.

“We’re pleased to now offer the same confidence-inspiring protection as our commercial vehicles for our entire range of 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD full-size pickups,” said Fred Diaz, division vice president and general manager, North America Trucks and Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan North America, Inc. “The new bumper-to-bumper coverage shows customers that Nissan stands behind the quality of its vehicles – including the ones that are subject to the hardest use.”

The announcement of the new warranty plan comes hot on the heels of the reveal of the 2017 Titan V8 and Titan XD models. The bumper-to-bumper five-years/100,000-miles warranty includes powertrain and basic coverage on all Titan models and will inspire even more confidence in the brand.

“TITAN will ultimately be available in a total of three cabs, three bed lengths, three engines, 4×4 and 4×2 drive and S, SV, SL, PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve trim levels – covering about 85 percent of the total light pickup marketplace,” said Diaz. “And each and every one of them will be covered by the new 5-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty – the best truck warranty in America.”

“Nissan Announces “America’s Best Truck Warranty”: 5 Years/100,000 Miles Bumper-to-bumper for 2017 TITAN and TITAN XD.” Nissan Online Newsroom. Nissan, 15 Aug. 2016. Web. 23 Aug. 2016.

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Whether you are a student driving to school yourself, or a parent involved in a carpool, having a reliable car is a must for the school year. If you need a new vehicle visit Tynan’s Nissan Fort Collins for something reliable, affordable, and fun to drive. We have great pricing on the 2016 Altima, Rogue, and more, and are still participating in the No Charge To Charge Program for the Nissan LEAF. Come see us at 5811 South College Avenue in Fort Collins, CO 80525 today for your test drive!

Giving back to the community is something that Nissan takes very seriously. Now in its second decade of partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Nissan is proud to say that they have donated more than $14 million and countless volunteer hours.

“We thank Nissan for continuing to give back to communities across the country,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are grateful for their long-term support and commitment to help families build strength, stability and self-reliance.”

Last week, Nissan donated another $1 million to the cause to help expand Habitat for Humanity’s vehicle fleet and to help build new homes in the areas where Nissan has an operational presence, including Tennessee, California, Michigan, and Mississippi.

“Nissan values its partnership with Habitat for Humanity because it delivers strong results each year in building sustainable communities in the areas where our employees live and work,” said Nissan vice president Rebecca Vest. “Our employees look forward to working alongside future homeowners, and their experiences affirm our corporate mission to enrich people’s lives.”

“Nissan Enters Second Decade of Partnership with Habitat for Humanity with $1 Million Donation of Grants and Vehicles.” Nissan Online Newsroom. Nissan, 9 Aug. 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2016.

Nissan’s ongoing commitment to the development of zero-emission vehicles has led to the development of the first Solid Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC)-powered prototype. This vehicle runs on 100% bio-ethanol electric power which charges a 24kWh battery and enables a range of up to 600km. The energy-generating components of this vehicle are clean, very efficient, and produce carbon-neutral emissions.

Just like the BladeGlider we talked about in the last blog, the SOFC-powered vehicle was unveiled at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro where it will undergo further field tests on public roads.

Nissan president and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “The e-Bio Fuel-Cell offers eco-friendly transportation and creates opportunities for regional energy production…all the while supporting the existing infrastructure. In the future, the e-Bio Fuel-Cell will become even more user-friendly. Ethanol-blended water is easier and safer to handle than most other fuels. Without the need to create new infrastructure, it has great potential to drive market growth.”

“Nissan Unveils World’s First Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Vehicle.” Nissan Online Newsroom. Nissan, 4 Aug. 2016. Web. 11 Aug. 2016.


The Olympics aren’t the only exciting thing happening in Rio de Janeiro this month. Last week, Nissan unveiled two new vehicle prototypes, one of which was the Nissan BladeGlider. The unveiling took place at the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) as part of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility strategy.

The Nissan BladeGlider is a 100% electric sports car and will contribute to the zero-emissions future that Nissan is working towards. Features of the BladeGlider include an advanced chassis configuration with a narrow front track and wider rear track for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability, high-waisted/rear-hinged dihedral doors, an open roof that is reinforced with an integrated rollover protection structure, seamless cockpit windscreen providing panoramic views, four point safety harness for each occupant, and a two-screen central display.

Unfortunately, this innovative vehicle is only a working prototype but if Nissan has their way it will be much more than that in the future.

Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. said: “These prototypes epitomize Nissan’s drive to expand its Intelligent Mobility strategy, where driving pleasure combines with environmental responsibility. Nissan believes that enthusiasts should look forward to a zero emission future and Nissan BladeGlider is a perfect demonstration of that. It’s the electric vehicle for car lovers.”

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Considering a new car? Get to Nissan’s Bottom Line Summer Event and save big with model year-end offers on the last of our 2016 Nissan cars, trucks, and SUVs! We have all your favorite models in stock including the Altima, Frontier, LEAF, Maxima, Rogue, and the Versa. Not sure which one would fit your lifestyle and budget the best? Our knowledgeable associates are here to help! The Bottom Line Summer Event is here at Tynan’s Nissan Fort Collins so stop into 5811 South College Avenue in Fort Collins, CO 80525 for the best prices of the season!

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The “four-door sports car” is now officially available here at Tynan’s Nissan Fort Collins and we look forward to seeing you here at our dealership to set up a test drive. We are, of course, talking about the 2017 Nissan Maxima and we are sure that you will find this vehicle to be fun and exciting when you get behind the wheel and take it out for a spin. If you prefer to research a vehicle before taking it out for a test drive then we want to let you know that we will soon be releasing a Research & Review age featuring this all-new model. Keep your eye out for the release of this new page to learn more about the details of this vehicle such as trim levels, safety features, performance capabilities, and much more.

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Nissan has taken the initial step towards autonomous driving. “ProPilot” will be debuted in Japan in an upcoming model and will allow drivers to engage in nearly hands-free driving.

Along with controlling braking, steering, and acceleration automatically, the ProPilot uses a camera and image-processing technology to recognize other vehicles and lane markers on the road. The technology can be engaged when the speed of the vehicle is between 19 and 62 MPH and will be able to maintain a safe driving distance from other cars and stay in the center of the lane it is in.

The ProPilot doesn’t quite allow for complete hands-free driving yet as a safety precaution and will automatically disengage if hands are not interacting with the wheel. Additional functionality will be released on future models but for now, this iteration is well suited for highly congested roads and highways.

Nissan has not said when the technology will be available in the US or on which models.

“Nissan Now Has an Autonomous System and It Will Come to the US.” Autoblog. Autoblog, 13 July 2016. Web. 29 July 2016.

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If you are interested in the 2016 Nissan Juke but would like to learn more about the features and capabilities of this model before you take it out for a test drive, then you should read through our new Research & Review page. This page has just been released and it is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about this vehicle.

For starters, this page will inform you that there are five trim level options on this model (the Juke S, SV, SL, NISMO®, and NISMO® RS) and there are two different engine options depending on the trim level you select. Additionally, some of the safety and convenience features that are available depending on the trim include Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Power Moonroof, Heated Front Seats, 18” NISMO® Aluminum Alloy Wheels, and much more.

Learn even more on this new page and then take a trip over to Tynan’s Nissan Fort Collins to test it out!