Nissan’s new Vanette, NV 200, has been elected International Van of the Year 2010. The trophy is awarded every year to the light commercial vehicle which is deemed to have made the greatest contribution to transport efficiency. The International Van of the Year jury, representing 23 countries, gave the Vanette an impressive total of 107 points out of a maximum possible 161. In second place was the new Iveco Ecodaily with 76 points, followed by the Volkswagen Transporter T5 with 51 points.

New Standards in Internal Space
The Jury was particularly impressed by the fact that Nissan has created a compact light commercial vehicle that sets new standards in terms of internal space in relation to its external dimensions. Whilst measuring 169cm wide on the outside, the Vanette’s internal width is either the same, or just a few centimetres less, than comparable products from rival manufacturers.

High Level of Cab Comfort
The judges were also taken by Vanette’s high level of cab comfort and especially its low interior noise levels at high speed.

Impressive Build Quality
Meanwhile, build quality, attention to detail, and all-round driver visibility—thanks to its large, well-designed mirrors and deep windscreen---were some of the other reasons why the Vanette achieved top spot. Furthermore, the Nissan Vanette comes with an imposing list of options ranging from an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and a rear-view parking camera to a clever folding passenger seat and adjustable bulkhead.

Tight Turning Circle
 Out on the road the IVOY jury was inspired by the Nissan’s tight turning circle and ‘car-like’ driving characteristics, which give the driver a feeling of total control after only a short time behind the wheel.

Impressive Cargo Space – 4.2 m3 allowing for 2 Euro Pallets
When it comes to earning potential and productivity, the Vanette’s cargo space, at 4.2 cubic metres, is between 20-25% larger than many of its direct competitors and in some cases larger rivals. Its internal load height is also one of the highest in its sector while its load deck height is the lowest in its class.

Nissan was further praised by the IVOY jury for paying particular attention to the needs of van fleet operators. The ample space between the Vanette’s wheel-arches, for example, allows for the easy loading of a euro-pallet, while two euro-pallets can be accommodated l on the long load platform, which comes with a number of adjustable load latching points.

Refreshing Styling & Environmental merits
On the outside, the Nissan Vanette’s new, refreshing and European styling marks it stand out from its competitors and, showing true adaptability, it is available as either a cargo van or a passenger-carrying vehicle.  And when it came to judging the Nissan’s environmental merits, the IVOY jury appreciated its low-emission, ‘Euro 5’ engine and diesel particulate filter DPF and the fact that an all-electric version is planned for the future.

Outstanding Fuel economy
Several of the IVOY jury members cited  the Vanette’s outstanding fuel economy as reason for choosing it. On road test it either set new records or equalled existing ones.

Summing up the IVOY jury declared: “The Nissan Vanette, NV200  is a very well-designed, compact, ‘quality’ van with good economy that more than fulfils the most important criterion of the 2010 International Van of the Year award---through its significant contribution to the safe and efficient transport of goods by road.”

The new Nissan Vanette, NV 200, will be available for sale in Ireland at Nissan dealers nationwide from January 2010