Nissan Middle East declared 2012 was the best year ever for sales of the popular last generation Nissan Patrol since its launch in 2010. In total, more than 14,000 Nissan Patrols were sold in 2012, a 66 percent increase in sales – far outstripping the overall SUV segment's growth of 24 percent – and giving Nissan Patrol a record market share of 22 percent in the Gulf market. Samir Cherfan, Director, Sales & Marketing Nissan Middle East, said: “Nissan Patrol, known in this region as the Hero of All Terrains, continues to gain market share! Not only it retains the loyal Nissan Patrol fans whose base has been built up over the past 50 years on the established durability and reliability it offers, but it also attracts every day new customers who find in Nissan Patrol the perfect combination between luxury, on-road and off-road capabilities.” The Nissan Patrol, meticulously engineered for over 60 years, is Nissan's flagship SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage and passionate following in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950s. It is no small statement to say that for many owners across the Middle East, the Patrol is the vehicle that they grew up with; becoming an inseparable part of the social and cultural fabric of Arabia. “Unique features like the independent body motion control system, around view monitor and remote engine start are perfect for the Middle East market. These meaningful and appealing features combined with a strong heritage in the region position Nissan Patrol with a very strong resale value in the market. We are confident that our flagship SUV for the Middle East will continue to excite our customers and exceed all expectations.” Cherfan added. Before the current new generation Patrol was launched in 2010 Nissan engineers first tested 200 prototypes at the proving grounds in Japan before sending them to the Middle East where they were exposed to every imaginable challenge; desert, rocky surfaces and highway conditions. A further program of tests was then carried out, in the tough terrain areas close to the UAE and Saudi border to perfect performance and durability of the Patrol prior to its launch in 2010. – SG In fact more than 40 Japanese engineers completed a total of 13,265 hours of testing in the region to assess the vehicle's performance and durability. The Patrol is available in two specification grades – SE and LE – with a very wide choice of equipment levels on each grade to satisfy individual customer requirements. The LE grade features a 400hp/560Nm version of the ‘VK56VD' 5.6-liter V8 engine with VVEL (variable valve event and lift) and DIG (direct injection gasoline) technologies together with a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode shift technology. The SE grade secures the same 5.6-litre V8 engine but in highly competitive 317hp engine tune and with a choice of either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. — SG
