Nissan to show new concept car Friend-ME at Auto Shanghai

The global unveiling of Nissan's new Friend-ME concept will be on April 20, opening day of Auto Shanghai 2013 - one of the largest auto shows in Asia. The concept received key input from Chinese designers and the vehicle will be aimed at the world's largest automotive market.

The focus of the Friend-ME concept is its unique center console that allows what the designers call "Four Seats, One Mind Connectivity." Equal information sharing among all in the car is the crux of the concept. A teaser photo (at right) shows the styling cues the car would offer with the Nissan Friend-ME obviously meant to appeal to a younger, more vibrant audience of buyers - the fastest-growing segment in China's market, which is the largest automotive market in the world.

Nissan's entire booth at the Shanghai show will have this same goal: appeal to younger buyers. 20 vehicles will be displayed, to include the GT-R, Quest and Murano. New to the booth will also be Nissan's new global sedan, the Teana.

Technology in Nissan's vehicles will be displayed on an Innovation Wall, which shows how the various technologies offered in Nissan's popular vehicles, interact with the driver and passengers. The Friend-ME concept is obviously a centerpoint for that. Nissan's booth will be based on its debut global exhibit space design that was shown at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Including the "green tea-inspired" fragrance being deployed.

Nissan is also celebrating its twentieth year in China, as Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile Co. marks its twentieth year in operation and Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company marks its tenth year in operations there.

The Auto Shanghai 2013 show opens to the press on April 20 and run through April 29 at the Shanghai International Exhibition Center.