Nissan adds Two More Trophies to its Cabinet during the second Arab Wheels Awards

The second annual Arab Wheels Awards, held this month at a prestigious ceremony in Dubai’s Meydan Hotel, has resulted in Nissan taking top honours in two categories: ‘Midsize Truck’ for the all-new Navara and ‘Large Sedan’ for the Maxima.

“This award represents Nissan’s hard work and success in the Middle East, and is testament of the company’s efforts in introducing cars that deliver innovation and excitement to customers in the region,” says Samir Cherfan, “Managing Director of Nissan Middle East, “Arab Wheels is one of this region’s leading motoring magazine titles and, for a car to be awarded by its expert writers and readers, it has to be exceptional.

“That both the Navara and Maxima won their categories on the night should come as no surprise, as they represent the best in design, innovation and technology, and all of us at Nissan are proud that they have been awarded in what has quickly become one of the most eagerly anticipated industry awards ceremonies on the calendar.”

For a car to be eligible for an Arab Wheels Award, it must be ‘all-new’ or ‘significantly face-lifted’ and have been on sale for three months prior to the announcement of the nominations. Awards are decided on by a voting process that is divided ‘fifty-fifty’ between jury member votes and those made by the title’s readers via an online voting process.

“Our expert judging panel is made up of three prominent automotive journalists from the Middle East,” adds Issam Eid, Arab Wheels’ Editor-in-Chief. “Between them, the jurors have many years of regional experience and they know what makes a car suitable for the Middle East market. Nissan has been an intrinsic part of the market here for decades and is completely in tune with its customers’ demands and expectations – which is why the rugged all-new Navara and dynamic new Maxima won their categories. They set new standards in their classes and fully deserved their trophies.”

The all-new Navara has already been named International Pick-up of the Year 2016 in Europe and builds on Nissan’s 80-year pick-up heritage by combining toughness and modernity to make the ideal vehicle for dual users who depend on their vehicles for professional and personal use. It introduces much in the way of new technology, safety, comfort and fuel efficiency, which is unrivalled in its class. It also outshines its rivals as the segment leader in torque and power, offering 403Nm and 168hp respectively, from its two engine options.

As for the new Maxima, this completely redesigned 8th generation car is the sportiest model ever. Created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts, it looks unique and its ‘four-door sports car’ positioning is perfectly matched to its style, technology and performance capabilities.

The Maxima's 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60 per cent new parts compared to the previous model and generates a pulse-quickening 300hp yet manages to be 15 per cent more efficient than its predecessor. The V6 is complemented by a new, performance-oriented Xtronic transmission that further enhances the Maxima’s exciting driver dynamics, setting it apart as unique in its segment.