Nissan is going about a smarter, more precise approach in pitching the 2016 Titan pickup.
In Monday’s presentation at the Detroit auto show, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said the company’s second attempt at an American truck is filling a niche between light and heavy duty pickups — or about 150,000 customers as they predict. It appears they’ve learned from making just another full-size truck like the last Titan.
The buzzwords for this Titan XD (its official, extended name) are “commanding” and “hard-working,” which is basically trying to reinforce its place as the truck for people who want/need something heavier-duty than an F-150 or Ram 1500, for example. Of course, the styling inside and out conjures up reminders of just about every other truck on the market – but in this somewhat conservative segment that’s a smart move to reach sales targets.
While the outside isn’t particularly grabbing, even in the PRO-4X trim’s yellow paint, the inside really well done for a truck. The leathers and textures are surprisingly pleasing, and that’s even before you get to the new Platinum Reserve top-dog trim. Lots of hands were stroking those door panels on Monday.
At a time when trucks are trying to be tougher than ever, the Nissan Titan XD could stand as a tough-looking entry in the segment. It may be up to that Cummins turbodiesel V8 to sway loyalists in from one of the American brands, but those who are willing to try new products in this segment might find something they like.
Photos: Zac Estrada/Carscoops.com
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Contact: zac@carscoops.com or @zacestrada