Automotive

Friend-Me: Nissan unveils vision for growing Chinese auto marketplace

Friend-Me: Nissan unveils vision for growing Chinese auto marketplace
Nissan Friend-ME concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show (Photo: Gizmag)
Nissan Friend-ME concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show (Photo: Gizmag)
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Nissan Friend-ME concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show (Photo: Gizmag)
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View gallery - 52 images

China's already huge automotive market is predicted to triple in size by the end of the decade and it's a scenario that has the world's car makers scrambling for a foothold. Nissan is among those, and its efforts to appeal to the youthful Chinese market were revealed in Shanghai this weekend in the shape of the Friend-ME concept car.

Described as the company's "first proposition in an ongoing dialogue" with the key market segment of Chinese men in their mid-20s, the Friend-ME is the result of a collaboration between design teams from Nissan Design China and Nissan Global Design Center.

The low-slung, four-passenger sedan concept is marked by short overhangs, distinctive boomerang-shaped lighting front and rear, and a V-shaped grille that flows upwards into the heavily sculpted bonnet.

Nissan Friend-ME concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show (Photo: Gizmag)
Nissan Friend-ME concept at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show (Photo: Gizmag)

The interior incorporates four separate seats and screens visible from each pew that enables speed, navigation and other information normally reserved for the driverto be shared among all the occupants. This approach also extends to the infotainment system by giving all passengers the ability to share smartphone-sourced content via the on-board screens.

Nissan Friend-ME concept
Nissan Friend-ME concept

Details of the powertrain are almost non-existent with Nissan saying only that the Friend-ME will sport a PureDrive hybrid powertrain with "more than enough zip for city driving." Clearly this one is all about aesthetic appeal. Does it appeal to you? Check out the gallery and let us know.

View gallery - 52 images
3 comments
3 comments
Bandarilla
ugly....superficial design...
Slowburn
I swear it is like the automobile manufacturers are competing on who can build the ugliest car. This one is in the running for bronze.
Kevin Cloete
Cool. Love it. This looks like imagination being expressed. I love the way the curves play with the light. I think the next generations cars will be exiting if they can bring such complex designs to the market at an affordable price.