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.
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.
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.