Nissan presents Qasana concept, NV200 minivan

GENEVA: Japanese auto maker Nissan Motor Co kicked off the Geneva car show Tuesday with the world premier of its Qasana concept, a crossover it hopes will prowl the world's cities next year.

Somewhere between a squat SUV and a futuristic sports car, the Qasana drew measured applause from the assembled journalists.

``That's a good reaction for this kind of time,'' said Carlos Tavares, executive vice president of Nissan.

It was unclear whether he was referring to the early hour, or the downturn in the global auto market from which Japanese manufacturers have been far from immune.

Tavares said the Qasana will be aimed at young customers who ``are still looking for something that gives them the ability to face the urban jungle.''

Among the factories earmarked to start building the four-by-four next year is Nissan's plant in Sunderland, England, he said.

Nissan's second world premier was the sober NV200, which goes on sale in family, van and combi versions in Japan this spring. Europe will follow in the second half.

The square, utilitarian minivan will compete with the Renault Kangoo and Ford's Transit Connect.

Nissan spokesman Guiseppe Cavallo said the 7-seater family version was being made for the budget-conscious driver by a budget-conscious company.

``We are being very, very careful how we spend money and when we spend money,'' Cavallo said.

Nissan has forecast a 265 billion yen ($2.69 billion) net loss for the fiscal year through March. The company has said it is considering various types of Japanese government aid.