Concept of the Week

An otherwise ho-hum delivery van with the face of a rough-and-tumble SUV

Nissan NV2500

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

On Nov. 10, Nissan revealed images of this NV2500 concept on the Web. The NV2500 will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January. But unlike the other models likely to join it there, the NV2500 was not designed for the masses. Instead, the multipurpose vehicle previews Nissan's entry into the North American commercial vehicle market in 2010. The front fascia resembles the Japanese automaker's rugged Armada and Pathfinder SUVs, with thick metal bezels and an imposing central logo. The NV2500's rear third quarter, though, looks more like a conventional delivery van, with long flat surfaces that can accommodate cargo.

The Verdict: Cooler than your typical delivery van.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. He has studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.

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