[sweepsnregs]

i hope it's gonna be

EDIT:
i think i answered my own Q cuz at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Cube
it's said JAPAN (YEAHHHH!!!)

at same site, also says available APRIL '09

http://latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hy-laas-nissan-cube.jpg,0,1121372.photo

says starting at $14K....so let us hope LA Times is right

 

[DATSUN]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

US Cubes might actually be built in Mexico with the Versa and Sentra.

 

[Guest]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

I think they are coming from Japan only. Mexico was just an idea at the time.

 

[R50Paul]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

Yeah I'm thinking Japan too. My girlfriends sister has a Versa and it is built really well. So even if the Cube is built in Mexico I wouldn't mind.

 

[Tomas]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

So long as the manufacturer maintains very high quality control standards, it doesn't really matter all that much where the vehicle is actually assembled. For example the Honda and Toyota vehicles built in the US actually do match the quality of those built in Japan.

I suspect that the Cube will initially come from Japan only, and it will depend on demand as to whether or not it will be built closer to this market.

It's not cheap to set up a second factory, and it's really only done if it is economically practical because of high local demand.

 

[The Blue Potato]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

So long as the manufacturer maintains very high quality control standards...ctical because of high local demand.

Not true...all you need to do is look at the Nissan Titan/Armada (do a search) and where that is made in the US. Cheap labor (southeast) to make their net profit does not always equal maintaining high quality standards.

 

[Tomas]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

So long as the manufacturer maintains very high quality control standards...

Not true...all you need to do is look at the Nissan Titan/Armada (do a search) and where that is made in the US. Cheap labor (southeast) to make their net profit does not always equal maintaining high quality standards.

Excuse me, but what part of my full statement is not true?

While it is certainly possible that ANY manufacturer can skimp on their quality control (and you imply that Nissan does in your statement), it is not necessarily so as other manufacturers, building cars in the same region, have maintained very high quality output.

So, I will say the exact same thing again. ;D

So long as the manufacturer maintains very high quality control standards, it doesn't really matter all that much where the vehicle is actually assembled. For example the Honda and Toyota vehicles built in the US actually do match the quality of those built in Japan.

I suspect that the Cube will initially come from Japan only, and it will depend on demand as to whether or not it will be built closer to this market.

It's not cheap to set up a second factory, and it's really only done if it is economically practical because of high local demand.

 

[The Blue Potato]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

I guess it is pointless to discuss with you further here, but let's just say that I worked with Nissan on QC issues in MS that had high QC standards and because of the low wage scale and uneducated assembly line workers, they did not produce a quality product. You may want to look for a job there - they are hiring.

 

[Tomas]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

I guess it is pointless to discuss with you further here, but let's just say that I worked with Nissan on QC issues in MS that had high QC standards and because of the low wage scale and uneducated assembly line workers, they did not produce a quality product. You may want to look for a job there - they are hiring.

No thanks, retired engineers are usually best remaining retired.

 

[sweepsnregs]

Re: is the cube built in Japan? (AVAILABILITY=APRIL '09!!)

http://latimes.com/classified/automotive/highway1/la-hy-laas-nissan-cube.jpg,0,1121372.photo

says starting at $14K....so let us hope LA Times is right

 

[Guest]

Sweeps,

I posted my e-mail, remember your promise?


This doesn't have the sunroof or AWD option = lame.

 

[orangecones3]

hey! nothing wrong with the rogue. i have a 2wd and it kicks major *** in snow (chicago), awd must be awesome.

that said, i really couldn't care less if e-AWD is in or out for the US market. Assuming it is in, most likely a $2000 option, most likely bundled with other questionable upgrades... adding that much money to a cube (say $20000 for AWD SL), that is Rogue territory, substantially more "car for the money"... not to mention if i wanted a small-ish AWD for $20k i might as well go Impreza.

So perhaps 2wd + traction + abs is best for the US market, at least cheaper. Now as long as I can get the SL w/o sunroof (assuming that is an option) for under $18k, we're in business.

 

[Guest]

The base is around $ 14,000. (base model)
+ 1,5000 for alloys and A/T (est)
+ $300 for fog lamps
+ $ 300 for backup sensor
= $ 16,000 (estimate)
Maybe another $ 2000 for AWD and S/R (it is not electric, just a slide panel)

= $ 18.000 A Scion or even Matrix fully loaded goes beyond that.

A Nicely equipped Rogue S is about $ 22,000-23,000. A SL starts at $ 24 k or so....

If there is a $ 24,000 Rogue doesn't this hurt the Xtera or possibly the Pathfinder, yes, but Nissan has many different types of customers.
The Cube is one of them....

 

[Tomas]

The base is around $ 14,000. (base model)
+ 1,5000 for alloys and A/T (est)
+ $300 for fog lamps
+ $ 300 for backup sensor
= $ 16,000 (estimate)
Maybe another $ 2000 for AWD and S/R (it is not electric, just a slide panel)

= $ 18.000 A Scion or even Matrix fully loaded goes beyond that.

A Nicely equipped Rogue S is about $ 22,000-23,000. A SL starts at $ 24 k or so....

The Matrix or current Scion xB2 are a different class of vehicle, and not really a valid comparison. The original Scion xB is a more appropriate sub-compact to use. My xB came with auto transmission, decent sound system, traction control, skid control, ABS, fogs and alloys for $14,835.

THAT is the size and weight class of vehicle that the Cube fits into, not the foot longer, 600 pound heavier, wider, lower, more powerful compacts.

Hopefully it will hit the US showrooms at a very reasonable price point.

 

[Guest]

What are you talking about? Every commentary compares the new Xb with the new Cube(regardless of size). They also have made references to the Matrix and
Soul. The Matrix might have a more powerful engine but for practicality purposes they are making reference to the low end model.

The Matrix does have AWD and a take it or leave it engine. IF Nissan imports the AWD version this would be the best comparison or even the Suzuki SX4 might have a shot.

 

[orangecones3]

Base model Rogue S, between the 0% and possible discounts can be had for $19,500. S-AWD $21,500, SL Base $22,000 and SL-AWD is $25,000+.... of course add extras to every trim to make it go higher... perhaps as high as $28,000 for SL-AWD Technology + Leather, etc.

My point was that even if a mid level SL Cube is pushing that $19,500 area, it is invading Rogue territory, at least perceptually. Or maybe its just me. When I bought the Rogue (S FWD), I originally was considering Versa and picked one out with a sticker of $18,500. At that point I was like "wait. $18,500 for a entry level econobox or I throw in an extra $1000 and get myself a substantially nicer car" ... one thing leads to another and boom! (for the record, I did get the dealer to drop the Versa to $16,500..fully loaded SL + CVT).

At any rate, whatever happens with the cube I hope they don't use the econo-plastics on the interior that they did with the Versa, they just feel cheap and well, cheap. So if the price is right for a relatively basic SL... it should sell well.

 

[Tomas]

What are you talking about? Every commentary compares the new Xb with the new Cube(regardless of size). They also have made references to the Matrix and
Soul. The Matrix might have a more powerful engine but for practicality purposes they are making reference to the low end model.

I suspect that is because there ARE no vehicles currently available in the same class in the US market. It's similar to when the first of the new micro laptops came out and were compared to larger laptops of a different class because there was nothing else currently available in the same class.

Those comparisons are to currently available vehicles that the Cube is expected to leach sales from, not necessarily vehicles that are of the same type or class. They just happen to be the closest on the domestic market right now. (Another indicator is that many buyers of the original Scion xB will not buy the new "xB2" because it is no longer a sub-compact City Car, and are looking forward to the arrival of the Cube so there will be something in the niche again.)

 

[anderlan]

To back up Tomas, I must offer myself as a data point.

I bought my 2006 xB this year. It was an accident I even looked at it, but I quickly fell in love when I drove it. My thought, was, "Thank you sir, may I have another? (when I retire my wife's car in a couple of years)"

My dreams were crushed when I looked into the current xB. I vomited, several times. Then I printed out the specs and used the printouts as toilet paper. Then I saw one in the parking lot at work and did a side by side comparison. All out of vomit, I expelled some bile. An enforcement officer was nearby, so I refrained from expelling it on the car.

See my sig below.

 

[Woody]

What are you talking about? Every commentary compares the new Xb with the new Cube(regardless of size). They also have made references to the Matrix and
Soul. The Matrix might have a more powerful engine but for practicality purposes they are making reference to the low end model.

I suspect that is because there ARE no vehicles currently available in the same class in the US market. It's similar to when the first of the new micro laptops came out and were compared to larger laptops of a different class because there was nothing else currently available in the same class.

Those comparisons are to currently available vehicles that the Cube is expected to leach sales from, not necessarily vehicles that are of the same type or class. They just happen to be the closest on the domestic market right now. (Another indicator is that many buyers of the original Scion xB will not buy the new "xB2" because it is no longer a sub-compact City Car, and are looking forward to the arrival of the Cube so there will be something in the niche again.)

whatever.