March 10 is the start of the 2010 Work Truck Show, and this time Nissan
is expected to show the production version of its new 2500 van. The
show truck had some nifty features, including 6 foot headroom and
a couple of access panels that open to outside.
It will be interesting to see if any of these features will be available
in the production vehicle. The 2500 van will compete with the Ford
Econoline, Chevy Express and Mercedes Sprinter.
The frame of the new truck is a strengthened version of the Titan pickup
frame, and there are reports that Nissan will use the same frame as the
foundation for a new line of Titan HD pickups. Since all the players in
the HD pickup line in USA offer a diesel option, it's at least conceivable
that Nissan's line will include a diesel option and 4x4.
Both options would fit on the van, too, but Nissan may not see a market for them.
Only Chevrolet offers a diesel and AWD as van options in 2010, and I don' think
you can specify both options on the same vehicle! It will be interesting
to see what Nissan presents.