Nissan NV commercial van serves government fleet needs (with related video)

The first entry in Nissan North America’s commercial vehicle lineup in North America is the 2012 Nissan NV (Nissan Van). The rear-wheel-drive NV is available in three models, NV1500, NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD, and in two roof configurations — standard and high roof. The high roof enables most users to walk, stand and work in the cargo area.

“You can stand up and work in the back of the van, even if you’re 6 feet, 2 inches,” says Brian Brockman who is Nissan North America’s (NNA) manager of corporate communications in the Midwest region. This characteristic is drawing interest to the van, says Brockman, “for applications like law enforcement mobile command units or prisoner transport vehicles.”

The NV is suited for many tasks and projects in government, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and lawn and landscape, Brockman told Govpro. “The van’s flexibility in its cargo area stands out. This makes the vehicle easy to configure for a wide array of vocations.”

The NV keeps workers’ equipment and supplies at the ready, says Brockman. “We’ve included dedicated mounting points in the design of the cargo box, and on the roof, to make upfit installations easy and more durable over time. So, rather than having to drill into sheet metal to install racks, bins, shelving, etc., they are anchored into these reinforced points.”

The van’s nearly vertical sidewalls maximize cargo space and accommodate aftermarket storage systems without excessive modification. The cargo area features a full-length inner panel to prevent cargo from denting the vehicle’s outer skin (SV models).

The NV features sturdy body-on-frame construction, and it has a full-length hood that enables easy access to the engine for service and maintenance. Nissan offers a 4.0-liter V6 and a 5.6-liter V8 powertrain option on the NV, allowing fleet managers to prioritize power and capability, or fuel efficiency, based on their needs. Both engines are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, the NV has a roomy interior with wide, supportive seating and an expansive instrument panel. The passenger seat includes a fold-down feature, providing a convenient worktable. An available lockable center console offers storage compartments tohelp organize essentials, and space to hold binders, hanging file folders and a laptop computer. The center console has a built-in clipholder that holds paperwork, and there’s enough space to accommodate a printer. The large bolstered seat has a heavy-duty wear patch for durability.

NNA is based in Franklin, Tenn., and it produces the van at its Canton, Miss. plant.

Go here for a walk-around video of the Nissan NV.