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Life Style / Motoring

Nissan Global COO commemorates Patrol's 70th anniversary, unveils two new SUV models

Published: 13 Dec 2021 - 10:05 am | Last Updated: 13 Dec 2021 - 10:15 am
Ashwani Gupta, Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motor Company, with the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model

Ashwani Gupta, Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motor Company, with the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model

The Peninsula

Doha: Nissan celebrated the 70th anniversary of the legendary Patrol and the regional debut of the all-new 2022 Pathfinder, marking a new chapter in its SUV dominance across the Middle East.

Held at the spectacular Al Wasl Plaza – the beating heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, the open-to-public event was inaugurated by Ashwani Gupta, Chief Operating Officer at Nissan Motor Company, who commenced the celebrations with a keynote address, which was followed by a sensational visual journey through time with a display that fused tradition with modernity, commemorating Patrol’s heritage in the region and worldwide.

Highlighting Nissan’s popularity in a region steeped in tradition yet steered by the future, the event was attended by key Expo and global Nissan executives, partners and employees, VIPs, customers, regional media and visitors to Expo, and was the latest yet largest in a year-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of the legendary Nissan Patrol.

Making its world premiere, the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model channels the SUV’s rich heritage with a commemorative badge and enhanced design and technology elements.

The Nissan celebration event also saw the regional premiere of the all-new 2022 Pathfinder which has been redesigned from the ground-up, making a bold statement and offering drivers a long heritage of rugged capability and an innovative take on practicality, safety, advanced connectivity, and purpose.

Speaking at the event, Gupta said: “For drivers across generations, the Nissan Patrol has been more than just a vehicle; it offers its customers reliability, power and luxury while taking on any terrain in absolute comfort. Today marks a historic moment for our company as we celebrate Nissan’s longest-running nameplate. This is an important milestone for us – as we look back at the success of the last 70 years, we are firmly focused on the future. Combining the tried and trusted with the new, Nissan is moving to the next chapter of its legacy, redefining possibilities and shaping the future, today”. 

Combining heritage with prestige and purpose, the Patrol has earned its iconic status by becoming an integral part of the lives of Gulf nationals and expatriates alike. Since its entry to the region in 1956, the Patrol has formed an endearing bond with the people of the Middle East by proving its capability to conquer the harshest of terrains in sheer luxury and comfort. A commemorative model exclusive to the Gulf, the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model furthers the iconic SUV’s thriving success in the region.

Thierry Sabbagh, Managing Director at Nissan Middle East said: “For decades, Nissan’s extensive SUV line-up has deepened our connection to the region, each model expertly catering to the evolving needs of our customers and enriching their lives. Today we make history as two of our beloved nameplates take centre stage at Expo 2020 Dubai, celebrating our heritage in the region and looking forward to the future. Serving as a beacon for the next 70 years, the 2022 Patrol continues to offer our customers regal luxury and connectivity, while the all-new Pathfinder boasts ruggedness and advance tech in equal measure. We look forward to seeing both models play an important role as we continue our success story in the Middle East, with the support of our trusted partners, local stakeholders, and valuable customers”. 

More luxurious and connected than ever before, the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model sports a host of design and technological upgrades, and carries a distinctive badge on the fender, marking this achievement. A new V-Motion grille, redesigned bumpers, and new 20-inch machine cut alloy wheels differentiate the exclusive Patrol from its predecessors, as do the new burgundy interiors and redesigned centre console. An all-new 12.3-inch infotainment display along with upgraded wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity elevates the experience. 

Reimagined from the ground up, the all-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder encompasses the rugged capabilities of its predecessors while offering modern customers enhanced comfort, connectivity, and features. Paying homage to the original 1987 Pathfinder, the fifth-generation model emphasises its bold design through an aggressively styled and muscular exterior, while offering drivers and passengers a safer and more connected experience onboard.

For the first time ever, the 2022 Pathfinder offers a dual-tone exterior and builds on the brand’s Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of technologies with the introduction of ProPILOT, a hands-on, driver-assist technology that reduces the hassle of stop-and-go highway driving. The all-new Pathfinder also welcomes a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and a revolutionary 10.8-inch Head-up Display on certain grades, while an all-new 9-speed automatic transmission offers improved acceleration and performance. 

Nissan is powering Expo 2020 Dubai with more than 600 vehicles, showcasing the brand’s very latest technology and innovation.