But there seems to be a fine line as to what distinctions will be acceptable to minivan buyers. Odd exterior styling might be OK, but changes to interiors that put form before function are not.
"We need to give new value to the minivan," continued Nakamura. "People are bored with the minivan. The minivan is getting too conservative. Our direction was OK, but the execution was not."
So it looks like, while the current Quest will soldier on with an improved interior that should allow improved sales for 2006 and most likely the 2007 model year, Nissan isn't about to modify the model's unorthodox design strategy when it goes under the knife for a total redesign.
"We do not plan to go back to the traditional minivan," Nakamura added.
It's entirely possible, that by going the less traveled path Nissan will finally hit on a successful mixture of sport and functionality that will hit home with North American buyers. For the time being, however, we'll just have to see if a redesigned interior can ignite Quest sales to reasonable levels.
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| So it looks like Nissan isn't about to modify the model's unorthodox design strategy when it goes under the knife for a total redesign. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
So it looks like, while the current Quest will soldier on with an improved interior that should allow improved sales for 2006 and most likely the 2007 model year, Nissan isn't about to modify the model's unorthodox design strategy when it goes under the knife for a total redesign.
"We do not plan to go back to the traditional minivan," Nakamura added.
It's entirely possible, that by going the less traveled path Nissan will finally hit on a successful mixture of sport and functionality that will hit home with North American buyers. For the time being, however, we'll just have to see if a redesigned interior can ignite Quest sales to reasonable levels.
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