Nissan will give its Titan full-size pickup truck a much needed revamp, that will arrive in 2014.
The Titan never enjoyed the sales Nissan had hoped for, capturing just 1.5 percent of the overall half-ton pickup market since it was introduced back in 2003. The truck failed because it was offered in few configurations with a single engine option. Also, there was no base model that appealed to tradesmen and fleet customers.
The high demand for new pickups is spurring Nissan’s move to bring the truck back to the market, rather than just killing it off. According to R.L. Polk automotive, the average pickup truck on the road is 10 years old, meaning that most will have to be replaced sooner rather than later. There are also a significant number of buyers out there who are not loyal to a particular brand, leaving a whole in the market that Nissan is going to try and capitalize on.
SEE ALSO: Next-Gen Nissan Titan Could Get Diesel Engine Says Product Boss
Changes coming to the new Titan are unclear, but reports say that a diesel engine is likely. Much like Toyota has to do with its full size Tundra, the Titan has to play catch up, and try to compete with Ford’s EcoBoost V6 which has been very positively received. RAM is also making steps forward in the pickup market, introducing an eight-speed transmission to its half-ton pickup.
So watch for the Titan to bow with at least three engine options, possibly a larger gear box, and more trim levels.
[Source: Car & Driver]