The Lannia concept is the second model to be borne from Nissan’s design center in China, which opened the new studio in 2013.
The sedan follows the 2013 Friend-ME Concept and, like its predecessor, was jontly developed by the Nissan Design China in Beijing and the Nissan Global Design Center, and addresses the tastes and values of contemporary Chinese “Post-80s” generation, the “balinghou.”
The design features signature trademarks of Nissan’s current aesthetics, including the V-motion grille, boomerang headlamps, a distinctive kick-up pillar, as well as the “floating” roof.
Taiji Toyota, head of Nissan Design China, said the Lannia Concept exudes “daqi” — a Chinese word that is hard to define but has the strength to push people to aspire towards better things.
Above: Taiji Toyota, Head of Nissan Design China, talks about the inspiration for the concept which was conceived at the automaker’s Beijing Studio.
Chief Planning Officer Andy Palmer explained: “Lannia Concept joins our growing family of China-focused models,” said Palmer. “It was designed by Chinese, built by Chinese for the Chinese people, and ultimately, for the world.” He recognized the heavy involvement of the local Chinese teams spanning from market research to design that led to the birth of the Lannia Concept. Its Chinese name, “蓝鸟・印象” (“lan niao, yin xiang”) was also announced in honor of the legendary Nissan Bluebird, whose spirit is reborn.
Palmer also revealed that NISMO, Nissan’s global motorsports and performance brand, will make its official debut in China with the launch of GT-R Nismo and 370Z Nismo versions.
(Source: Nissan)
To my former colleagues at Nissan Design… I can clearly see a few square inches of clean surface in there without any stuff on it. Feel free to cram two or three more themes onto this crowded side.