Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
12/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/23/2024 19:06
Nissan Automobile Technical College students showcase custom cars at Tokyo Auto Salon
YOKOHAMA, Japan- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that Nissan Automobile Technical College students will exhibit their custom cars at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.
Nissan Automobile Technical College operates five campuses across Japan (Tochigi, Yokohama, Aichi, Kyoto, Ehime). In addition to offering standard courses aimed at achieving national qualifications in automotive maintenance, the college provides specialized programs in motorsports and vehicle bodywork, including panel beating and coating.
Students from the Aichi and Kyoto campuses, which have bodywork programs, will present three custom vehicles that represent the culmination of their studies.
Exhibit overview
◆ NEO Skyline: Nissan Kyoto Automobile Technical College
Created by fourth-year students in the Auto Maintenance and Customization Department. Production period: 6 months
The NEO Skyline is based on the CV35 Skyline Coupe and embodies the concept of a modern Kenmary* - a name that resonates with fans of the Nissan Skyline from the 1970s. The students aimed to create a car that captures the essence of the iconic Kenmary while appealing to a contemporary audience.
Targeting car enthusiasts in their 30s to 50s, the name NEO stands for nostalgia, encouragement and originality: nostalgia for those in their 50s who fondly remember the Kenmary Skyline from their childhood, encouragement for those in their 40s rediscovering the joy of driving, and originality for those in their 30s who seek novelty in modern vehicles.
To realize this concept, they sought a style that fits modern times while retaining the essence of the Kenmary without copying its parts or design. The body is painted an original color called 'Tomoaki Blue', which builds on the original Kenmary's bright blue metallic while adding a pearl finish to express newness amid nostalgia.
* "Kenmary"or "Kenmeri" is a nickname given by fans to the fourth-generation Skyline (C110 model released in 1972). Its provenance is due to a popular Japan-domestic Skyline advertising campaign featuring characters Ken and Mary.
◆ Z Lealia: Nissan Kyoto Automobile Technical College
Created by fourth-year students in the Auto Maintenance and Customization Department. Production period: 6 months
The Z Lealia is envisioned as a "sports station wagon for family journeys" that aims to blend excitement with everyday life. It embodies the students' desire to create a vehicle for fathers who love sports cars and aspire to own a Fairlady Z, while allowing them to enjoy driving with their families. The name Lealia combines the English word "lead" with the Latin word "familia."
Based on the M35 Stagea, the Z Lealia features a complete redesign that achieves a sleek aesthetic reminiscent of the latest RZ34 Fairlady Z. The students cut parts of the rear fender and roof and welded on the rear section of a Nissan LEAF. They also widened the rear fenders to recreate the Fairlady Z's muscular stance.
The Z Lealia's body color, 'Ikazuchi Yellow', matches that of the RZ34 Fairlady Z.
◆ Bluebird Kiwami: Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College
Created by third-year students in the Auto Body Master Course. Production period: 2.5 months
Students at Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College leveraged the panel beating and painting skills they've learned since April to produce the Bluebird Kiwami. Although the production period was only 2.5 months, it's a powerful work that reflects the student's passion and creativity.
The base vehicle is the PU11 Bluebird Maxima, a top-tier model sold 36 years ago. Featuring a 4-door hardtop body without a center pillar, it was known for its luxurious feel and spacious interior.
The students chose the name Kiwami - which means ultimate in Japanese - to reflect their desire to perfect every aspect of the car's exterior, interior and driving experience, and to express the essence of Nissan DNA.
Blending luxury with sportiness, the Bluebird Kiwami embodies the Gen Z students' vision of a luxury car that provides a sporty driving experience. It targets young drivers who enjoy sharing fun, memorable moments with their friends.
The body color, 'Aurora Flare Blue Pearl', evokes the sea and clear blue skies, and aims to convey an active and youthful vibe.
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