New Nissan Patrol Super Safari seen to double UMC’s SUV sales

Universal Motors Corp. (UMC) launched Wednesday night the new edition of the Nissan Patrol Super Safari.

UMC executive vice president Elizabeth H. Lee said the Super Safari Series is expected to double the sales of their SUV sales.

Last year’s sales averaged 12 to 15 Safaris per month. "We are hoping to at least double the figure," Lee told reporters at the sideline of the launch.

Lee said the new Super Safari will be sold at an introductory price of P2.4 to P2.7 million, the same price range as the old Patrol.

The Super Safari sports a powerful 252-horsepower 4.8-liter gas engine supported by a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode for unmatched on and off-road performance.

At the same time, a fuel-efficient and 3.0-liter diesel engine has all the benefits of diesel fuel economy coupled with outstanding performance and handling.

According to Lee, they will target accomplished and influential people as potential market for the luxury SUV. "They have come to where they are now, and yet continue to strive to make a difference and try to change the world for the better. Such is the typical profile of a Nissan Patrol Power People," Lee said.

She said the Nissan Patrol is legendary for its toughness and dependability on the most rugged of terrains. "Yet, it is handsome and smart on all city streets."

The Nissan Patrol has more than 57 years of history, expertise, and technology behind it. Lee said that in many countries in Asia and the Middle East, it is the military’s choice as the all-purpose vehicle.

"Various United Nations agencies use it, as their official car. In corporate boardrooms and large corporations, it is the desired CEO luxury limo," she noted.