Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery in Yokohama is worth visiting, not only for Nissan freaks but also for those who would like to actually touch the newest cars on the market. The gallery displays almost 30 kinds of cars in its beautiful, spacious glass showroom. When you find a car you like, climb into the driver’s seat and grab the steering wheel.
It is Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn’s belief that everything begins with an attractive design, so you will surely be bubbling with excitement and high expectations at how many lovely cars you will find here!
The most attractive car in the showroom for me was a blue EV (electric vehicle)—one of Nissan’s major focuses for the future. “LEAF” is a cute compact EV. The car has a high, sharp nose with cute little hips. It runs on 100% electricity; it’s not a hybrid. It requires 8 hours for a full recharge, and electric power from the car battery can be used in your home if there is an emergency. At the gallery, a battery that was charged in the car illuminates an electric Christmas tree. It would be quite useful in a blackout, wouldn’t it?
Then I got into the car. The view from the driver’s seat is relatively high and wide. The rear seat is a bit tight if three people sit together in a row. But that’s natural for all compact cars this size. More than that, I am interested in how it drives. I talked with a guy who had just come back from a test drive. He said, “LEAF picked up speed rapidly and very smoothly; as well as a gasoline-fueled car. Even on an uphill slope, I didn’t feel stress. It went up quite powerfully.” Hearing the comment, I was eager to give LEAF a try myself.
The next car that charmed me was a metallic, icy-blue Armada. The Armada is a full sized SUV. My impression is that this Armada is a tough muscular guy. Inside is very spacious and comfortable. If I go for a drive in a deep forest along a lakeside all day long, I would like to be riding in an Armada. I can easily imagine driving Armada both on- and off-road with complete enjoyment!
PIVO3, ESFLOW and New Mobility CONCEPT were all exhibited in this year’s Tokyo Motor Show. ESFLOW is a zero emission sports car. It looks so cool, and was surrounded by a ton of guys who must have been Nissan groupies! I had to wait quite a while until I was able to take a picture of this car.
The overriding concept for all automobiles here is environment. Nissan is making great efforts for better and better fuel efficiency and lower and lower CO2emissions.
Heritage Corridor
This narrow space houses a small Nissan photo and plastic model museum. You can find some familiar names on the wall, like DATSUN or Prince. The former brand name DATSUN used to be synonymous with Nissan, and was incredibly popular in the 60s and 70s. Those dear old cars and other classical models are on display in this area.
Gallery Café
There is also a nice café inside. After strolling around this great collection of sophisticated vehicles, how about a cup of coffee in a comfortable lounge chair? The view through the big clear window is of water and skyscrapers. The thick chocolate donut called “Blackout” was yummy!
Driving is one of our most enjoyable leisure activities, isn’t it? And sitting in a different type of car—one you usually don’t drive—is also great fun. In that sense, going to a Motor Show is the best way to get a taste of many kinds of cars at one time. But if you missed the chance to hangout at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, going to the Nissan Gallery is your second best option!
Access
The gallery connects directly via a walkway once you leave Yokohama station.After you come out of the Central East exist of Yokohama station, go straight through the shopping area “PORTA” until you come to SOGO. Then take the escalator at SOGO up to the second floor. Follow the signs towards the “Hama-mirai walk” or “Minato-mirai 21” district. You will soon see a cool building covered with a lot of glass. That’s Nissan!
