Nissan and Guitar Maker Gibson Collaborate | Nissan
CAR / MOTOR SHOW
December 5, 2014

Nissan and Guitar Maker Gibson Collaborate | Nissan


Nissan Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van
Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van


Collaboration Between Nissan and Guitar Maker Gibson



Guitar maker Gibson, established in 1894, has partnered with Nissan to create the "Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van." It will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show 2013, starting March 27.New York Auto Show 2013It will be unveiled at the



Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)



A Mobile Repair & Restoration Shop as a Usage Proposal



As its name suggests, the "Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration" is a vehicle created in collaboration with Gibson, based on Nissan's minivan "NV200" (known as "NV200 Vanette" in Japan).

The base vehicle, the "NV200 Compact Cargo Van," is a commercial van powered by a 2-liter inline-4 engine producing 131ps, paired with an Xtronic CVT. It boasts a fuel economy of 24 MPG (approximately 10.2 km/L) in the US. The cargo space, with a height of 53 inches (approx. 135 cm), offers a volume of 122.7 cubic feet (approx. 3.47 cubic meters) and can carry a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds (approx. 680 kg).

The cargo area houses pull-out tables, which store the tools and parts used by craftspeople for guitar repairs. Additionally, a rack capable of holding up to four guitars is installed directly behind the front seats.

The vehicle's audio system features an Onkyo sound system, a brand under Gibson's umbrella in North America. The front seats are also finished in the same wood color used for Gibson's acoustic guitars.

Nissan Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van|Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van


Nissan Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van|Gibson NV200 Mobile Repair & Restoration Van




The exterior features the text "Gibson Repair & Restoration" on one side of the body, "Gibson Pro Audio" on the other, and illustrations of Gibson guitars.

For Gibson, this vehicle can be seen as a mobile extension of their "Gibson Repair & Restoration" facility in Nashville, Tennessee. For Nissan, it represents one proposal for commercial use of the NV200 Compact Cargo Van.

Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz commented, "This compact NV200 Compact Cargo Van is ideal as it can access limited venues such as urban music halls and crowded outdoor concerts. The spacious cargo bay comes standard with mounting hooks, making it easy for guitar luthiers to customize."

Meanwhile, Joe Castelli, Vice President of Commercial Vehicles at Nissan North America, stated, "Nissan and Gibson are both Tennessee-based companies that produce products enriching users' lives through widespread distribution. We had been exploring potential collaborations for years, and the launch of the NV200 Compact Cargo Van made this a reality. We look forward to future collaborations." This statement also hinted at the future endeavors of both companies.