Front-End Alignment Warranty Extended On 350Z Models [Aug. 08, 05]


LOS ANGELES (August 8, 2005) – Evoking emotion, passion, and excitement are key principles behind every Nissan product. For more than 30 years, the Z has been a testament to this philosophy. And thanks to many Z owners around the world, they have carried on its rich tradition and legacy and have made the Z one of the finest performance cars on the road today.

As part of its commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, Nissan North America (NNA) has announced plans to extend the warranty relating to the front-end alignment on all 2003 and 2004 350Z models.

In late April of 2004, owners of 2003 350Z vehicles were notified regarding the Front Wheel Alignment Warranty Extension. The Warranty Extension was in response to customer concerns about an irregular wear pattern which was occurring on the inner edge of the front tires. The wear pattern caused a noise described as "tire roar" or "tire growl". Customers with 2004 350Z cars were not included under the Warranty Extension at that time as any vehicles which exhibited similar issues would be covered under the vehicle’s original New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Nissan closely monitored this situation and investigated customer comments received via letters, e-mails and the Internet, in addition to the company’s own research. Based on this information, Nissan recognized that while the incidence of this noise was significantly reduced, for some customers the situation was not fully resolved, and that some 2004 350Z owners were also experiencing the same situation. After a thorough assessment, Nissan identified that, in addition to correcting the front-end alignment, a new tire with a slightly modified tread pattern, more resistant to “heel-toe” wear together with correct alignment, virtually eliminated the incident. Vehicles equipped with these tires have experienced virtually no incidents of tire noise.

To demonstrate its commitment to customer satisfaction, Nissan is extending the warranty for front-end alignment due to tire noise until 36 months from the in-service date or October 31, 2005 (whichever is later) and unlimited mileage for 2003 350Z models, and to 36 months and unlimited mileage on 2004 350Z models. The warranty extension ensures all owners will receive an effective repair, including in some circumstances replacement of their front tires with the new tire design, if they experience tire noise during the extended warranty period. Customer notifications will be sent out beginning today.

“Z owners are very loyal owners and they love their cars,” said Jed Connelly, senior vice president, sales and marketing, NNA. “We listened to what our Z owners had to say and looked into the matter. Extending the warranty not only demonstrates our confidence in the 350Z, but also our commitment to customer satisfaction.”

About Nissan North America, Inc.
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infiniti.com.