* Nissan releases a teaser sketch of the next-gen Versa. * The automaker says only that the new Versa will be sold "in the Americas." * Future Versa could share mechanicals with the new Smart five-door.
FRANKLIN, Tennessee ? As Nissan starts taking its turn in the compact car world rumors of an all new Versa is on the horizon. Nissan said its next-generation Versa compact will be "sold in the Americas" and released a teaser sketch.
Nissan provided no other details.
The next Versa is expected to arrive in the U.S. as a 2012 model. Like the current car, the new Versa will be assembled at Nissan's plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
But while the current Versa is a version of the home-market Nissan Tiida, built on Renault-Nissan's global B platform, the 2012 Versa is expected to shift to the newer, smaller V platform that underpins the recently redesigned Nissan March/Micra.
That would mean the next-generation Versa would likely share its underpinnings with the new Smart five-door hatchback that Nissan will build in Mexico for Daimler, beginning in late 2011.
Inside Line says: "Nissan may pull the wraps off the new Versa at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January. ? Paul Lienert, Correspondent"
To get the latest information on the all new Nissan Versa make sure you head over to Acme Nissan (RT130 Nissan) - 2050 US Highway 130 Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852.