OREANDA-NEWS. June 04, 2015. The 2015 Nissan Murano crossover has been named the “Best in Class SUV/Crossover \\$28,000 - \\$40,000” by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). The all-new Murano was honored during NEMPA’s recent Automotive Excellence Awards announcement at the press association’s annual meeting on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) campus in Cambridge, Mass.

Vehicles selected for the awards in various categories are designated to “offer a combination of winter-specific features and options plus the dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable and competent all-weather driving.”

“The completely redesigned 2015 Murano went on sale in December 2014 and it became an immediate hit with media and consumers alike,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service, U.S.A, Nissan North America, Inc. “We are especially pleased with this award because the New England climate – and NEMPA members – really put a vehicle’s capabilities to the test.”

Murano is offered in four trim levels – S, SV, SL and Platinum – and in a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) for the Murano S FWD is \\$29,560 USD. Sales of Murano have increased 26.8 percent through April 2015 (compared to the same period in calendar year 2014).

"The Nissan Murano has over a decade's worth of history as a favorite affordable crossover," said NEMPA President Craig Fitzgerald. "With the 2015 redesign, and the greatly improved Xtronic transmission with D-Step Shift Logic, it beat out some seriously tough competitors."

About the 2015 Nissan Murano
The 3rd generation Nissan Murano restores the vehicle to its roots of bold design and premium amenities. Nissan’s flagship CUV sets the design template for the next-generation of Nissan vehicles. It symbolizes Nissan’s design-led product and brand renaissance.

As the halo vehicle for Nissan’s expanding range of bold crossovers, the all-new Murano carries forward new Nissan design direction with V-Motion front end, boomerang lights, floating roof treatment and efficient aerodynamics. Inside, the new Murano offers an engaging social lounge feel through features such as the refined lower-height instrument panel, wide center console, advanced Zero Gravity seating, and the airy atmosphere created by the large windows and oversized Power Panoramic Moonroof.

Every 2015 Murano comes with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 connected to an advanced Xtronic transmission. Fuel economy has increased 20 percent combined mpg from the previous generation, thanks in part to reduced weight, low rolling resistance tires, air grille shutter, low 0.31 Cd, underbody covers that enhance underbody airflow and improvements to the Xtronic transmission.

For photography and additional information about the 2015 Nissan Murano, along with the complete lineup of Nissan vehicles, please visit www.NissanNews.com.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. 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.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment.

 For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

About New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA)
The New England Motor Press Association was founded in 1987 to coordinate professional media coverage of the auto industry in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, whose 14.5 million citizens have unique demographics and automotive preferences. NEMPA’s media members appear on network and cable TV, on the Internet and radio, and in regional and national newspapers and magazines. For more information, please visit: www.nempa.org.