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Nissan Press Release

ARCTIC TRUCKS-BUILT NISSAN ARIYA EV COMPLETES WORLD-FIRST POLE TO POLE VOYAGE

TEST TEST

15.12.2023

TEST TEST

ARCTIC TRUCKS® and Arctic Trucks Polar (logistics subsidiary of the extreme mobility vehicle specialists) are delighted to congratulate ‘Pole to Pole EV’ adventurers, Chris and Julie Ramsey, on the completion of their epic trans-global electric vehicle voyage. Arctic Trucks Polar supplied crucial vehicle, support, planning and logistical services to this groundbreaking expedition.

Starting on the frozen Arctic Ocean in late March 2023 at the historic (1823) Magnetic North Pole, 380 km north east of Cambridge Bay in Larson Sound, Northern Canada, Chris and Julie covered some 30,000 kms through 15 countries over ten months on and off-road through the varied terrains and conditions of North, Central and South America; eventually climbing to Antarctica’s high plateau and reaching their final goal, the geographic South Pole, on 15th December 2023.

The Scottish couple’s Nissan Ariya AT39 e-4ORCE all-wheel drive electric vehicle, extensively re-engineered by Arctic Trucks, is the first vehicle in history to make this rigorous journey, which included freezing Arctic and Antarctic temperatures to scorching desert heat.

The adventurers first approached Arctic Trucks in 2019 with the idea of a Pole-to-Pole electric vehicle expedition, which necessitated significant operational experience and support for the most extreme Arctic and Antarctic phases.

“It was clear that this proposed expedition would require extensive logistical support from our AT44 (44” tire) vehicles and experienced personnel in the Polar regions” said Emil Grímsson, Founder of Arctic Trucks.

The expedition was originally planned to run South to North, starting at the South Pole and ending at the 1996 Magnetic North Pole. However, with the Nissan Ariya only just introduced to the market and the 4×4 version only scheduled to arrive in Europe during September 2022, it was impossible to convert the vehicle in time for the upcoming short Antarctic season. The expedition was therefore rescheduled to commence in the North – and the race was on to make it happen.

Multiple engineering challenges included safely and successfully operating a battery electric vehicle over long-range in the extreme cold (down to -32c), increasing the vehicle’s tire flotation capability by a factor of at least 10 and ensuring the driveline could cope with the significant increase in tire size and weight, whilst still maintaining a low centre of gravity.

Grímsson continued: “We needed to multiply the floatation capabilities of the vehicle by using much larger tires, enabling the vehicle to make this journey under its own power. The size of the tires needed, and extent of the necessary vehicle rebuild also had to balance sufficient capability on both paved roads and the most extreme off-road terrains with maximum range and reliability.”

Arctic Trucks’ engineering team, led by Freyr Þórsson, overcame these challenges to deliver the complete expedition-ready vehicle in less than 4 months, a remarkable feat. Supported by technical information from Nissan, the team worked day and night to develop a highly capable and efficient vehicle setup while retaining most of the original Nissan driveline and suspension, a crucial point to allow easy serviceability during the long drive down through the entire length of the Americas.

Two Ford F-350 AT44 6×6 Arctic Trucks Polar support vehicles were used in the Arctic, with two Toyota Hilux 4×4 AT44s being used in Antarctica, crewed by experienced Arctic Trucks Polar team members, Hlynur Sigurdsson and Johannes Gudmundsson.

“We are hugely proud that the Nissan Ariya AT39 outperformed all expectations, both in terms of capabilities and the standard driveline holding up extremely well throughout the expedition, despite the heavy tires, often rough conditions and long distances involved.” said Emil Grímsson of Arctic Trucks. He continued: “Having previously made 88 trips to the South Pole in the course of our normal activities supporting scientific research and expeditions, this is an extremely special moment. We are delighted for Chris and Julie Ramsey who, in succeeding with this expedition, have showcased new technology. On our part, Arctic Trucks is constantly developing solutions to dramatically improve the efficiencies of our hugely challenging polar operations”.

Messaging from the South Pole, Chris and Julie said: “A huge thank you to Arctic Trucks, our polar support team, you have been incredible, [as well as] all our partners, followers, friends and family who have supported us throughout this mammoth expedition”.

Nissan’s Navara AT32 – Press Release

Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32

Take It To Extremes

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PARIS, France (Jan. 27, 2020) – Nissan has unveiled the newly updated version of its toughest Navara yet – the OFF-ROADER AT32. Building on the success of the previous limited edition and growing the #GoAnywhere capabilities of the Navara, the refreshed model has been manufactured to be more efficient and better to drive, without compromising its class-leading off-road ability.

Created through an ongoing partnership between Nissan and world-famous Icelandic off-road experts Arctic Trucks, the updated Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 uses full underbody shielding which has been upgraded to a lightweight aluminium material. The improved shape ensures a more comprehensive protection of underbody components. The Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is ready to handle the most challenging landscapes and adventures.

In addition, new 31.6′ Nokian tyres have been fitted. This improves fuel economy and emissions, and enhances on-road handling without compromising its off-road ability. The special satin black alloy wheels are fitted with dual valves to allow the fast and accurate adjustment of tyre pressure when moving between different terrains.

Other key features carried over from the previous Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 include bespoke all-terrain wheel arch extensions and all-terrain optimised Bilstein performance suspension. The model is also finished off with special badging on the front wings, arch extensions, side steps, wheel centres, tailgate and mud guards, continued from the last updates.

For owners who need to venture even further off the beaten track, optional accessories include an electronic lock for the front differential to boost traction in extreme conditions. An air intake snorkel is also available, which increases the Navara’s maximum wading depth to a massive 800mm.

Despite its off-road prowess, the Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 keeps the advanced on-board technologies from the N-Guard model on which it is based, including Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Intelligent Around View Monitor.

“The Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 was a sell-out success and proved incredibly popular with adventurers seeking elegance and toughness,” said Manuel BURDIEL, General Manager Europe, LCV Sales and Business Development. “We have upgraded the OFF-ROADER AT32 so it can maintain its position as the ultimate Navara while bringing new efficiency and becoming fully WLTP compliant. It’s the perfect blend of in-car technology, comfort and extreme off-road performance.”

Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32
Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32

The Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 on sale now

4X4 Magazine, March’20 The NEW Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32

 

The NEW Nissan
Navara OFF-ROADER AT32

The Off-Roader AT32 built by Arctic Trucks returns to Nissan Navara range

4X4 Magazine, March 2020 – Nissan has reintroduced the Off-Roader AT32 to its Navara line-up – with an improved and more efficient model based on the revised version of our reigning Double-Cab of the Year. Adapted ahead of registration by Arctic Trucks, the AT32 is offered as a full showroom model – meaning it comes with the same warranty and breakdown cover as the rest of the Navara range and can be insured as a standard vehicle. Though its 32” tyres are less overwhelmingly massive than those on Arctic Trucks’ AT35 conversion, we felt that the previous model’s narrower track meant it was better suited to British off-road conditions – and Nissan says the new one will be better still.

Like the previous model, the AT32 features lifted suspension – now using performance springs and shocks from Bilstein. This makes space for the revised Nokian all-terrains, which are housed beneath bespoke wheelarch extensions.

Read the full arcticle

Manuel Burdiel, general manager Europe for LCV sales and business development at Nissan, said:

“We have upgraded the Off-Roader AT32 so it can maintain its position as the ultimate Navara while bringing new efficiency and becoming fully WLTP compliant. It’s the perfect blend of in-car technology, comfort and extreme off-road performance.”

Make an enquiry

Read more about the AT32

#NavaraAT32 ON INSTAGRAM

Tougher than ever: Nissan launches Navara OFF-ROADER AT32

 

Tougher than ever: Nissan launches
Navara OFF-ROADER AT32

• Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is Nissan’s first ever pan-European pickup developed with a partner brand
• Enhanced capability off-road thanks to raised ride height, front differential locker and larger tyres
• Bespoke components added by respected extreme 4WD vehicle brand Arctic Trucks

PARIS, France (June 6, 2018) – Nissan is taking performance of its ‘tough and smart’ pickup to a new extreme with the launch of the Navara OFF-ROADER AT32. It is the first time a Navara has been developed with a partner brand for pan-European markets. The Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is the most capable Navara ever. Standard features include bespoke suspension that increases ride height by 20mm, full protection of key underbody components and larger tyres. For the ultimate performance, optional extras include a snorkel to improve wading depth and a front differential locker.
To celebrate its launch – and to mark World Oceans Day 2018 (Friday June 8) – the Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 has turned volunteer in a new film to celebrate community heroes tackling beach plastic pollution. It joined a campaigning dad and daughter team to help them take on their most challenging beach plastic clean-up on beaches close to their home. It helped them reach over rocky terrain and remove debris like plastic nets deeply embedded in the sand.

View the film below:

Alongside the film, Nissan is inviting community groups across Europe to nominate remote and tough-to-reach beaches or other locations where the Navara could help them clear plastic waste. The Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is engineered by Arctic Trucks, the highly respected Icelandic company which specialises in building 4WD vehicles to take on the world’s harshest terrains. AT stands for Arctic Trucks and 32 represents the diameter of each off-road tyre in inches. Using the 2016 International Pickup Award winner as its starting point, the Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 enhancements are available on any version of the Navara Double Cab. Such a large tyre diameter allows the driver to reduce the pressure to further boost traction, for example, in soft sand or snow.

Visually, the most substantial upgrade is to the Navara’s suspension, which has been raised to optimise performance and create additional ground clearance. That is now 243mm, compared with 223mm on the standard Navara. Maximum approach angle has been increased to 35° (up from 30.4°), while breakover angle is now 24° (up from 22.2°). Other obvious enhancements include the dramatic wheel arch extensions, designed to amplify the new taller stance and offer greater protection of the bodywork during extreme off-roading. Hidden from view are underbody protection plates covering the engine, transmission, propeller and fuel tank. The 17-inch alloys are designed by Arctic Trucks, while the 32-inch tyres have been selected specifically to improve off-road traction while maintaining excellent on-road performance. Such a large tyre diameter allows the driver to reduce the pressure to further boost traction, for example, in soft sand or snow.

With 20mm extra ground clearance and larger tyres, overall vehicle height is increased by 40mm. For customers seeking the ultimate in off-road ability, a snorkel and front differential lock are available as optional extras. The snorkel is attached to the A-pillar and will boost wading depth to 800mm – 200mm more than the standard Navara. It will also improve the air intake and protect the engine from heavy dust and water ingress. The front differential locker, working in tandem with the standard Navara’s rear differential locker, will provide the best possible traction on every type of surface. The new features will complement the Navara’s on-board suite of advanced technologies. Standard equipment includes Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Intelligent Around View Monitor. As with every Nissan LCV, the Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 comes with an industry-leading five-year / 160,000 km warranty, plus Arctic Trucks’ five-year warranty on the new components.

Ken Ramirez, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan Europe, said:

“The Nissan Navara OFF-ROADER AT32 is the most capable Navara we’ve ever sold. Its mix of enhanced off-road ability and upgraded exterior features will appeal to a new audience of both professional and recreational pickup customers.”

Make an enquiry

Read more about the AT32

#NavaraAT32 ON INSTAGRAM