Nissan, Part 1: The Next Cool Thing

Automotive Industries,  July, 1999  

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Jerry Hirshberg is a key to Nissan's grand plan to rebuild its product range and public image. The affable, articulate U.S. design boss not only spearheaded the hot new Xterra SUV, he also serves as the beleaguered automaker's spokesman in national TV ads. He's fast becoming the "face" behind Nissan, and as his recognition grows, let us suggest Nissan's next move: combine Hirshberg's smiling mug with yet another piece of cool, outdoorsy gear for the Xterra.

The result, we respectfully submit, is the "JerryCan[R]" -- an updated version of the 5-gal. portable "Jerrycan" gas can first used by Rommel's army in North Africa, and a fixture on off-road vehicles ever since. Consider the Jerrycan's[R] potential impact in America, when seen mounted on the back of thousands of Xterras. We're talkin' icon status for Nissan's top designer -- and yet another popular accessory. You read it here first.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Cahners Publishing Company
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group