Nissan Lannia sedan designed for China’s youth

The Nissan Lannia will become the Japanese company’s first vehicle designed specifically for the youth of China when it debuts at the Shanghai motor show later this month.

The mid-sized Lannia sedan is the evolution of Nissan’s Friend-Me and Lannia concepts from 2013 and 2014 respectively.

The production model teased above remains largely faithful to last year’s concept (pictured below), retaining its angular headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, prominent and flowing character lines, and pillar-less profile.

The few, subtle design differences visible in the teaser shot include the addition of a new chrome panel in the production car’s grille, reshaped side mirrors, and more conventional door handles also finished in chrome.

Nissan says the Lannia was inspired by “the rising young Chinese generation”, which it defines as “energetic trendsetters with new values and aspirations”.

The car maker describes the Lannia as a milestone for its business in China, being the first project led by its Chinese division for the Chinese market.

Speaking about last year’s Lannia concept, Nissan’s former chief product planning officer, Andy Palmer, said the stylish sedan had global potential despite its Chinese focus.

“It was designed by Chinese, built by Chinese for the Chinese people, and ultimately, for the world,” he said.

‘Lannia’ is derived from the car’s Chinese name lan niao, yin xiang, which translates to ‘Bluebird impression’, harking back to the Japanese brand’s iconic small sedan.