A judging panel of highly reputed jurors from across the Middle East crowns the new Nissan Maxima for its bold and refreshing design
DUBAI, UAE (13 May 2020) – The new Nissan Maxima has been named the “Middle East Car of the Year” in the Large Sedan segment category at the Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) Awards 2020, the biggest and most coveted automotive industry award for the region. Scooping up the top accolade, the Nissan Maxima was recognized for its outstanding reputation as an exciting premium sports sedan.
The sixth edition of the MECOTY Awards continue to integrate a complex yet transparent nomination and scoring methodology developed, tested and implemented by the most experienced ‘motoring minds’ within the industry.
Thierry Sabbagh – Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said “Recognition by the MECOTY Awards is an honor for Nissan and a notable achievement for our region, adding to a long list of awards that the Maxima has received across the globe. Earning the title of ‘Middle East Car of the Year’ is a testament to the 2019 Maxima’s distinct new offering within the sedan market. Since it was first introduced in 1993, the Nissan Maxima has delivered on its promise as the best among our line-up of sedans that offer ‘Passionate Driving’, reinforcing its position as a premium sports sedan and a well-established nameplate in the region. We are pleased to accept this prestigious award and look forward to more engaging experiences behind the wheel.”
Following its regional launch in 2019, a brand survey conducted across the Middle East revealed that the Nissan Maxima was voted #1 by consumers when it came to personality and inspired styling. Against competitors in the sedan segments, voters also acclaimed it for being the most exciting to drive, trendy, and offered top accolades for its good driving performance distinctive design. The latest award by MECOTY reinforces the Nissan Maxima’s position within the automotive industry, and underlines Nissan’s commitment to continually improving some of its best-selling vehicles from across the region.
The model, which captivated audiences during its world debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, features 19-inch diamond-cut wheels and boomerang signature LED lighting that frames the enlarged V-motion grille. The Maxima also offers Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems that supports the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision to redefine how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society. In addition to Safety Shield 360, the new Maxima also expands the availability of Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), High Beam Assist (HBA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The interior retains the Maxima’s “Gliding Wing” layout that emphasizes the horizontal movement and easy access to all controls but offers updated trim finishers and materials. Depending on grade level, the instrument panel, door panels, steering wheel insert, stitching, seat materials, headliner, pillars and A-pillar speaker grilles have been upgraded, providing a more premium look and feel.
This year’s judging panel for MECOTY involved jurors from across the MENA region including the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Lebanon. In landing this latest achievement, Nissan provided the MECOTY judging panel with individual test drives of the Maxima. Following a rigorous three-stage process, the Maxima was recognized with top honors for its impressive performance and design.