Why is the Teana called Altima?
2 Answers
The English name of Teana is Altima, and this car is known as Teana in China. The Teana has a length, width, and height of 4910mm, 150mm, and 1447mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2825mm. The front grille of the Teana adopts a trapezoidal design, which is quite large, and a chrome strip surrounds the grille area, connecting the headlights on both sides. The Teana is equipped with two engines, a 2.0L and a 2.0T, both paired with a CVT continuously variable transmission. The 2.0L engine has a maximum output power of 117 kW, a maximum torque of 208 Nm, and a top speed of 200 km/h. The 2.0T engine has a maximum output power of 185 kW, a maximum torque of 380 Nm, and a top speed of 210 km/h.
I've been driving Nissan cars for many years and know the story behind Teana and Altima. This naming difference stems from Nissan's global strategy. In the Asian market, the name Teana is derived from "the sound of nature," emphasizing a comfortable and serene driving experience that aligns with local consumers' aesthetic preferences for family cars. In the North American market, Altima is used, a term originating from "Altissima," meaning the highest level, reflecting a more sporty and innovative positioning. Nissan did this to cater to the cultural preferences of different regions. For example, in North America, Altima has a longer history, dating back to 1981, with high brand recognition that helps boost sales; in Asia, Teana more easily evokes associations with an elegant lifestyle. This isn't unique to Nissan—Toyota's Camry in North America is another example, showcasing the common practice of automakers tailoring names to markets. In short, the names change, but the cars are essentially similar, with the focus on localized marketing. If you've driven both models, you might notice slight differences in driving dynamics, with the North American version tuned to be slightly firmer.