AFTER SIX YEARS AND AN INCREDIBLE 10,000 vehicles, the Nissan Warrior by Premcar program is now set to soar to new heights with sales expected to nearly double in 2024, fuelled by the arrival of the tough and capable Nissan Patrol Warrior.
The first vehicle produced by the program was the Nissan Navara N-TREK Warrior in 2019, which was replaced by the Navara PRO-4X Warrior in 2021. The program was expanded in 2022 with the launch of the Navara SL Warrior, and has now grown to three models with the updated MY24 Patrol Warrior by Premcar for 2024.
A true local success story, the Premcar re-manufacturing program employs around 200 engineering, design and manufacturing experts, and has seen some 10,000 vehicles undergo the made-for-Australia Warrior transformation, with 2,717 Warrior models delivered to customers in 2023 alone.
The 2024 model year Patrol Warrior is expected to see that number nearly double in 2024, to around 5100 vehicles, proving again the broad popularity of the Nissan Warrior concept.
With a long and successful history at the forefront of vehicle re-engineering in Australia, Premcar is the go-to partner for Nissan Australia when it comes to building vehicles with enhanced capability and toughness, and that are designed for Australian conditions.
The testing of a Warrior is done entirely in Australia, utilising the arduous terrain and conditions of the Australian landscape to prove-out the package. The vehicles are homologated and approved through the Premcar secondary-stage manufacturing process, with strict processes and attention to detail enabling Premcar to match Nissan warranty on all Warrior enhancements.
All Warrior-branded vehicles are put through a comprehensive test regime, with a range of performance and durability validations for Australian conditions. Development includes on- and off-road testing in remote areas of Australia, including Mount Disappointment, Big Desert, Arkaroola and the areas surrounding Lake Eyre.
Big Desert is Premcar’s major testing ground of choice, with the harsh environment emblematic of some of the toughest conditions in Australia, while the diversity of the surfaces, undulations and tracks packs in all of what this country has to offer.
The Nissan Warrior program also calls on the expertise of Premcar’s diverse team of engineers, designers, manufacturing experts and executives working out of the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Epping, Victoria.
Premcar’s design, development, and validation processes occur at a vehicle, system, and component level, all of which are tightly controlled by strict design parameters and requirements.
This holistic approach to developing the vehicle package enables the Premcar team to strike a cohesive balance between the vehicle’s interconnecting systems, delivering improved vehicle performance.
PREMCAR FAST FACTS
- Premcar staff numbers have grown from 25 people in 2012 to around 200 people in 2024
- Each Nissan vehicle takes one day to travel the Warrior production line
- Premcar’s total Warrior capacity is 32 vehicles per day
- Nissan vehicles are delivered at 10pm, and are collected exactly 24 hours later with the Warrior transformation complete
- Each of Premcar’s manufacturing facilities measure 6500sqm, and are located just 900m from each other in Epping, Victoria
2024 Nissan Patrol Warrior by Premcar: Where tech meets tough
Nissan’s flagship off-road SUV has received a series of significant technology upgrades for the 2024 model year, with the Nissan Patrol Warrior by Premcar’s lauded localisation updates now joined by Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and access to the Hema 4×4 Navigation application.
The changes add to the popular Warrior package, joining Premcar’s comprehensive upgrades which see the Patrol Warrior’s wheels, suspension, exhaust, off-road capability and interior styling overhauled to deliver a vehicle that is tailor-made tough for Australian conditions.
Nissan Australia and Premcar have partnered with another Australian supplier — Victorian-based Directed Technologies — to deliver the key interior changes, which begin with the local fitting of a new 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 high-resolution central touchscreen, which includes wireless phone mirroring for the first time in a Patrol.
Twin USB ports and a new wireless smartphone charging pocket further increase connectivity, while the Patrol Warrior’s infotainment system also includes a host of new functionality, including IGO Street Navigation and a 30-day trial of Hema 4×4 Navigation.
“The MY24 Patrol Warrior by Premcar is a triumph of Australian ingenuity,” says Premcar CEO, Bernie Quinn.
“The Patrol Warrior was tailor-made for Australian conditions, and has been extensively trialled and tested over some of the toughest terrain this country has to offer to ensure it doesn’t just live up to the badge, but sets a new benchmark for it.
“And the MY24 updates further that Australian-made story, through partnering with another Australia-based company, Directed Technologies, for these cabin technology updates.”