Nissan has rolled out a pretty interesting and unique concept called the EnGuard which, as you may have instantly noticed, bears a very strong resemblance to their NP300 Navara ute. And that’s because it’s body is a mildly altered version of the UK-spec Navara Double Cab Tekna.
Obviously, certain parts of it have been beefed up. Most glaringly inflated and protectively-cladded wheel arches, snorkel air intake, chunky tyres and green accented wheels. The EnGuard is designed to perform as a search and rescue platform, explaining the need for the added toughness.
It’s equipped to save lives in environments that may not be accessible to most other emergency response vehicles but one that’s a bit more forward-thinking than most.
For example, it has its built-in drone and its own battery charging station to keep all auxiliary electronics fully topped up by leveraging the same battery tech used in the Nissan Leaf EV and the 140kW/450Nm 2.3-litre turbodiesel unit under the bonnet.
Because lithium-ion cells are more susceptible to the kind of extreme conditions the EnGuard might be called into, each of the 2kW modules are sealed within a weather-proof aluminium enclosure that can be ejected and used to power special rescue equipment on the ground, providing enough mobile power to successfully replace most situations that requires a generator and doesn’t require an open oxygen-rich space to operate like petrol-powered alternatives.
Other equipment the EnGuard comes with includes the usual communication and response equipment such as two-way radios, high-strength rope, incline scaling equipment, medical supplies, oxygen tank, defibrillator, and life jackets.
The drone’s storage and its operation are integrated into the truck’s design. It’s a DJI Phantom 4 unit that can fly at speeds of up to 20 metres per second for as long as 30 minutes within an operational radius of up to 6km - plenty of scope for adequate reconnaissance.
Mechanically, the EnGuard’s suspension has been raised a further 50mm over the standard NP300 Navara and has been given adjustable suspension with stronger nylon bushes to better withstand unforgiving terrain.
The roof of the truck has also been modified to fit the 360-degree LED lighting system that can illuminate its surroundings with emergency blue lights and project its beam in any direction to aid in a disaster area.
Philippe Guerin-Boutaud, Corporate Vice President, Light Commercial Vehicles, Nissan, commented: “The Nissan Navara is a tough and smart pick-up which our customers rely on to go anywhere and do anything in their daily lives. The Nissan Navara EnGuard Concept is an extension of that principle, showcasing how our award-winning pick-up is perfectly suited to tackle the toughest terrain and save lives.”
He continued: “The Navara EnGuard Concept opens a new chapter in the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision, featuring our commitment to zero fatalities and zero emissions. Our prototype EV portable battery pack reveals how Nissan will integrate its world-renowned EV battery technology and expertise into new sectors in the future.”
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