Nissan Navara EnGuard Concept is ultimate rescue truck

Pick-ups are all about versatility, but Nissan is looking to save lives rather than lug loads with a new Nissan Navara concept. The' EnGuard' emergency rescue concept is has debuted at this year's Hannover Motor Show. 

Based on a standard double-cab Navara, the EnGuard concept is designed to showcase both the pick-up's all-terrain ability and a new life-saving vehicle platform. With a ride height boosted by 50mm, wider tracks front and rear, adjustable suspension, bespoke bodywork and 285-profile off-road tyres, it's designed to drive across the harshest terrain. An air intake snorkel even lets it wade through deep rivers. 

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But it's not just about mud plugging, as the Navara EnGuard also features a kitted-out loadbay to make it an all-purpose rescue machine. Two pull-out fibreglass trays carry items such as a resuscitation kit, oxygen tanks, life jackets and even a axe. There's a state-of-the-art DJI Phantom rescue drone fitted in as well, which can fly about and relay images to a rescue team. 

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Dominating the load bed are a pair of heavy duty battery packs. The 2kW units feature seven battery modules (straight out of the Nissan Leaf EV) inside a weather-proof aluminium housing. They're designed to act as more efficient generators, operating heavy lifting or specialist cutting equipment, or powering search lights and heat sources.

The roof is 136mm higher than a standard Navara, accomodating a 360-degree lighting rig with emergency strobe lights. While the concept is designed purely to showcase new technology, Nissan LCV Vice President Phillippe Guerin-Boutard claims it could have real-world uses in future.

"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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