Nissan announced today its philanthropic initiative in support of WWP (Wounded Warrior Project), which will help fuel the next phase of “Project Titan,” the company’s second crowd-source vehicle program that will build the ultimate full size capable off-road truck. With the help of Titan fans, the vehicle will be equipped with customized equipment designed and engineered to meet the distinctive needs of two injured service members who have been selected to take the ultimate outdoor adventure behind the wheel of Nissan’s brawny full-size pickup.
Wounded Warrior Project is a veteran services organization that helps post-9/11 veterans and their families’ transition into civilian life through a variety of programs and services. Adam Silva, Chief Development Officer of Wounded Warrior Project said in addition to their physical wounds, service members live with the invisible wounds of war including depression, post traumatic stress disorder and combat related stress upon returning home. “We are in the business of finding innovative ways to honor and empower these Wounded Warriors for a lifetime. Because of that, we are incredibly grateful to Nissan for providing this unique opportunity to two of these very deserving heroes.”
Announced at the POMA (Professional Outdoor Media Association) Business Conference, veterans Kevin McMahon and David Guzman have been chosen by Nissan and Wounded Warrior Project to embark on an unforgettable adventure behind the wheel of the automaker’s Project Titan truck. Iraqi war veterans, McMahon and Guzman have both suffered significant invisible and physical injuries throughout their military service. During a night convoy mission in Iraq, Guzman sustained a traumatic brain injury in addition to damaging his wrist, mouth and leg. In spite of these pitfalls, he has since earned Associate’s degrees in interdisciplinary studies and culinary arts. McMahon also suffered several physical and emotional traumas requiring several surgeries because of his multiple deployments around the globe. Since his return, he has frequently volunteered with WWP, and even joined the organization as a WWP leader throughout New England.
An Adventure of a Lifetime
Guzman and McMahon will embark on a multi-day trek through Alaska with the help of a custom-built 2014 Nissan Titan. The ruggedly designed Titan will allow the veterans to take on the natural terrain of the Alaskan wild. To assist in their off-roading explorations, the veterans will put Titan’s cargo carrying flexibility to the test by loading up the truck with array of outdoor survival and recreational equipment. With sliding bed extender, a maximum towing capacity of 9500 pounds, a lockable bedside storage compartment and Utili-track Bed Channel System for optimum cargo hauling, the undeniable functionality of Titan makes it the perfect companion for the rigorous journey.
With its serious towing and hauling capabilities and first-in-class features, the Nissan Titan is built for handling The Last Frontier,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Parts and Service, Nissan North America. “The custom-built Project Titan is sure to amaze. Our goal is to create a truck that will cater to the individual needs of these fearless Warriors, and the only way we can do that is by pushing Titan to its limits with features never-before-seen on a Nissan full size pickup.” The Warrior’s ultimate Alaskan adventure was inspired by Joe Byers. Byers, along with 2500 other outdoor journalists was asked during a special media event at the 2014 SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show and Conference in LA to describe his idea of the ultimate adventure. When combined with Titan’s rugged construction and work-hard-play hard design, Byers’ adventure concept will allow the wounded service members to experience Alaska’s beauty from all vantage points, whether perched on a mountain in Healy or waist deep in the Kenai River.
Equipped with electronic locking rear differential, Nissan Navigation System with USB connectivity and color display and a 5.6-liter V8 engine (317 horsepower with 385 pound feet of torque), Byers’ will be armed with a powerful full-size truck, which has earned a reputation of being a reliable, spirited and rugged choice for active truck buyers. Designed to get the job done, whether that job entails hauling cargo, a trailer or just friends and family, the 2014 Nissan Titan combines no non-sense performance with an array of comfort and technology features.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
