Nissan pins Japan revival hopes on new Elgrand premium minivan

First major redesign in 16 years seen as key test of automaker's turnaround strategy

Nissan Motor unveils the new Elgrand in Yokohama, Japan on July 16. (Photo by Marie Yoshimura)

YOKOHAMA, Japan -- Nissan Motor on Thursday launched a fully redesigned Elgrand premium minivan in the Japanese market -- the model's first major overhaul in 16 years -- as part of the automaker's strategy to revive domestic sales as it tries to achieve a business turnaround.