The new Nissan NOTE features e-POWER, an electric-motor powered drive system, the first mass-produced compact vehicle with a series hybrid powertrain.

The Nissan Note held off rival Japanese automakers to be crowned 2013 Car of the Year by a leading panel of automotive journalists and researchers.

Nissan marked the start of Japan production of the all-new Note at a ceremony in Kyushu on Tuesday, a few days ahead of the hatchback’s sales debut.

Nissan posted an operating profit of 120.7 billion yen , or about $1.5 billion, in the first quarter, as vehicle sales climbed 14.6% to 1.21 million.

Executive Vice President Andy explains why Nissan expects the new Note to be one of its key global growth models following its launch in Yokohama on Monday.

Nissan held the global premiere of its all-new Note in Yokohama, with sales of the fuel-efficient hatchback to begin in Japan this fall.