NISSAN TO BUILD NEW TRUCK FOR EUROPE IN AVILA
New model further strengthens Nissan's mid-term industrial strategy in Spain
- All-new medium duty truck to be produced in Ávila in 2013
- Major project investment of 100 M€ at Avila Plant and its suppliers
- The new vehicle will support Avila's production, safeguarding jobs
- Industrial Agreement between Nissan, unions and Government key in securing new project
Ávila (Spain), 15th May 2012 - Nissan announced today that its Avila Plant in Spain will produce a brand new medium-duty truck by the end of 2013. Nissan will invest over 100 M€ to develop the model and prepare Avila plant and its local suppliers for start of production next year.
The vehicle will complement the Cabstar light truck line up and contribute to an overall increase in Avila's annual production volume, safeguarding jobs. It will also support Nissan's constant expansion in the European Commercial Vehicle segment where Nissan is aiming to double both its sales volume and market share in the mid-term.
In Fiscal Year 2011 (ended March 31st 2012) Nissan sold more than 62,000 units in this growing part of the market, representing a 16% year-on-year increase. Importantly, over 90% of these sales were of Spanish-built products, including the multi-award winning NV200 van and popular Navara Pickup.
Frank Torres, Nissan Spanish Industrial Operation Vice-president, said: "Nissan has one of the most comprehensive industrial footprints in Europe of any overseas brand, producing passenger vehicles, pickups, SUVs, crossovers and trucks within the region.
"Securing this new model for Avila gives even greater choice to European customers, safeguards employment and further demonstrates the competitiveness achieved by our teams as a result of the social and industrial agreement reached in May 2010.
"As part of this agreement between Nissan, Unions and Governments, we committed to allocate a new model to Avila before 2014, and this has now been achieved."
Today, Nissan has a clear and global vision, an established presence in all major markets and segments and is a recognized leader in innovative technologies, products and services. As part of Nissan Power 88 - a wide-ranging midterm plan for fiscal years 2011 to 2016 - Nissan aims to achieve a global market share of 8%, from 5.8% in 2010. By fiscal 2016, Nissan‘s objective is to reach a global leading position as a LCV manufacturer.
Torres added: "In Europe, we expect the Total Industry Volume (TIV) for mid-duty vans and trucks to show a recovery in the mid term.
"Nissan is well-placed to take full advantage of this by offering one of the widest light commercial vehicle ranges in Europe .The new truck will further expand this and provide world-class levels of quality, durability and reliability."
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About Nissan in Spain
Nissan has three production centres in Spain: in Barcelona, Ávila and Cantabria - where it builds 4x4s, vans and trucks. Models include Pathfinder and Navara 4x4s and Cabstar and Atleon light trucks as well as the Primastar and NV200 vans. In addition, Nissan Spain has R&D centres for engine and LCV development, as well as parts and distribution centres. Barcelona is also home to the sales headquarters for Spain and Portugal. In total the company employs about 4,700 people in Spain and in 2011 produced up to 155.399 vehicles.
About Nissan in Europe
Nissan has one of the most comprehensive European presences of any overseas manufacturer, employing more than 14,500 staff across locally-based design, research & development, manufacturing, logistics and sales & marketing operations. Last year Nissan plants in the UK, Spain and Russia produced 677,000 vehicles including mini-MPVs, award-winning crossovers, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nissan now offers 24 diverse and innovative products for sale in Europe today, and is positioned to become the number one Asian brand in Europe.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Francesc Corberó
Communications Director
Nissan Iberia S.A.
Tel +34932907031
Mobile +34661814713
E-mail fcorbero@nissan.es