News

Nissan and Volvo are joining forces in the UK to boost sales of Nissan's light CV range and to offer a range of panel vans and chassis-cabs in the 3.5-tonne class. Right-hand-drive Atleon 7.5-tonners are expected before the end of 2008 they will also be made available through the network. Nissan CV boss Mark Lovett, a recent recruit from Renault UK, briefed CM on the group's strategy at the CV Show, explaining that CVs are one of Nissan's key growth areas. He reports that the company is looking  for a 20% increase in sales this year.

One of the key plans to achieve this growth is the recruitment of Volvo Trucks' nine wholly owned dealers to the Nissan network. These dealers will be involved in sales and aftermarket support for the Nissan Interstar panel van and the Nissan Cabstar light truck they will also handle the Atleon. Nissan is owned by Renault SA, the French automotive giant, which also has a 20% stake in Volvo AB, the parent of Volvo Trucks. Volvo AB's other truck brand, Renault Trucks, already sells these products through its own dealer network, badged the Master and Maxity respectively.

However, as Renault Trucks already offers an established 7.5-tonner, the Midlum, the Atleon is not expected to be available with a Renault badge.

n Gerry Clarke has replaced Kevin Henderson as Fiat's UK head of CVs.