Having hit its three-year light CV growth target a year early, Nissan is upping the ante with an ambitious strategy to become a leading light CV supplier by 2010. This includes new products, further collaboration with other truck builders and a significant investment in aftersales support.
Targets for Europe are a little more modest; Brian Carolin, sales and marketing boss for Nissan
light CVs in Europe, says the company is looking to become a "significant" player in the light CV sector by 2010.
While unable to commit to a definition of 'significant', he adds that there will be a more detailed announcement regarding the Nissan commercial vehicle plan in spring 2008.
Sources at Renault have already indicated that Nissan will not be adding the forthcoming new Kangoo, which it calls Kubistar, to its range when it is launches later this year – leaving observers wondering where Nissan's next generation of products will come from.
This week Nissan indicated its longer-term CV plans by unveiling the NV200 concept van. The van, codenamed NV200, will be launched to the public at the Tokyo motor show this autumn and if well received could make its way into the showroom by spring 2009.
The stylish design concept is equipped with a novel pull-out load pod from the rear loadspace of the van allowing the load area to be used as a mobile office, studio or health centre. More traditional panel van versions will also be available.
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