Nissan, Suzuki to expand mini-vehicle alliance

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

TOKYO (AFP) — Nissan Motor has said that it had agreed to expand an alliance with Suzuki Motor Corp in mini-vehicles as Japan's number two automaker looks to reinvigorate its sluggish domestic sales.

Suzuki already supplies mini-cars to its Japanese partner and from the end of 2006 will provide another mini-vehicle to be sold under the Nissan brand in Japan as well as a new small car, mainly for Europe, from 2008.

Nissan meanwhile will supply a mini-van to Suzuki from the end of this year and a compact pick-up truck mainly for the North American market from 2008.

The two firms will also share production sites in emerging markets, starting with Suzuki's manufacturing plant in India, the companies said.

Nissan enjoyed record profits in the financial...