Groupe Renault today announced that its Sandouville plant in northwest France will build the next-generation light commercial vehicle for Nissan.
Nissan NV300 production shall increase the factory’s output by 100,000 units between 2016 and 2026.
A three-year work and €230 million investment have transformed Sandouville, near Le Havre, into a center of excellence for van production. The Nissan NV300 will be made on the same line as the new Renault Trafic.
“The production of the Nissan NV300 at the Sandouville plant is a win-win for Renault and for Nissan. We maximize Renault manufacturing expertise and Nissan gets a top quality production site in the heart of the European market,” said Carlos Ghosn, Renault Chief Executive Officer.
Sandouville also produces a version of Vivaro for Opel and Vauxhaul. The plant will soon begin production of the next-generation Fiat mid-size van.
Nissan and Renault are also developing a one-tonne pickup for Renault that will share select architectural features of the Nissan NP300.
Sandouville produced 93,000 Trafic last year. The plant produces more than 460 vans per day for Renault and its partners. Renault is adding 183 new positions at the plant.
The Renault Agreement: “Contract for a new dynamic of Renault growth and social development in France”, signed on March 2013 , between Renault and union representatives, paved the way for increased efficiency at Renault’s plants throughout France. It opened the door to strategic partnerships that promote growth like the production of Nissan NV300 in Sandouville plant.
Engines for Trafic and Nissan NV300 are produced by Renault Groupe’s Cléon plant in Normandy, which specialises in high-precision powertrain production.
In 2015, Renault was Europe’s best-selling LCV brand for the 18th consecutive year.
Renault’s expertise has earned recognition in the demanding and growing LCV segment. Groupe Renault engineers and produces not only for its own brands but also for other manufacturers.
Mercedes Citan and Renault Kangoo are produced at the Renault factory in Maubeuge (North of France). At Batilly plant, Renault manufactures vans for Nissan (NV400), Opel and Vauxhall (Movano) as well as Master for Renault and Renault Trucks.
