Tokyo, Japan – Nissan Motor Company has announced plans to enter the Russian light commercial vehicle (LCV) market in 2008. Nissan Motor Rus will launch the NP300 pickup and Cabstar light duty truck in September this year, extending the range to six products by the end of 2011. The vehicles will be sold through a network of specialized Nissan LCV centres, which will be part of the existing Nissan dealer network.

Nissan previously announced that it will begin LCV production and sales in North America in the first half of 2010; through a joint venture with Ashok Leyland, it will also sell them in India the same year.

“The start of Nissan LCV sales in Russia is a significant event for our company,” said Andy Palmer, Corporate Vice President, LCV Business Unit. “Entering new markets is a fundamental part of our global LCV growth plan and Russia represents significant volume potential. With an extended LCV range planned in the mid term and a network of dedicated professionals in our dealerships, we are confident that we will meet the needs of the Russian customer.”

Globally, the company identified the LCV business as a key pillar for company growth during its Nissan Value Up midterm plan. The company reached record sales of over 518,000 units in fiscal year 2007, one year earlier than its projected plan commitment, and has announced plans to become a leading player in the global LCV market in 2010.