![](https://www.ai-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/00default.jpg)
The Visit Marks the Recent Start of Production of the new Light Duty Trucks, Cabstar and Atleon.
President of the Spanish Government, José Luis RodrÃÂguez
Zapatero, was welcomed today by Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan
Motor Co. Ltd. at the Avila-based Nissan Light Duty Trucks plant in Spain.
Joining the President was the Minister of Industry, Tourism
and Trade, Joan Clos. This visit was organised to celebrate the recent start
of the production of the new Cabstar truck and the renewed Atleón truck.
In his speech to employees, Mr Ghosn said: “The platform of Cabstar will
be used for all Nissan light trucks in the world. This demonstrates the
importance of our operations in Spain, not only for being the European base
for Light Duty Trucks but also for being one of our key global bases.”
Commenting on the increase of production volume of the Spanish Industrial
Operations, Mr Ghosn added: “Our Spanish operations have a commendable
production record. But in our industry no one can be complacent, because
every year the standard gets higher”.
During his visit, Spanish President, Jose Luis Rodriguez
Zapatero, was presented with an overview of Nissan’s factory in Avila. The
Avila plant is a key element of Nissan’s strategy on both European and global
levels. The vehicles produced in this plant are exclusively for the European
market, where Nissan wishes to be a strong competitor.
Nissan has identified the light commercial vehicle business as
one of four breakthrough areas for the company under its three-year, Nissan
Value-Up business plan, which began in fiscal year 2005. Nissan set ambitious
objectives for the LCV business, which are to double operating profit to 8%
and grow its sales volumes by 40% to 434,000 units worldwide by fiscal year
2007. Nissan expects to meet these objectives by fiscal year 2006, one year
ahead of schedule.
The new Cabstar is an all-new truck which ranges from 2.8 to
4.5 T GVW and was designed jointly by Nissan engineers in Spain and Japan.
Cabstar’s production first began in Avila, ahead of Japan, demonstrating
confidence in the plant’s capabilities. Nissan has also started production of
the renewed Atleon truck which ranges from 3.5 to 15 T GVW and features EURO
IV compliant engines. For these two projects Nissan has made a total
investment of 140 million euros.
The Avila plant has a workforce of 746 employees, 222 of whom
were recently recruited. In 2006, the factory will produce a total of 21,600
units, an increase of 5.7% compared to 2005. From February 2007 Nissan will
increase its production volume by 10,000 units per year due to the OEM
agreement with Renault Trucks (Volvo Group) for the supply of a light truck
based on the new Cabstar.
Nissan employs 6,800 people in Spain and has production
facilities in Barcelona, Avila, Cantabria and Navarra as well as logistic
centres for vehicle and parts distribution. Nissan’s Spanish operations
include a National Sales Company that oversees Sales and Marketing for the
company’s products in Spain. More than 2,700 million euros has been invested
by Nissan in Spain since its establishment in the country in 1980.
More Stories
Getac on AI’s transformative impact on automotive production and aftersales
Contechs appoints Christopher Hilts as US Head of Business Development
Contechs appoints Christopher Hilts as US Head of Business Development