Nissan plans to outsource assembly of front end modules to parts manufacturer Valeo from 2005, Reuters reported, citing Japan’s Nihon Keizai business daily.
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The report said the modules were for a 2,000 cc vehicle, most likely the next version of the Serena minivan to be built in Japan, as well as some modules for the Mexican-built Sentra sedan.
According to Reuters, Nissan declined to confirm the report but a spokesman reportedly said: “We are very keen on modularisation but we can’t provide details on which suppliers we will be working with or the timing of any agreements.”
Citing the newspaper, Reuters said the front-end module to be built by Valeo will include the headlights, bumper and parts of the radiator and its production would probably be done in Japan by Valeo’s unit, Zexel Valeo Climate Control.
Reuters noted that Nissan first began outsourcing assembly work to non-group firms last year, under an agreement with Visteon to provide cockpit modules for vehicles built at its new plant in Canton, Mississippi.
