Nissan Americas is sacking the local Renault unit as its importer/distributor and replacing it with independent Manuel Antelo from the end of 2011.
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Nissan Americas chairman Carlos Tavares said: “While Renault Argentina has been a key contributor to the success of the Nissan brand in this country, we know that distinct business structures are now the best roads for both brands’ business growth in Argentina. By forming a separate Nissan operation we allow Renault to concentrate on its business while positioning the Nissan brand for growth acceleration in this market. This reinforces our long-term commitment to Argentina.”
Antelo, an entrepreneur with more than two decades experience within the automotive industry, is currently owner and president of CAT Group – a French multinational company specialising in vehicle and parts logistics. He is also co-owner with Wallenius Whilhensen, the Scandinavian Maritime group, of Vehicle Service America, an American company specialising in vehicle logistics. Antelo is also owner of Car One Argentina, the largest automotive retail business in the country.
“I am very excited about working together with Nissan to strengthen the opportunities the company has in my country,” said Antelo. “I am certain that Nissan and its dealers will grow faster and more consistently in the years to come. I am also very proud to have been selected as Nissan’s local partner.”
Nissan has 2% market share in 2010 in Argentina thanks to the Tiida model line and a strong brand foundation, it said.
The company expects to increase share to over 5% in 2014, mostly with new product launches.
