Nissan has yet to decide where it will eventually build European versions of its new compact NV200 small van/MPV line which makes its debut in production form at Geneva.


A spokeswoman told just-auto initial supplies would come from Japan but no decisions had been made on local sourcing. The model had been destined for the new Renault-Nissan alliance LCV plant originally planned to open in Morocco in 2010 but Renault has recently postponed the start of construction by six months and Nissan reportedly has pulled out. Its Barcelona plant in Spain currently builds LCVs for Europe.


The new van – previously shown as a concept – is part of Nissan’s plans to boost light commercial vehicle sales worldwide – it described the NV200 as a “global model for multiple regions”.


There will be three different configurations including a seven seat people carrier version aimed at families. A second seven-seat version called the Combi combines commercial loads and passengers.


“The Nissan LCV business is in a phase of expansion even in these challenging financial circumstances,” said Nissan’s global product planning chief Andy Palmer. “We aim to expand our business with smart new products and services that meet the needs of our customers, both in Europe and around the world.

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“The NV200 is our proposal for a global small van. It offers outstanding utility and smart convenience with low cost of ownership, packaged in a highly functional design. With this vehicle, Nissan aims to meet the needs of customers looking for a functional, adaptable light van. We will launch the NV200 in Japan before summer, in Europe in autumn 2009 and then in China and other markets.”


A little under 4.4m in overall length, the van version of the NV200 has a load bay that’s more than 2m long (2,040mm).


With front-wheel drive and compact rear suspension, the NV200 can house two standard Euro pallets in the cargo area. At 1.84m high, the NV200 is no taller than its rivals, while at 520mm from ground level, the floor itself is claimed to be the lowest in the class to ease loading, helping to boost the cargo volume to 4.1 cu m. Maximum payload is 771kg.


Unlike some other manufacturers that fit removable seats – which are invariably heavy to lift and need to be stored elsewhere when not in use – the seats in the Combi stay with the vehicle at all times. The middle row backrest has a 60/40 split to increase versatility and the entire assembly tumbles forward to fold flat against the front seats, while the rear pair fold individually to either side of the load area.


While the van optionally is available with a side window it differs from the passenger versions at the rear with its twin side hinged doors. Both seven-seaters have a fully glazed top hinged tailgate – though the Combi will be optionally available with the side-hinged doors and the windows on both side doors have a sliding section for extra ventilation.


Built on a modified version of Nissan’s B Platform, the NV200 has fully independent strut type front suspension mounted on a separate subframe and a compact and lightweight wide leaf spring rear axle.


One petrol and one diesel engine will be offered in Europe.


The petrol version has the 79kW all aluminium 1.6-litre HR16 engine, used in the European Micra, Note and Qashqai lines with five-speed manual transmission.


The diesel, also used in the Note and Micra, is Renault’s 63kW eight-valve 1.5 dCi unit, also with a five-speed gearbox.


Japanese and Chinese customers are likely to be offered some type of automatic transmission though this has not yet been detailed.


The NV200 will be optionally available with a rear view parking camera, a claimed first for a van in this segment.


Other car-like equipment items available include intelligent key, power windows, ESP, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution  Driver and passenger airbags are also standard with side bags optional.


The passenger version will be displayed at the Geneva show next week.