A Renault-brand vehicle is to be manufactured in South Africa for the first time alongside a recently introduced Nissan half-ton pickup truck.
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The NP200 and Dacia Logan-based Renault Sandero hatchback will both be produced at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria where truck production has already begun. The Sandero follows in 2009. About 300 jobs will be created as a result.
“Nissan’s manufacturing plant at Rosslyn was identified as having the potential to maximise synergies between Renault and Nissan, the Alliance said. “With this manufacturing project, the two groups are reaffirming their commitment to South Africa.”
South Africa is or has been home to export producton for makers including BMW (3-series), Mercedes (C-class), Volkswagen (Golf), Toyota (Corolla and pickups) and Ford (Focus).
Renault and Nissan will spend 1bn rand (EUR80m euros) to adapt the cars to the South African market (right-hand drive for the Sandero), prepare the plant and develop local components and accessories supply. Current output is 40,000 units a year, rising to 68,000 units in 2009. Local content will be 25% to start, rising gradually and output will “initially” be for the local market only.
The NP200 follows the end of production of the old 1970s Datsun 1200-derived 1400 Bakkie (pickup). Previous generation VW Golf and Toyota Corolla models have also been long-lived in South Africa.
“Nissan has built up a formidable reputation in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment of the market and the retirement of the legendary 1400 Bakkie should not be viewed as the end but rather the beginning of an era,” said Nissan South Africa managing director Mike Whitfield, adding the automaker was dedicated to sustaining its reputation in the sector.
Renault South Africa MD Xavier Gobille said: “Sandero will represent affordable motoring, produced to meet the needs of the South African market and will be the first Renault product manufactured in South Africa”.
Renault will later expand its SA range with a full line including the Twingo and the Koleos, Renault’s first crossover set for launch later this year.
