Japanese step up European deals
Page 25
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The invasion of Europe by Japanese car and light commercial manufacturers looks set to change up a gear.
In recent months Toyota has announced plans to build both cars and engines in the UK, and Honda has revealed that it will take a stake in Rover, as well as enlarging its Swindon engine plant to produce Japanese vehicles.
As reported (CM 27 July-3 August) Nissan and Ford have signed an agreement to produce a new four-wheel-drive vehicle in Spain. Nissan's Euroi pean design centre will complete the detailed design work of the 4W1), which is scheduled to be produced at a rate of 50,000 per year with a high local content. It seems likely that commercial derivatives will be part of the plan.
Latest reports indicate that in addition to the Nissan/Ford deal two further Japanese companies have their sights set on Europe:
0 Mazda is seeking a cooperative agreement with a European manufacturer to develop and build joint projects: Ford and Volkswagen are favourites.
0 Subaru is interested in producing its four-wheel-drive vehicles in France, and is also talking to Renault about jointly designing engines and 4x4 transmissions.