Merc, Nissan to co-build a bakkie

DAMILER’S newly- announced one-tonner bakkie, which is headed for South Africa by the end of the decade, will be jointly developed with the Renault-Nissan alliance.

The Mercedes-Benz double-cab will share some of its architecture with the all-new Nissan NP 300 Navara launched last year and also coming to SA at a yet-to-be-announced date, but will be engineered and designed by Daimler to meet the specific needs of its customers.

“The vehicle will have all of Mercedes Benz’ distinctive characteristics and features,” says a Daimler spokesman.

The premium double cab, which will compete in the Hilux/Amarok/Ranger market segment, will be targeted both at personal-use and commercial customers. The primary markets for the Benz bakkie are Europe, Australia, South Africa and Latin America.

The Mercedes 1-ton pickup will be built by Nissan in the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina, along with the Nissan NP300 and the Renault 1-tonnner, for Latin America. The three bakkies will also be built in the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain, for other markets, excluding North America. Production will start by the end of the decade.’The joint pickup project is the latest milestone in a fiveyear strategic partnership between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance which has grown to 13 projects in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

“This cooperation is one of the most productive in the auto industry, enabling all partners to increase economies of scale while keeping our brands and products distinct,” said Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan Chairman and CEO.