Renault-Nissan Alliance Launches $1.8 Billion "Brazilian Offensive"

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --

• Nissan to invest 2.6 billion reais (US$1.5 billion, or euro1.1 billion) to build new plant in Resende and develop new products for Brazil
• Renault to invest 500 million reais (US$285 million or euro212 million) to expand plant in Curitiba
• Companies to increase combined annual capacity to 580,000 vehicles and launch 23 new models in Brazil in the next five years

The Renault-Nissan Alliance announced new investments this week of at least 3.1 billion Brazilian reais (US$1.8 billion or euro1.3 billion) to expand manufacturing and sales throughout Brazil, one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Nearly two dozen new products specifically adapted to Brazilian consumers' needs are the cornerstone of Alliance's aggressive "Brazilian offensive." Renault and Nissan have a combined market share of 6.5 percent in Brazil today. The companies aim for a combined market share of at least 13 percent of the expanding market by 2016.

"Brazil represents a tremendous opportunity - both as a manufacturing base and as the home of a new generation of Renault and Nissan customers," said Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Brazil weathered the recession and emerged as the clear engine of growth for Latin America in the 21st century. We look forward to contributing to the region's rapidly evolving manufacturing and technological expertise."

Ghosn, a native of Brazil, outlined the strategy for growth there and in other emerging markets during a news conference today in Rio de Janeiro and on this video blog: http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/node/419/

Plants, Products, Progress

Nissan announced an investment of 2.6 billion Brazilian reais (US$1.5 billion or euro1.1 billion) to construct an all-new manufacturing facility and to develop, industrialize and launch new products in Resende, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

The all-new Nissan factory, scheduled to begin production in the first half of 2014, will have the capacity to produce up to 200,000 units annually and will create up to 2,000 jobs directly associated with the plant.

On Wednesday, Renault announced an investment of 500 million reais (US$285 million or euro212 million) to expand an existing factory in Curitiba, in the state of Parana.

For the rest of the press release, go to: http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/media-resources/press-release

Contacts:
Rachel Konrad, Renault-Nissan Alliance Director of Communications
Rachel.konrad@renault.com
Mobile: +33(0)6-17-62-01-72