>From Automotive News, 4/5/99:
Nissan North America announced that the Z sports car will be sold in the
US in spring 2002. Nissan has not decided on the final design.
...
Renault will once again sell its cars in North America, for certain under
its own badge in Mexico, and perhaps under the Nissan brand in the United
States, Renault chairman said.
...
The first jointly developed model is not expected before 2002 or 2003,
... expect rebadging of each other's vehicles next year.
....
Currently Nissan has 26 platforms but has wanted to reduce that number to
10 and eventually 4. Renault has 8 platforms, and also wants to pare that
number to 4. Together the two companies will combine to have 10 platforms
by 2010.
Each platform will most likely will be the design and engineering
respoinsiblity of one company rather than shared development.
Nissan and Renault also plan to build a common range of engine and
transmission families. Currently Renault builds 7 families, and Nissan
has 20. Under the alliance, that total will be 8.
Renault will be in charge of adapting Nissan vehicles for the European
market.
...
Leigh Brooks
San Francisco
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