Nissan signs pact with local group to start assembly in Nigeria

Nissan is preparing to make Nigeria a significant manufacturing hub in Africa.

Nissan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nigerian conglomerate Stallion Group for local vehicle assembly, reports AsiaNet. Under the agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, Stallion Group will increase capacity at its existing plant in Lagos. The plant, VON Automobile, will see its annual production capacity rise to 45,000 units to enable it to assemble a range of cars, light-duty trucks, pick-ups, and vans. Although no formal plans have been announced regarding the product line-up, Nissan's Patrol sport utility vehicle (SUV) is expected to be the first vehicle assembled at the facility, to be launched in early 2014.