The companies said in a statement on Friday Nissan’s manufacturing plant at Rosslyn in Pretoria was identified as having the potential to maximise synergies between Renault and Nissan.

With this manufacturing project, the two groups are reaffirming their commitment to South Africa, they said.

The project will adapt two cars to the South African market, prepare the plant and develop the local components and accessories supply chain.

A new Nissan half-ton Pickup NP200 and Renault Sandero are to be produced at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant.

Production of the new pickup has already started and production of the Renault Sandero will start in 2009.

Current production output at the Rosslyn plant is 40 000 units per year.

This will increase to 68 000 units in 2009 as a result of the investment.

The local integration rate will be 25% at the start of production and gradually increase afterwards. Production will initially be sold locally.

Production of the new Nissan half-ton Pick?up NP200 follows the end of the 1400 Bakkie production.