Chrysler Built Nissan Truck

Chrysler LLC and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced two new agreements for the supply of products between both companies. In January, Nissan agreed to supply Chrysler with a new car based on the Nissan Versa sedan for limited distribution in South America on an Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) basis in 2009.

This new OEM exchange benefits both companies through range extension and the utilization of global manufacturing capacity. Highlights of the new agreement:

Nissan will manufacture an all-new, fuel-efficient small car based on a unique Chrysler concept and design. This new segment entry for Chrysler will be sold in North America, Europe and other global markets in 2010, and manufactured at Nissan’s Oppama Plant in Japan.

Chrysler will manufacture a full-size pickup for Nissan. Based on a Nissan unique design, this truck will be manufactured at Chrysler’s Saltillo (Mexico) Assembly Plant. In order to accommodate this product, Chrysler will shift volume from Mexico to its U.S.-based assembly plants that produce pickup trucks. Sales of the pickup in North America will start in 2011.

This latest OEM supply agreement extends a long standing product exchange relationship between the two corporations, with Nissan affiliate JATCO already supplying Chrysler with transmissions since 2004.

“Forging the right tactical partnerships is critical to the long-term success of Chrysler,” said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler LLC President and Vice Chairman. “It also builds on the Company’s inherent strengths, including the ability to respond rapidly and creatively to emerging opportunities.”

“In January, we said we would continue to look for additional OEM opportunities with Chrysler,” said Carlos Tavares, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Company. “This latest agreement builds on Nissan’s proven track record to deliver win-win product exchanges with multiple manufacturers around the world,” continued Tavares.

Since the signing of the first OEM agreement in January, the two companies have also agreed to maintain an open dialogue to explore further product-sharing opportunities.


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CarbonBlue - 4/15/2008 11:55:34 AM

-2 Boost

this is a good idea for both struggling groups; but lets see them mix and match with the challenger/viper and the GTR/350z

montyz81 - 4/15/2008 12:07:51 PM

+3 Boost

Nissan is not struggling, only their trucks are. I just hope that VQ based 5.6L makes the trip to mexico!

M35MT - 4/15/2008 12:33:40 PM

+3 Boost

Nissan share the GT-R? No way.

Chrysler share the Viper? No way.

EnnNorak - 4/15/2008 5:21:06 PM

0 Boost

I suspect there is more to this. Chrysler is also alleged to be talking to Fiat about manufacturing a car for them. What's next? Will Chrysler sell off all its brands and keep its manufacturing assets so it can make cars for other manufacturers?

If Chrysler wee to sell off all its brands it would surely save a huge sales and marketing expense and associate overheads overheads.

montyz81 - 4/15/2008 12:09:26 PM

0 Boost

The last time Nissan did this with Ford it failed! (Quest). This is a bad idea for Nissan! I can only serve to bring their overall quality numbers down!

NItePhire - 4/15/2008 12:22:13 PM

+1 Boost

"can only serve to bring their overall quality numbers down". Dude have you checked Nissans quality numbers on their trucks. They are horrible. Even though they overall have gotten better on the truck front they still are like nearly last in truck quality overall. The Titan, Armada, Q56 and Quest all finished pretty much last in most all quality surveys. Like I said they have improved but not by much.

0to60 - 4/15/2008 12:26:20 PM

-1 Boost

Yea, This will only make their reliability worst as if the Big trucks and SUV's are not at the bottom of the barrel right now for reliability. There were some major issues with the vehicles built that their Tennessee plant.

montyz81 - 4/15/2008 12:46:16 PM

-4 Boost

The trucks were built in Mississippi plant. And that plant brought their quality down agreed. The Dodges will bring it down even worse!

EnnNorak - 4/15/2008 5:27:37 PM

+3 Boost

I not not agree that it is a bad move for Nissan. Chrysler will have to meet Nissan's specifications as stated in a contractual agreement -- this includes specifications re quality. Moreover there will surely be a time limit as to the duration of the agreement and various escape clauses for both parties. By outsourcing manufacturing to Chrysler, Nissan can free up some of its own manufacturing capacity for newer models for example.

montyz81 - 4/16/2008 8:50:42 AM

+1 Boost

They have already stated that they freed up Manf. capacity in Canton for the new LVCs. They are suppose to be building 3 new LVCs in that plant one of which will use the 5.6l V8 (Thank god at least someone will get that engine). My only hope is that I will be able to trade in my 04 Armada (you know the quality knocking truck. No problems for me) in for a new 2010 Armada. I see that as unlikely though, unless they build a 7seat crossover called the Armada and a smaller version of that crossover Armada called the Pathfinder. That said, the SUV world inside Nissan looks extremely suspect. I don't see a new Xterra. I don't see any more body on frame SUVs. I just don't see any off-road capable SUVs at all from Nissan. For me that is too bad. The Armada hit the sweet spot for my utility inside my family. I have filled the back with my house when going on Vacation, towed a car (1981 Z) a boat and multiple other types of trailers. I have also taken it offroad. I just wonder how many crossovers can provide that level of utility going forward. I will miss the ability to buy the Armada!

g2ok - 4/15/2008 12:50:32 PM

-2 Boost

Chrysler is a turd and this will hurt Nissan's quality numbers. Bad move.

g2ok - 4/15/2008 12:52:31 PM

+1 Boost

Nissan could just save the money and not make a big truck. Only people that need them for work will be driving trucks the way gas prices are headed up.

pushrod27 - 4/15/2008 4:25:10 PM

+3 Boost

you're an idiot. why don't you go somewhere and choke on a sausage. i'm sick of your stupid teenage opinions.

chump.

07G35J - 4/15/2008 4:37:03 PM

+2 Boost

"why don't you go somewhere and choke on a sausage"
LMAO

ChicaneShooter - 4/16/2008 4:13:22 AM

+1 Boost

the Hemi is a decent engine, but far OVERRATED by advertising hype and a reference to the original chrysler Hemis.

the current one IS NOT EVEN a true hemispherical combustion chambered engine.

JUST another ordinary pushrod. that just happens to be NAMED "Hemi" for marketing purposes.

ChicaneShooter - 4/16/2008 4:49:46 AM

+1 Boost

the nissan dohc v8 is a far better and more modern mill.

montyz81 - 4/16/2008 8:54:48 AM

+1 Boost

The 5.6 V8 will be used for something. Not sure if it will make it into the Titan or whatever it will be called(Thank god at least someone will get that engine). My only hope is that I will be able to trade in my 04 Armada in for a new 2010 Armada with that engine. I see that as unlikely though, unless they build a 7 seat crossover called the Armada with the 5.6L as the powerplant and a smaller version of that crossover Armada called the Pathfinder. That said, the SUV world inside Nissan looks extremely suspect. I don't see a new Xterra. I don't see any more body on frame SUVs. I just don't see any off-road capable SUVs at all from Nissan. For me that is too bad. The Armada hit the sweet spot for my utility needs inside my family. I have filled the back with my house when going on Vacation, towed a car (1981 280ZX) a boat and multiple other types of trailers. I have also taken it offroad. I just wonder how many crossovers can provide that level of utility going forward. I will miss the ability to buy the Armada!"

DadsBoys - 4/16/2008 12:39:01 PM

+1 Boost

I think that quality will improve, if only because if your at the bottom, there's nowhere to go but up. I do think that this i interesting from the Armada/QX56 standpoint. I don't know if it's true elsewhere, but that actually sells pretty well here in Florida. Will this mean that Chrysler and Nissan will also share asuccessor to the Durango/Aspen? Yes, gas prices are going up, but technology in terms of hybrids, etc. may still make this size and level of utility viable. There is a market for it.