Nissan will add a new top tier of solus LCV dealerships for its strongest areas of the UK in the next 12 months.
Currently, all Nissan retailers can sell cars and commercial vehicles. However, there are 60 business centre dealers within the 200-strong network that have service facilities and dedicated staff for fleet and LCV sales. These business centres account for 80% of Nissan van sales.
The new top tier will have a dedicated showroom for commercial vehicles, according to network development director Dave Murfitt. He explained that revisions to the network were merited due to the renewal and expansion of the light commercial line-up.
“Nissan wants to become a bigger and better player in commercial vehicles. There’s potential for some growth in the 60 [sites] and we’re looking at a third tier of dedicated stand-alone CV sites. And we’ll have those in the next 12 months,” he said.
The Japanese manufacturer is expected to reveal a new Navara later this year at the Frankfurt motor show, followed by a new mid-size van to replace the Interstar.
Murfitt would not confirm exact numbers for the new solus van sites, but it is thought to be in the single digits, and the new operation would be based in or around major cities.
Nissan is also moving its entire 200-strong network of retailers to a new corporate identity.
